freemasonry for sex, murder & profit freemasonry for sex, murder & profit preventing...
TRANSCRIPT
Freemasonryfor
Sex, Murder & Profit
Preventing Perverse Public Perceptions
Preventing Perverse Public Perceptions
A Talk by Wbro Colin Macdonald
(PM Lodge Ailsa 1172 S.C.)
The Lodge St Michael No. 2933 E.CInstallation 2005
The Lodge St Michael No. 2933 E.CInstallation 2005
Public perception•The General Public and Every Candidate who enters the
fraternity has a preconceived idea as to what Freemasonry
is
•Information in the Public Domain
•Family and Friends
•Where does this public perception originate?
•Is it important for the future of freemasonry?
•Is it accurate?
•If it is not, how do we attempt to adjust the perception?
Public perception1. Part of the Base Cause of the decline in numbers lies
with lack of retention of Master Masons (The Missing
Master Mason, by Wbro John L Belton)
2. The average length of service to the Craft after
becoming a Master Mason declined from:
* 20 yrs in 1950’s
* 10 yrs in 1970’s
* 5 yrs in 1990’s
• This has been the main focus of many studies and
experiments (Lodge Epicurean) to-date
New Zealand Masonic Membership
36
811
9 10
5 6 6 57
5 6 5 53
5 63
60.4
53.748.6
40.7
3739
4043
363333
31
6
32,800
29,520
26,568
23,912
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Members
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
NewLodges
Under 40
InitiatesAge
Potential Service
Total Membership
Linear (NewLodges)
New Zealand Masonic Membership
36
811
9 10
5 6 6 57
5 6 5 53
5 63
60.4
53.748.6
40.7
3739
4043
363333
31
6
32,800
29,520
26,568
23,912
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Members
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
NewLodges
Under 40
InitiatesAge
Potential Service
Total Membership
Linear (NewLodges)
Common Threat
Source: The Final Forty Years of Masonry?By Bro A.H. Busfield
Public perception1. The other part of the Base Cause of the decline in
numbers and standing of Freemasonry, does not lie
within, but with the Public Perception of Freemasonry
• Is this Public Perception accurate?
• How was it developed?
• What can we do to reverse this adverse view?
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
LAWS & CONSTITUTIONS
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
LAWS & CONSTITUTIONS
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership
LAWS & CONSTITUTIONS
Historical ExposéHistorical Exposé
Ancient Context of Learning about FreeMasonry
Word of Mouth Local Community Invited In to an Inner-Circle Had prestige and standing in the
community
Ancient Context of Learning about FreeMasonry
Word of Mouth Local Community Invited In to an Inner-Circle Had prestige and standing in the
community
Tools and AllegoriesTools and Allegories
What was the most widly distributed document accessible to all at that time?
The Bible Allegorical tales adapted to suit
Freemasons Purposes Also suited the God-fearing nature
imbued in the social relationships at that time between Master and Labourer
What was the most widly distributed document accessible to all at that time?
The Bible Allegorical tales adapted to suit
Freemasons Purposes Also suited the God-fearing nature
imbued in the social relationships at that time between Master and Labourer
The Written WordThe Written Word Guttenberg’s Printing Press -1440
Books and Publications
Records being set down
Pamphlets and Occasional Broadsheets
No photocopying, scanning, faxing etc as we know it today
Guttenberg’s Printing Press -1440
Books and Publications
Records being set down
Pamphlets and Occasional Broadsheets
No photocopying, scanning, faxing etc as we know it today
Source:The Origins of FreemasonryDr Robert Lomas
Historical DevelopmentHistorical Development
Historical ExposéHistorical Exposé
Most important exposé appeared as a pamphlet for sale in London in 1730 entitled:
“The History of Masonry or Masonry Dissected, to which are added the Mason Word and Catechism”
by Samuel Prichard, member of a Constituted Lodge
Most important exposé appeared as a pamphlet for sale in London in 1730 entitled:
“The History of Masonry or Masonry Dissected, to which are added the Mason Word and Catechism”
by Samuel Prichard, member of a Constituted Lodge
1730
Historical ExposéHistorical Exposé
“The terms of free and accepted Masonry (as now it is) had never been heard of until within these few years: no Constituted Lodges or Quarterly Communications were heard of until 1691, when lords and dukes, lawyers and shopkeepers, and other inferior trades (many porters not excepted) were admitted to the mystery, or no mystery”
“The terms of free and accepted Masonry (as now it is) had never been heard of until within these few years: no Constituted Lodges or Quarterly Communications were heard of until 1691, when lords and dukes, lawyers and shopkeepers, and other inferior trades (many porters not excepted) were admitted to the mystery, or no mystery”
1730
Historical ExposéHistorical Exposé
Movies / Flicks / CinemaMovies / Flicks / Cinema
Entertainment based on theatrical styles
Story Telling and romantic episodes
Information Dissemination
Entertainment based on theatrical styles
Story Telling and romantic episodes
Information Dissemination
Earliest MoviesEarliest Movies
Hinted on Masonic Topics
Used some obscure reference somewhere in the Background
Only Brethren may have noticed the Masonic connections
Hinted on Masonic Topics
Used some obscure reference somewhere in the Background
Only Brethren may have noticed the Masonic connections
Buster KeatonBuster Keaton1920
In 1539, the Knights Templar of Malta, paid tribute to Charles V of Spain, by sending him a Golden Falcon encrusted from beak to claw with rarest jewels….but pirates seized the galley carrying this priceless token and the fate of the Maltese Falcon remains a mystery to this day…
The Maltese FalconThe Maltese Falcon1942
A Night in CasablancaA Night in Casablanca1946
Monty PythonMonty Python196?
CartoonsCartoons
CartoonsCartoons
CartoonsCartoonsThe Initiation Ceremony was closed with the proclamation: “The Sacred Order of Stonecutters has, since ancient times, split the rocks of ignorance that obscures the light of knowledge and truth… now lets all get drunk and play ping-pong”
The Man Who Would Be KingThe Man Who Would Be King1975
The Man Who Would Be KingThe Man Who Would Be King1975
Opening of Freemasonry to Public Scrutiny
Opening of Freemasonry to Public Scrutiny
P2 Scandal
Other Conspiracy Theories
Decline in Numbers
The Brotherhood
P2 Scandal
Other Conspiracy Theories
Decline in Numbers
The Brotherhood
The BrotherhoodThe Brotherhood1980
Stephen Knight's impartial - but highly controversial - investigation addresses these vital questions and asks: •DOES FREEMASONRY INFLUENCE OUR POLICE AND JUDICIARY? •CAN A CHRISTIAN BE A FREEMASON? •HAVE THE KGB PENETRATED THE FREEMASONS? •DOES FREEMASONRY LEAD TO CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC LIFE Freemasons are all bound to silence, but now some of them have felt impelled to break ranks and reveal part of the truth...
Propaganda Duo - P2Propaganda Duo - P2•1877 Some Italian Lodges Became Political & Irregular
•1964 P2 Operated as the Grand Master’s private Lodge
•No register of Members kept
•1974 P2 Erased from roll but Bro Licio Gelli became Master and
requested suspension only
•1975 Accused of gross financial irregularities
•1980 Gelli expelled from Italian Freemasonry
•1980 Police found 950 names of members mostly prominent
figures. Gelli fled to South America
•Some Ministers resigned and Italian Government Fell
•Roberto Calvi was a friend of Gelli and member of P2
Propaganda Duo - P2Propaganda Duo - P21982
Propaganda Duo - P2Propaganda Duo - P22001
Does Exposure lead to Decline of Standing ?
Does Exposure lead to Decline of Standing ?
Absolute Numbers in Decline Quality of Ritual work declines Type of Members joining Type of Members Leaving Dissatisfaction with
Masonic Community Own contribution OTHER’S CONTRIBUTION
Absolute Numbers in Decline Quality of Ritual work declines Type of Members joining Type of Members Leaving Dissatisfaction with
Masonic Community Own contribution OTHER’S CONTRIBUTION
InternetInternet Free Access to on-line and mass printed
documents
Exposé of Freemasonry by Anti-Masonic Groups
Lack of Verification and Authentication
Lack of Masonic Guidelines for the use of the
Internet
Free Access to on-line and mass printed
documents
Exposé of Freemasonry by Anti-Masonic Groups
Lack of Verification and Authentication
Lack of Masonic Guidelines for the use of the
Internet
New Rash of Conspiracy Movies
New Rash of Conspiracy Movies
Conspiracy
Adventure
Heroes save the World (AND GETS THE GIRL)
Drama and Entertainment
Misleading
Miss-Information
Conspiracy
Adventure
Heroes save the World (AND GETS THE GIRL)
Drama and Entertainment
Misleading
Miss-Information
From HellFrom Hell2001
From HellFrom Hell
From HellFrom Hell
From HellFrom Hell
From HellFrom Hell
National TreasureNational Treasure2004
National TreasureNational Treasure
National TreasureNational Treasure
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
2004
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code
Conspiracy TheoryConspiracy Theory
Kingdom of HeavenKingdom of Heaven2005
Kingdom of HeavenKingdom of Heaven
Rash of Exposé BooksRash of Exposé Books
Coleman Street ExposéColeman Street Exposé
Heavy-Going and Trying to be Factual
Heavy-Going and Trying to be Factual
Popular and ControversialPopular and Controversial
Popular and ControversialPopular and Controversial
D.I.Y. FreemasonryD.I.Y. Freemasonry
Musical ExposéMusical Exposé
Further Exposés to come...?Further Exposés to come...?
Past Analysis of St Michael Papers
(Vols 2,3 and 41964-1996)
Past Analysis of St Michael Papers
(Vols 2,3 and 41964-1996)
S.E.A. and General Masonic History Our Ritual Music Lodge Administration
S.E.A. and General Masonic History Our Ritual Music Lodge Administration
Recent St Michael Papers
Recent St Michael Papers
SE Asia History A History of Freemason's Hall, Coleman St (T.R. Neoh:1984) The Foundation of The Lodge St. Michael No.2933. (D.J Herring:1976) The Foundation & development of Johore Royal Lodge. (M. S.Randhava: 1980) W. Bro. Edaljee Khory. (RM.R. Patel:1981) RW.Bro. E.G. Holiday. (J.M. Parker:1981) Freemasonry in Singapore, my personal observations.(Chan CKG:1983) The Masonic Hall 23A Coleman Street. (D.J. Herring:1984) Lodge Johore Royal. (F.A Musset:1984) Two Centuries of Freemasonry in S.E.Asia. (E.L.S.Jennings:1985) Excerpts from Sir S'ford Raffles by C.Haffuer D.G.M.F.E (KE. Toft:1993) Founding o/t D.G.L.o/t E.A.& the part played by J.C.Smith (E.L.S.Jennings:1994) Freemasonry and the Hash. (D.D.K.Holloway:1994) The First 50 yrs. o/t Craft in the Eastern Archipelago. (E.L.S.Jennings:1995)
SE Asia History A History of Freemason's Hall, Coleman St (T.R. Neoh:1984) The Foundation of The Lodge St. Michael No.2933. (D.J Herring:1976) The Foundation & development of Johore Royal Lodge. (M. S.Randhava: 1980) W. Bro. Edaljee Khory. (RM.R. Patel:1981) RW.Bro. E.G. Holiday. (J.M. Parker:1981) Freemasonry in Singapore, my personal observations.(Chan CKG:1983) The Masonic Hall 23A Coleman Street. (D.J. Herring:1984) Lodge Johore Royal. (F.A Musset:1984) Two Centuries of Freemasonry in S.E.Asia. (E.L.S.Jennings:1985) Excerpts from Sir S'ford Raffles by C.Haffuer D.G.M.F.E (KE. Toft:1993) Founding o/t D.G.L.o/t E.A.& the part played by J.C.Smith (E.L.S.Jennings:1994) Freemasonry and the Hash. (D.D.K.Holloway:1994) The First 50 yrs. o/t Craft in the Eastern Archipelago. (E.L.S.Jennings:1995)
Recent St Michael Papers
Recent St Michael Papers
Ritual The N.E. Corner. (JAR. Reid:1970) From Whence our Signs (E.R. Walker:1983) The Emulation ritual & Lodge St. Michael.
(R.F.Nakhoda:1980) The Candidate & the Craft. (E. Kang:1982) Heraldry in Freemasonry (E.F. Mullan:1983) The Masonic Certificate. (Lim Boon Par:1992) Basic Principals of Masonic Symbolism. (C. G.
Standley:1992) The Royal Arch Jewel. (J.M.Parker:1994)
Ritual The N.E. Corner. (JAR. Reid:1970) From Whence our Signs (E.R. Walker:1983) The Emulation ritual & Lodge St. Michael.
(R.F.Nakhoda:1980) The Candidate & the Craft. (E. Kang:1982) Heraldry in Freemasonry (E.F. Mullan:1983) The Masonic Certificate. (Lim Boon Par:1992) Basic Principals of Masonic Symbolism. (C. G.
Standley:1992) The Royal Arch Jewel. (J.M.Parker:1994)
Recent St Michael Papers
Recent St Michael Papers
Music Some Notes on Masonic Music. (E.L.S.
Jennings:1971) Bro. Motzart's Masonic Music. (JG.
Bones:1991) Music in Masonry. (J.G Bones:1993)
Music Some Notes on Masonic Music. (E.L.S.
Jennings:1971) Bro. Motzart's Masonic Music. (JG.
Bones:1991) Music in Masonry. (J.G Bones:1993)
Recent St Michael Papers
Recent St Michael Papers
Lodge Administration Reworked paper by W.Bro Makepeace Record Making. (J.L.
Seale:1977) The RM.I's & RM.H. their past present & future. (J.L. Seale:1977) The Election & Appointment of Lodge Office Bearers.(Chan C.KG
1985) Charity Antient & Modern. (E.F. Mullan: 1986) The Lodge Officers. (YR.Degani:1987) Charity. (J.M. Parker:1989) What Freemasonry means to me. (KE. Toft:1989) The Duties of the Lodge Treasurer. (RI.Rawlings:1991)
Lodge Administration Reworked paper by W.Bro Makepeace Record Making. (J.L.
Seale:1977) The RM.I's & RM.H. their past present & future. (J.L. Seale:1977) The Election & Appointment of Lodge Office Bearers.(Chan C.KG
1985) Charity Antient & Modern. (E.F. Mullan: 1986) The Lodge Officers. (YR.Degani:1987) Charity. (J.M. Parker:1989) What Freemasonry means to me. (KE. Toft:1989) The Duties of the Lodge Treasurer. (RI.Rawlings:1991)
Where do we go from Here?
Where do we go from Here?
Will there still be a need for
Freemasonry, if all Is Exposed and
Conspiracies abound?
What change is needed to revive
Masonry into a vibrant useful and
respected society?
Will there still be a need for
Freemasonry, if all Is Exposed and
Conspiracies abound?
What change is needed to revive
Masonry into a vibrant useful and
respected society?
Possible Options?Possible Options?
Can we put the Genie back in the bottle?
Can we make Freemasonry “Secret” again?
Can it be made more exclusive , desired and Intellectually satisfying?
Will the leaders of World Powers, Revolutions, Science and the Arts be part of the Fraternity again?
Can we put the Genie back in the bottle?
Can we make Freemasonry “Secret” again?
Can it be made more exclusive , desired and Intellectually satisfying?
Will the leaders of World Powers, Revolutions, Science and the Arts be part of the Fraternity again?
Are We Still Relevant?Are We Still Relevant?
Possible Options?Possible Options?
Should we refute and attempt to correct some of the articles, books and films?
Should we refute and attempt to correct some of the articles, books and films?
Possible Options?Possible Options?
Should we publish our own version of
events?
Credibility (otherwise we can all go back
to “getting drunk and playing ping-
pong”)
Intrigue (It cannot be a dry refuting of
something the public is lapping up)
Should we publish our own version of
events?
Credibility (otherwise we can all go back
to “getting drunk and playing ping-
pong”)
Intrigue (It cannot be a dry refuting of
something the public is lapping up)
How do we make it happen?How do we make it happen?
Basis of Research
for Lodge
St Michael
Basis of Research
for Lodge
St Michael
5 Year Outline5 Year Outline
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsFuture Directions
1. Has FM lost its special place in society?Society leaders and distinguished figures of the past all were freemasons at some time. When did it decline to lose such figures and what were the underlying social causes (60’ies?)
2. Newly developing trends in FM (Aust/US)One day masons Lodge Epicurean
3. Comparative analysis of successful LodgesGrowth and declineStrong/weak leadership and sense of direction
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsHistorical
4. Buildings and Temples of the RegionMasonic Buildings /locations costs values opportunities / the lodge of the future
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsHistorical
5. Characters in Singapore historySignificance of efforts / colour / achievements / worthy of emulation
6. How FM has moulded SEA historywhich FM’s have achieved political / social / economic / reforms and have they been acknowledged as such
7. Works of significance by local FreemasonsDunlop, Wearn, Read, Raffles, ????
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsHistorical
8. Links and LoopsPresumptions and gaps in Masonic History
9. Following a thread to its conclusionDevelopment of a FM topic as far as possible – person event ritual etc to discover the origins, meanings or significance
10. Constitutional differencesWhat / why / when did the differences between the constitutions occur and where is this heading (OK as is etc)
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsPersonal Development
11. Masonic revelations and structured MentoringFM is a method of revealing bits at a time for self-discovery How does a one-day mason cope. What are the statistics a few years on?
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsPersonal Development
12. Mastering Mentoring and
Mentoring the MastersWe are very weak at mentoring new brethren. There is a whole scope here for someone with a pedagogical background. What is the use of doing the rituals without understanding and enticement to learn and seep yourself in the Masonic culture?
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsPersonal Development
13. Injecting “Depth” into Masonic WorkingsRituals/rituals/rituals/DofC/RWM – candidates copying
14. Mastery, Mystery and MagicExpectations and let-downs of new candidatesLearning and recitationRevelation and inspiration
Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsPersonal Development
15. Rituals, Rites and RegulationsHow did different rituals evolve and become acceptedPlace for new rituals in modern society
16. Opening or Concealing FMThe book The Brotherhood was instrumental in forcing the declaration of FM in the public service in the UK. The US masons have always flaunted it –more as a charitable organization.Does this contribute to public perceptions one way or the other
Possible topic groupsPossible topic groupsLodge Management
LAWS & CONSTITUTIONS
Possible topic groupsPossible topic groupsLodge Management
17. Standardising the Secretarial and Treasurers dutiesEvery year we reinvent the wheel by putting a different (amateur) member in charge of subjects like administration and bookkeeping and then spend the rest of the year arguing about the state of affairs. Is there an opening for standardization of the systems. Grand Lodge demand forms and returns so does district. Can a single internet database capture all this information and form part of some pre-acceptance training?
Possible topic groupsPossible topic groupsLodge Management
Possible topic groupsPossible topic groupsLodge Management
18. Library sources and Internet assistance
•Access•Scanning•Cataloging•Indexing•Annual publication of internet references
Proposed Annual SeminarProposed Annual Seminar
•Annual Event In conjunction with Mt Faber•Held on a Saturday 10am - 4pm•Informal setting (Smart casual dress)•FM only•Held In the Temple ($ to cover costs - lunch, coffee, snacks) •Paper produced and published as a result•Meant to be a stimulus and catalyst for further (self) study
Proposed Annual SeminarProposed Annual Seminar
Possible Seminar TopicsPossible Seminar Topics•The Value and Application of Masonic Research to Local Lodges
•Unsolved Masonic Mysteries
•Refining Rituals and the meanings of Workings (Tweaking the edges)
•Why has FM lasted so long and what is your view for the future
•Off-shoots of Masonic Bodies
•Museum requirements and the Singapore Masonic Museum
•FM uses under stress
•Will the real Master please stand up
Possible Seminar AgendaPossible Seminar Agenda
•Opening Address
•Key Papers
•Discussion
•Lunch
•Working Groups
•Coordinating discussion and potential follow through
•Closing address
Publication OpportunitiesPublication Opportunities
•Gaps and Mysteries in a Local Sense
•Developing a tighter Lodge Structure and Structuring a Retention Progamme (Making the Masonic Experience Meaningful)
•Internet, Information and Image
•Mastering Lodge Management Practices
•Seminar Topics
Writing a PaperWriting a Paper
Or
•“I Don’t Believe I Can Do It”
•“The Seeds of Innovation
(Look to the Future)”
Freemasonry for Sex, Murder and Profit?
Freemasonry for Sex, Murder and Profit?
Sex -
Murder -
Profit -
Produce a stimulating look at our present situation and establish a view for the future that can appeal to Members and the General Public
Resolve a detail of a Masonic Mystery to uncover more about ourselves, our Order, and to establish a definitive Body of Knowledge for the Craft
There is a potential for a few brethren to step into the commercial sphere by publishing accurate Masonic accountsHowever… The best profit that we hope for from this engagement is;
“so that there may be profit from the labour, and pleasure from the beauty of our Ancient and Honourable Craft”
Freemasonry for Sex, Murder and Profit?
Freemasonry for Sex, Murder and Profit?
Http://www.LodgeStMichael.org
The Lodge St. Michael
Papers
Freemasonry for Sex, Murder & Profit
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