A charge to the fraternity

[blackdog]

I wasn't aware that there was a community of Freemasons in NZ.

you are now

[Edbear]

actually the fact that regardless of your religion you are still welcome is one of the things that appeals to me.

hindu, muslim, or christian to me you are a person that if earned deserves my respect regardless

That would be true of most countries and most people.

[steve_t]

you are now

Are they publically active in the NZ community? Are their numbers very large?

[blackdog]

That would be true of some countries and some people.

sorry ed not sure about most

[blackdog]

Are they publically active in the NZ community? Are their numbers very large?

http://www.freemasons.co.nz/cms/

Yes. Large.

[YellowDog]

I have a circle of friends who are almost all masons and always asking me to come and visit their lodge. I thought it was all supposed to be secret? Apparently not, it's their ancient rituals which are secret so that they can identify themselves to each other with their coded handshakes and distinguishing words. It seem to be the thing to do after divorce

I don't have time for that sort of stuff (or a suit that fits), but I would say from what I have seen that they do seem to be very decent people. They give up their own time for charitable work, which I would love to have time to do. Lots of work with children's charities and they offer educational grants. I heard there is some kind of sponsorship with Starship hospital and that St John ambulances will be showing the square and compasses as part of another sponsorship deal.

Apparently 100% of contributions goes directly to the needy, rather than the small amount most charities are able to utilise after running their organisations.

I’m sure masons do get their share of arrogant wankers too. They don’t seem to be hurting anyone, from what I have seen, so I say let them be.

[Edbear]

sorry ed not sure about most

Yeah, seems to be the way the world's going to be rather less tolerant than more so.

[blackdog]

I have a circle of friends who are almost all masons and always asking me to come and visit their lodge. I thought it was all supposed to be secret? Apparently not, it's their ancient rituals which are secret so that they can identify themselves to each other with their coded handshakes and distinguishing words. It seem to be the thing to do after divorce

I don't have time for that sort of stuff (or a suit that fits), but I would say from what I have seen that they do seem to be very decent people. They give up their own time for charitable work, which I would love to have time to do. Lots of work with children's charities and they offer educational grants. I heard there is some kind of sponsorship with Starship hospital and that St John ambulances will be showing the square and compasses as part of another sponsorship deal.

Apparently 100% of contributions goes directly to the needy, rather than the small amount most charities are able to utilise after running their organisations.

I’m sure masons do get their share of arrogant wankers too. They don’t seem to be hurting anyone, from what I have seen, so I say let them be.

thank you for that YD

all sensible input is welcome in this thread

[blackdog]

i wonder how many actually watched the video in the OP before wading in

[PrincessBandit]

Are they publically active in the NZ community? Are their numbers very large?

Given the number of masonic lodges seen throughout the country I would say yes and yes?

[blackdog]

Given the number of masonic lodges seen throughout the country I would say yes and yes?

thanks PB

now i'm hoping someone can help me out with some spelling (hitcher?)

apparently the 'G' is not always 'God' but can be the Grand metrematition of the universe? (I'm more comfortable with that, as for me the idea of an actual one god?)

help to spell it correctly will be much app'd

[Edbear]

i wonder how many actually watched the video in the OP before wading in

I did.....

[blackdog]

I did.....

did you think he made some sense?

[phill-k]

In the good old days you had to be invited to join the lodge, don't tell me they are welcoming just any old riff raff barking dog in.

[Edbear]

did you think he made some sense?

Of course, it's just that I'm a realist and don't see the need for this type of organisation. You can do all you're talking about without the pomp and ceremony and "old boys" club type of exclusivity. I've no doubt that YellowDog is right in the things the Mason's do, but it's not my scene. If it's yours, that's the wonderful thing about NZ, eh?