Freemasons

My granddad was a mason as was his father before him. They ran a business and a lot of the people who were members seemed to be businessmen. Good for them, I am sure they had a lot of good social interaction and likely assisted each other with business contacts. They were good people, very kind and generous.

As with all groups there will be good and bad. Giving contracts in preference to people in the Masons is good for the people in the Masons but bad for the people not in the Masons as they are less likely to get contracts. If you give to one you are taking from another.

Jackiest

As with all groups there will be good and bad. Giving contracts in preference to people in the Masons is good for the people in the Masons but bad for the people not in the Masons as they are less likely to get contracts. If you give to one you are taking from another.

That’s the same as the bloke down the pub knowing someone who can do a deal/get something cheaper/give your AC/GC a job.

People who know each other will always help each other out.

Apparently the average age of a Freemason in the UK is around 60.

GrannyGravy13

Jackiest

As with all groups there will be good and bad. Giving contracts in preference to people in the Masons is good for the people in the Masons but bad for the people not in the Masons as they are less likely to get contracts. If you give to one you are taking from another.

That’s the same as the bloke down the pub knowing someone who can do a deal/get something cheaper/give your AC/GC a job.

People who know each other will always help each other out.

Yes it is in a way similar but a fiend in a pub is just one job and to someone you know. There are thousands in the Masons and you are not giving to someone you know but just because they are in the Masons. Also the Masons is all men so that gives men an advantage when getting jobs. This is where the sexist side of single gender/sex social groups shows up.

Georgesgran

Ladies have their own branch of Freemasonry Terri and Catholics are forbidden to join by The Vatican.

And no, I’m not in.

Catholic men have the Catenians in place of the Freemasons.

I believe most of the secrecy around freemasonry involves the rituals and ceremony. My father always maintained that they kept these things secret because they were a wee bit silly!
My friend’s late husband was a Freemason for many years, and he told us that a lot of the symbolism is around the building of King Solomon’s temple in the bible. Now, I may have imagined this, but I seem to remember him saying that those who were not allowed to become Freemasons were the ‘ Halt, the lame, and the blind’, as they were not admitted to the temple.
Another thing I do remember is when our children were small, he was Grand Master of the Lodge, and for all of the previous year he was collecting bottles of spirits, as he had to provide the ‘refreshment’ for all the honoured guests at Masonic functions.

lafergar

To claim Freemasonary is about helping people and holding Ladies Nights is rather misleading.

There appears to be a lot more to it than that.
I don't know what exactly but it's not just people raising money for others.
Is it open and transparent? Can I view their accounts on line?

Can I view anyone’s accounts online?
No of course I can’t.

Are you open and transparent on GN?
No of course you aren’t.

Tradition / rules say you remain anonymous and that there are certain things you are not allowed to post and certain things it’s unwise to reveal to others.

Next?

One of the most unpleasant men I ever met was heavily involved in the Masons.
He married a friend of ours, second marriage for both of them.
He was arrogant, condescending and he belittled his wife, our friend.
However I am sure that was nothing to do with being a Mason , he just was what he was, a very unlikeable man.
My H met his Father through work and he was so different a charming man , he was also a Mason.

I have just read Mollygos post and I agree about many GN’s are not open and honest about themselves on GN.
That is it really.

My father was a Freemason. Born 1904 and in 1947 he sustained a broken back in a roof collapse in a coal mine. He was in hospital a long time and on one of our visits when chikdren were allowed in I saw my father actually sranding up with a massive plaster cast on his upper body. Apparently I didn't recognise my sad thought he was a monster. My parents always said wuthout support from the Masons we would not have survived (4 children). No compensation claims in those days. So they may be secretive but they do good too.

GrannyGravy13

Jackiest

As with all groups there will be good and bad. Giving contracts in preference to people in the Masons is good for the people in the Masons but bad for the people not in the Masons as they are less likely to get contracts. If you give to one you are taking from another.

That’s the same as the bloke down the pub knowing someone who can do a deal/get something cheaper/give your AC/GC a job.

People who know each other will always help each other out.

What if you don't know anybody?

It is not the same at all.

Mollygo

lafergar

To claim Freemasonary is about helping people and holding Ladies Nights is rather misleading.

There appears to be a lot more to it than that.
I don't know what exactly but it's not just people raising money for others.
Is it open and transparent? Can I view their accounts on line?

Can I view anyone’s accounts online?
No of course I can’t.

Are you open and transparent on GN?
No of course you aren’t.

Tradition / rules say you remain anonymous and that there are certain things you are not allowed to post and certain things it’s unwise to reveal to others.

Next?

Any open and transparent organisation has accounts available.

I am reasonably open here whilst maintaining my safety. I am a small cog in the machine, an individual, not a secretive orgnisation, so no comparison.

lafergar or Jackiest

I’ve lost track of who is saying what, so whoever posted

What if you don't know anybody?

Then nobody can help you, parent, non-existent friends, unknown neighbours, or even Mason.

Who would you suggest helps this person who doesn’t know anybody , and how would you suggest they do it.

Your answer could benefit a lot of people.

Actually you almost certainly can or should be able to view their accounts if they are a registered business which I assume they are.

I've just remembered that my husband once went to a lodge meeting in Italy. Most of the members were local wine growers and they were celebrating the latest vintage. A very good time was had by all, and he brought some superb wine away with him. Amarone! If you know, you know!

Whitewavemark2

Actually you almost certainly can or should be able to view their accounts if they are a registered business which I assume they are.

No, Freemasonry is not a business. While it does have administrative and financial aspects related to its organization and activities, it is primarily a fraternal organization focused on personal development, moral discipline, and charitable work, not a commercial enterprise.
Here's why it's not a business:
Purpose:
Freemasonry's core purpose is the self-improvement of its members and the betterment of society through charitable giving, not profit generation.
Activities:
While Freemasons may engage in business and networking, the organization itself does not engage in commercial activities or provide business-related services.
Structure:
Masonic lodges operate as membership organizations, not as businesses. They handle routine administrative tasks like any other association, but their primary function is not business-related.
Financials:
While Freemasons pay dues and sometimes contribute to the upkeep of their meeting places, these payments are not considered business transactions or investments, but rather contributions to the organization's operations.
No Profit Motive:
Freemasonry's activities are not driven by a profit motive. They focus on charitable giving, fellowship, and moral development, rather than financial gain.
While some Freemasons may use their network to advance their careers or businesses, this is a personal benefit derived from the organization, not the organization's primary purpose or function. Freemasonry, therefore, is not a business.

I don't think the networking that comes with being part of the Masons is comparable to the opportunities which may come from a chance encounter in a pub.

I don't think the Masons are all about helping people and Ladies nights and fine wine.

If you want to see the Freemasons acounts

GOV.UK register-of-charities.charityommision.org

Charity No 1164703

lafergar

I don't think the networking that comes with being part of the Masons is comparable to the opportunities which may come from a chance encounter in a pub.

I don't think the Masons are all about helping people and Ladies nights and fine wine.

You don’t think, but you don’t know either, but you’re determined to have your opinion and your entitled to that, with or without any evidence, so that’s OK. 😁

Oh dear, How very rude you are.

Have a nice afternoon.

lafergar

I don't think the networking that comes with being part of the Masons is comparable to the opportunities which may come from a chance encounter in a pub.

I don't think the Masons are all about helping people and Ladies nights and fine wine.

So what do you think Freemasons are all about ?

Those who have knowledge have posted, and so far you have disagreed with them all.

As for your take Ladies nights and fine wine I find this both hilarious and in-informed.

lafergar

Oh dear, How very rude you are.

Have a nice afternoon.

Oh dear, when you don’t like what I post, presumably because it’s the truth, you say I’m rude.
That’s nice
I can live with you thinking that.😁
And thanks, I am having a nice afternoon.

Whitewavemark2

Actually you almost certainly can or should be able to view their accounts if they are a registered business which I assume they are.

They lost a long running court case last year regarding VAT payments on their membership fees, it concluded they could not claim a refund of £2.8m.
Their argument was that UGLE was a purely philanthropic organisation, the court and HMRC ruled otherwise, income at the time was £13m.

That Black Hole has to be filled somehow!

🤔