I agree one or two subjects do cause some hearty debate but it would surprise you the positives that can be taken from them. I would suggest that you read the postings again and see what you can find out about the individual brothers who reply in them.

It is very hard to get to know people from a computer but it is  possible to know where a brothers heart is from his/her writings, at the end of the day we are mostly here to discuss, debate and learn from each other.

I do agree that a non member reading a lot of this will think all we do is argue and disagree over many subjects.  On the other hand how many of us can say we have learned nothing through this forum ?  Not many to none

;)

Cheers, Iain

Dumbarton Kilwinning Lodge No 18

It appears that in Scotland, with smaller Centres, the maintenance is up to the Brethren, and all power to their working elbows.  One point somewhat negatively mentioned here is the charges from GLs and Centres, which of course go towards the maintenance of Provincial Centres and Headquarters (not to mention the asbestos!).  In the more concentrated meeting places down here we pay someone else to do the work, but in Scotland (and in Taupo) the local Masons have to do it themselves.

On the Installation, well, they say that if you've done it once, it comes back. :w00t:  But from how far back, in your case, Alan?

PM 5770

Middlesex

:P Only joking! :P

Seriously, great thread, well done.

We built our own lodge. We brought (with our own cash) a lock up and converted it into a lodge with lodge room, dining room, bar and toilets. A couple of years ago we took the garage door off and built a proper entrance. We have just had quotes in and plans drawn up to build an upstairs and hopefully we can sort this out this year.

Our lodge is small and happy and we all support each other.

We all enjoy our Freemasonry and each others company.

There is much to be gained not just from the teachings of the craft but simply by meeting other people on the level.

We who post here are but a microcosm of the Masons in UGLE, Britain, and the world.  Nearly everyone else is, presumably happy with their Masonic lot - be it waiting patiently for a dark blue pinny, showing they are above that by working hard for their Province, or merely attending meetings because they like watching the ritual, or taking part in it.

Mark Perrot has apparently left UGLE and not joined any other Order: well, he is just one person who has written his disapproval of certain aspects of Masonry, and that is why he left.  Most people are, as I say, happy.  Many Lodges lose members, but not I believe through their anti-GL feelings, but more often because they were not really that interested in FM anyway, or other parts of their life took a bigger part of their time, or even personal conflict may have come into it.

PM 5770

Middlesex

I love my masonry, and can say catagorically that, for me, it is the single best thing I have ever done in my life.

I came in at 22 (sharp intake of breath from some factions) was in the chair at 28 (sharp intake of breath from other sides)(mutterings about age etc etc), did 2 years in the 1st Principle's chair in HRA at the age of 32/33, been very proud to had had 'Active Rank' in my mother province in both orders, have done a shed load of visiting (both with friends, and also where I am not known), raised a fair amount for charity (how much, I couldn't begin to guess-not that it matters). I have friends who are masons all over the country who I can easily fraternise with and truly enjoy their company.

I love the ritual, rubrik, conviviality and structure. I admire those offices that I would have difficulty in fulfilling (Secretary being a prime example), and take part wherever I can. I am fortunate enough to be good at delivering ritual. I admire the GL that governs the Lodges to which I belong, and  am a member of several other orders: all of which I do not find a drag/bore/irritant/whatever. It's a great life. THAT'S why I belong, and it strikes me that anyone who moans about any obedience for a greater period of time than they enjoy it should take a long look at themselves, really.

I look forward to meeting everyone on 4th July in London and having another enjoyable masonic experience.:)

S and F

Mark

That was my understanding, but if I have it wrong, I'm sure you will correct me.  Nor did I "single you out" by this mention - if anyone else has done the same, and remained as a frequent correspondent, I will point him out to Wolfy too - he is slightly concerned at the negative comments frequently displayed on tfm, and hence started this thread.  But that's youth for you - when he's done as many nautical miles in hostile waters as he no doubt will in time, Wolfy may become as relaxed as an old git like me on the subject. :smooooth:

Don't be too dismayed by the loss of a "T" Mark, it may suit you (to a "T").  I have, all my life, been bedevilled by a surname which people I meet on holiday can spell, but has constantly confounded the English-speaking community.  I was even told that one of my uncles spelled it with a single "L" instead of a double: now here is  a tip for you, Mark, which you touched on over your comment about a clearance certificate - I recently found out that my uncle (who I never met) had gone bankrupt, and was able to start another small business by leaving one letter out of his name.

Not exactly Masonic behaviour, but then he wasn't - I am, I believe, the first in the family, and I am enjoying it!

PM 5770

Middlesex