cemab4y
Premium Member
Here is a scenario. A man belongs to a lodge in Kentucky (KY does not yet recognize Prince Hall). He also belongs to a lodge in New York. (NY has full fraternal relations with Prince Hall Masonry.). He is stationed in Iraq. No USA Grand Lodge (except Prince Hall) is interested in chartering any lodge in Iraq.
As a New York Mason, he is entitled to visit any New York Lodge, and any lodge that is recognized by the Grand Lodge of New York.
If he goes to a social event in Iraq, (sponsored by a Prince Hall lodge), and is not asked to show a dues card, and never given an apron, and does not witness any degree work, nor anyone taking an oath, he is subject to Masonic discipline by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.
Taking out multiple lodge memberships, does not relieve the individual from following the regulations of ALL of his Grand Lodges.
I disagree with this policy. I think that taking our multiple memberships, should give the Mason, MORE privileges, not less. He should be able to put the membership with the non-recognizing Grand Lodge on "hold", and participate in the social and non-tyled events of the Prince Hall lodge, as a New York Mason.
And this is all the more reason, why all USA grand Lodges should immediately recognize, Prince Hall Masonry. Since no USA grand Lodge (except Prince Hall), is interested in chartering a lodge in Iraq or Afghanistan, military Masons should be able to participate in what Masonry there is, in the combat zone.
(BTW- I am a CIVILIAN, some people think that because I work in Afghanistan, I am a soldier. Trust me, I am way too old and too fat for military service. )
As a New York Mason, he is entitled to visit any New York Lodge, and any lodge that is recognized by the Grand Lodge of New York.
If he goes to a social event in Iraq, (sponsored by a Prince Hall lodge), and is not asked to show a dues card, and never given an apron, and does not witness any degree work, nor anyone taking an oath, he is subject to Masonic discipline by the Grand Lodge of Kentucky.
Taking out multiple lodge memberships, does not relieve the individual from following the regulations of ALL of his Grand Lodges.
I disagree with this policy. I think that taking our multiple memberships, should give the Mason, MORE privileges, not less. He should be able to put the membership with the non-recognizing Grand Lodge on "hold", and participate in the social and non-tyled events of the Prince Hall lodge, as a New York Mason.
And this is all the more reason, why all USA grand Lodges should immediately recognize, Prince Hall Masonry. Since no USA grand Lodge (except Prince Hall), is interested in chartering a lodge in Iraq or Afghanistan, military Masons should be able to participate in what Masonry there is, in the combat zone.
(BTW- I am a CIVILIAN, some people think that because I work in Afghanistan, I am a soldier. Trust me, I am way too old and too fat for military service. )