Sometimes lightening strikes twice – to the same spot. When it does you know that either God is in control or the fix is in. In the case of Gate City Lodge #2, Atlanta, Georgia it is definitely the latter.
You might remember the articles The Beehive published in 2009 – My Brother’s Keeper, Open Racism in Georgia Freemasonry and Georgia: Not Such A Peachy Masonic State describing the machinations that the Grand Lodge of Georgia went through to try to keep out a Black African-American. His name was Victor Marshall and he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason by Gate City Lodge #2, after which the Worshipful Master was brought up on charges – of “allowing a non-white man to join Freemasonry” – that were approved by the Grand Master.
Since no Black Man had been initiated in Georgia Freemasonry in 275 years, the charges were interpreted that “Ancient Lights” of the Grand Lodge of Georgia prohibited Black Men from becoming F & AM. The charges called for the Worshipful Master to be expelled and the Lodge to lose its Charter. Mortified by this blatantly evil and certainly illegal affront to the Lodge, and having had first-hand experience with “Masonic Justice”, David Johnston and David Llewellyn, members of Gate City Lodge No. 2 and attorneys, filed for an injunction in civil court against the Grand Lodge of Georgia. . Oooppps – The Grand Lodge never thought the public would find that out. When they did and the resulted outcry reached a clamor of disdain as the story spread throughout the nation, the plaintiffs in the case revoked their charges and the Grand Lodge of Georgia ultimately backed down deciding that was one battle they could not win.
They say by doing that one lives to fight another day. And that other day has arrived. Victor Marshall and Zeithlin Waters from Gate City Lodge #2, both Raised on the same night and having studied their catechisms together, submitted applications to the Atlanta Scottish Rite Body. Now the first thing that you have to understand about the story that will unfold here is that it is SOP to ballot on an entire class with one ballot for all. And so on November of 2010 the entire class of applications including Marshall and Waters was balloted upon. One or more black balls were cast on the first ballot. Then and only then was an individual ballot cast for each applicant one at a time. Marshall and Waters were the last two to be voted on and both were blackballed. All others were approved. No comments were made on the ballot and the two Brothers were informed that their applications were not approved and that it would be six months before they could reapply.
In March of 2011 a called Communication of the Scottish Rite Valley of Atlanta was held for the purpose of balloting on a new class. This class did not include Marshall & Waters for they were still waiting out their 6 months to reapply. As was the custom the entire class was balloted upon with one ballot. On the first ballot one or more black balls were cast. Each petition was then read individually and subsequently black balled. The whispered speculation was that Gate City Lodge members or sympathizers were striking back for the black balling of Marshall and Waters. The Personal Representative to the Grand Master rose to say how ashamed he was to be a Mason that night – thus commenting on a ballot which is actually unmasonic and a chargeable offense.
On April of 2011 at a stated meeting of the Scottish Rite Valley of Atlanta was held with business being among other things balloting on candidates once again. This vote was taken on a few new petitions as well as all of the candidates black balled in March. Again Marshall and Waters were not included. On the first ballot for the entire class one or more black balls were cast. The individual petitions were then read and balloted upon. Each petition was rejected (black balled).
The SGIG arose to speak castigating any who would use the ballot for retribution and declaring how ashamed he was of the way this process had worked out. He went on to say that whoever threw the cubes was suffering from a mental illness. He declared the ballot null and void and then took the unprecedented action of healing the ballot declaring all petitions granted. He also ordered the black balls expunged from the personal records of those who received them.
On October of 2011 a called Communication of The Scottish Rite Valley of Atlanta was held for the purpose of voting on petitions. For this called meeting a limited number of summonses had been sent out. Not everybody was called to this meeting. This was a new class of 30 with Marshall and Waters added. It had been almost a year since they had been black balled. They could not get into the spring class of 2011 as not quite six months had lapsed since they had been black balled. They had waited their 6 months and reapplied. Before the vote, the SGIG advised all called to vote their conscience. But this time around the voting would not operate in the usual manner. The entire class would not be balloted upon en masse as was the custom. Right from the start each candidate would be balloted upon individually, and Marshall and Waters were ballots number 29 and 30, the last two. In the hour and a half that ensued, twenty eight candidates were approved but the 29th and 30th, Marshall and Waters, were blackballed. Once again the SGIG rose to thank all who participated for voting their conscience. But he did not heal Marshall and Waters as he had done with the class of April 2011. He did not ask that the black balls be expunged from their Masonic records either.
This is where you can say the fix is in. The very actions of the leadership involved in this process leads to that conclusion. The SGIG and The Personal Representative to the Grand Master were only ashamed of any black balling when it did not involve Marshall and Waters. Comments were made by those in power after the balloting process in the 2nd and 3rd cases but not in the 1st and 4th when Marshall and Waters were being considered. The rules or the customary methods of procedure were changed at the leadership’s whim. The SGIG could heal an entire class but he couldn’t heal just two others. He could heal a whole class in one month not making them wait 6 months to be voted on again but he wouldn’t extend that privilege to Marshall and Waters. In both instances where candidates were voted on individually Marshall and Waters were always the last two to be balloted upon.
Of further note, the crowd at the ballot box swelled when Waters and Marshall’s petitions were being voted upon. Yet, during the two votes when entire classes were being cubed, there was an instance where a Grand Lodge of Georgia Officer stopped an entire line of voters from proceeding by refusing to move forward to cast his ballot. At one point, only three people, other than Scottish Rite Officers, were voting.
Georgia Mainstream Freemasons think they have won the second battle, round two. But they thought the same way in the first round before the publicity forced them to retreat. Here we are again fighting the same fight and calling upon all Masons nationwide to put pressure upon The Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction to act in a Masonic manner, put an end to such shenanigans and heal Marshall and Waters without further comment. If we did it once we can do it again. The ball is in your court, Brother.
This is staggering!
Scottish Rite members in the Valley of Atlanta are acting like Klansmen! I don’t have any respect for them and they certainly aren’t Masons, so I’m refusing to call them Freemasons at all! How low can you go… blackballing another Brother!
I’d been considering joining the Scottish Rite and honestly have to say this has changed my mind. I have no interest in joining something as dishonorable as this. I would be ashamed to be affiliated with this organization. Unless and until this is condemned publicly and emphatically with some kind of assurance it will never happen again, count me out.
I will resign unless you come to your senses!
This is appalling and very unmasonic. Perhaps we can bring True and Universal Scottish Rite Free-Masonry to Georgia. The Supreme council of Louisiana is an independent Jurisdiction and has done battle with the SJ AASR under Albert Pike. The lodge can petition for the upper degrees. They can perhaps establish a Grand Consistory in time.
So mote it be!
I am a mainstream mason in the great state of Minnesota. I am also a member of the A.A.S.R. Southern Jurisdiction, Orient of Minnesota, Valley of Minneapolis. I am a proud member and pleased to stand a just and upright Scottish Rite Mason. First things first, I am African American, and I can assure you this is not a Scottish Rite problem this is a state of racist, uneducated, misinformed, and as far as I’m concerned “clandestine” Georgia masons. If these brothers actually did there homework they would find that in this country Prince Hall Lodge #1 has the oldest charter issued under the U.G.L.E.! How can you truly call yourself a mason if you’re breaking one of the most important tenets of our institution “Brotherly Love”.
I’m very happy my “great, great” ancestor, a Brother, who fought from 1862-1865 as an officer in the 1st Illinois Cavalry, was on the right side. Shame on the so-called Masons in Georgia who make a mockery of our fraternity with blatant racism and ignorance of Masonic balloting rules. I would hope the majority of American Grand Lodges will consider dropping recognition of Georgia.
I am not a Scottish Rite member, nor would I be in Georgia. Any man receiving the
MM degree, is eligible to elevate himself as his conscience directs. Being blackballed
by the Scottish Rite in Georgia (or anywhere else) is shameful and abhorrent to the
principles of Freemasonry. The SR of Georgia has cast a terrible black mark on them-
selves.
This is shocking and appaling. As a Master Mason from Michigan i have always been taught, and i always teach brotherly love, period religion, politices and race stay at the door. Last time i checked our concern is does a propective brother believe in a Supreme being. Not what is the color of his skin. This brother may have done great things fro masonry. Very sad.
You should really get your facts straight. Victor Marshal is an a legitimate master mason most of what you have written above in not true.
You should check you facts with the garnd lodge intead of getting second hand information!!!
Is also true that most folks do not understand the reason for the ballot.
It is no more racist to vote against a balck men or anyother person that may apply. It is a matter of choice between the brethren of the lodge that is casting the ballot. To even question a ballot in Georgia is to commint masonic misconduct.
And it is not the business of any other lodge how a lodge voted on a single person Black, white or any other race. By your post you have committed un masonic conduct youself as you have comdemed a whole state of mason for the mis-deeds of a few arrogant brother who had no business doing what they did.
I am a white Prince Hall Affiliated mason in the FL jurisdiction. It troubles me that men that are supposed to be square in all their dealings before God and mankind would engage in discrimination. If KS was around he would call these Brothers “despicable wretches.” Such behavior goes against our tenets. Being white is not a prerequisite to gaining acceptance in our noble institution, nor is it a prerequisite to climb the masonic ladder. If they did not have a just cause, the brothers who blackballed Marshall and Waters should be ashamed of themselves. You will sit with a black man in church but you wouldn’t do the same in a lodge; such hypocrisy, prejudice, and discrimination does not belong in Freemasonry. To end, any mason who has hate in his heart for another person because of the color of their skin is no Brother of mine.
As one of the first Black men to be petitioned on in a mainstream lodge in America, I can relate to this adversity and was denied at the ballot box before.
I AM saddened that this foolishness is still going on, but with the PGM Frank Hass expulsion and subsequent lawsuit that I witnessed in West Virginia after I had attempted to visit mainstream lodges, nothing surprises me anymore.
Is it right? Hell NO!
Fred, … your comments about the Grand Lodge of Georgia and what happen are wrong. The actions were those of other Masons and Lodges in Atlanta against the Grand Master & Grand Lodge FOR FAILING to take action against Gate City Lodge. The Grand Master reviewed the Gate City’s incident and declared it legal & proper. See the Grand Master’s Edict 2009-1. … If need be I can reprint those here and the Grand Master’s letter that was sent to all Lodges.
What is happening in the Scottish Rite Valley of Atlanta are the results of the actions of their own Members.
Brother Edwmax, Scottish Rite members in Georgia are Master Masons of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Their actions reflect upon that Grand Lodge.
What you fail to see or realize is that the original charges against Gate City Lodge No. 2 and the attempt to remove Victor Marshall from the ranks of Georgia Masons WAS INSTIGATED BY THE GRAND MASTER OF GEORGIA through surrogates. The fact that he came out in the end in support of Victor Marshall and exonerated Gate City Lodge No. 2 does not mean that initially he did not try to do the opposite.
Before you claim that I am wrong have you done the investigative groundwork to so charge me.? Have you talked to any members of Gate City Lodge No. 2? I would point you to Brothers and attorneys David Johnston and David Llewellyn of that Lodge. The story on the surface is not always the story behind the story.
Ole Blake,
You cannot just charge that I do not have my facts straight without pointing out where. I have not indicted a whole Grand Lodge, only those who are enforcing unmasonic viewpoints. If it is unmasonic to question a ballot then why is it OK for the Personal Representative and the SGIG to do so but it is wrong for me to do so?
The plain fact is, my Brother, that your continuing position that one cannot question any action of one’s own Grand Lodge or side body and that those from another jurisdiction cannot comment on the actions of a jurisdiction not their own is a major reason why Masonic injustice is able to survive. If a Mason or group of Masons anywhere errs it is my right as a Mason to whisper words of correction in their ears. And if they fail to heed that advice it is my right as a Mason to shout it out to the rest of Freemasonry. All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
The 2 Black Masons need to WAKE UP AND JOIN GA PRINCE HALL INSTEAD !!!
Ole Blake, is it true or not that Victor Marshall has been black balled twice? As you’ve stated, there were “misdeeds by others”, correct? If these “misdeeds” were in direct contradiction to the principles of Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite, then the process has been sullied and those “others” have committed fraud against a Master Mason by cheating him out of furthering his journey. When local leadership abandons it’s post, it is the business of every Master Mason to protect the Craft from disrepute – no matter whose in charge or what color cap he wears. The misdeeds of your Georgia Brother’s are a smear against all of us. “If you can’t purge this Lodge”, believe it now Brother, “WE WILL.” GET YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER.
By the way, In Georgia Freemasonry, A Grand Master’s Edict ends with his term. For the Grand Master’s Edict to become law, it has to be voted upon by the Grand Lodge. The edict having to do with Gate city Lodge No. 2 which the Grand Master of 2009 was so proud of, lost overwhelmingly in Grand Lodge. In other words, The Grand Master’s Edict expired with his term. That was a pretty easy edict to vote yes on but the Brother’s of Georgia voted “No.” Email the Grand Secretary of Georgia and ask him, he’ll tell you the same thing.
“Shocked”? “Appalled”? Not I! Business as usual as far as I’m concerned. Freemasonry has taken giant leaps backward in the past few years that I fear may never be completely reversed.
This really does not shock me a bit. I moved to florida from Philadelphia Pa. I joined the local Lodge, was accepted, and rose to MM. I asked if a former fellow firefighter could join us in lodge, and yes he was black. It was mentioned that if I brought an N. in the lodge the Lodge master would but one between my running lights. It was stated tha blacks have a clandestine Lodge they can join and that is the Prince Hall Lodge and that is their place.
I asked how that started, and was told that Quote, that a white man brought his slave and no one thought the monkey had the brains to memorize all we had to say so no one minded the slave being there. The slave or servant took the info and started teach other blacks and formed their clandestine Lodge. Really sick isn’t it?
Well after some time I just decided to not pay my dues and go away quietly, because there is no room for racism in Masonry. sorry but this is typical of many lodges in the south and that good o9le boy Klan mentality has not died out here. Even though I live in Ga and refuse to join a lodge, or pay current on my dues I still live masonically, because it is right, but the r shame is that in doing what they are doing they are providing an environment where me will not become better men because in order to do that racism must be gotten rid of completely.
That’s great Brother Thornton – keep all those Black folks away from me. Seperate but equal was reversed over 50 years ago. Don’t you remember when President Eisenhower sent federal troops into Little Rock, Arkansas and made Governor Faubus move aside? This is the 21st century, my Brother!
No wonder Freemasonry isn’t growing with attitudes like this!
I have been informed, Brother Edwmax, that the Grand Master’s edict you are referring to was voted down at a Grand Lodge Session. Would you like to confirm that for me?
Frank Conners is correct: Edict 2009-1 was voted out at the next GL session, and so expired upon installation of the new GM.
Fred … Yes those Scottish Rite members a members of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, but they do not represent the Grand Lodge. And, the Scottish Rite is autonomous unto its self. So as everyone already knows, the GL of Ga does not have jurisdiction over them.
Those ‘surrogates’, your refer to, in Feb or March of 2009 are the same ones that started a petition for an emergent meeting of the Grand Lodge for the purpose to reprimand or remove the Grand Master from office for failure to do his duty. The petition did not get enough support for an emergent meeting to occur.
The Grand Master issued an Edict in Jan or Feb 2009 and a letter to all Lodges, that Victor Marshall was a regular Mason and member under the Grand Lodge Lodge of Georgia and shall be received and courtesies extended to him as any other Master Mason in Georgia.
Now what proof, other than you insinuation, that those ‘surrogates’ were working under direct orders of the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge? … The Grand Lodge only meets once a year in October and had not met, therefore could not have issued any such direction.
For your info Edict 1 & 2 are copied below. Edict no. 2 is the result of the civil action bypassing the Grand Lodge.
EDICT No. 2009-1
Whereas: Freemasonry has existed in Georgia since its founding in 1734 and is the oldest Fraternal Organization in the State, and;
Whereas: Freemasonry is universal in scope, being a Brotherhood of Man under the Father-hood of God, and;
Whereas: the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free & Accepted Masons, holds membership in this worldwide Brotherhood, and;
Whereas: our Ancient and Honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors and offers its privileges to men of all races, colors and national origins who believe in a Supreme Being, as stated in our Degrees and Lectures, and;
Whereas: no reference is made to exclude any petitioner with regard to race, color or national origin in any of the Rituals or Masonic Code authorized for use in the Constituent Lodges chartered by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, and;
7
Whereas: it is incumbent on all members of our Brotherhood to abide by the Rules, Regulations, Laws and Edicts of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That no negative reference by made by any officer or member on any Lodge chartered under The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, in reference to a Petitioner’s race, color or national origin, who believe in a Supreme Being, during any Lodge Communication, conferral of degrees, proficiency practice or proficiency examination;
Further, be it resolved, that it is the responsibility of the Worshipful Master of each Lodge Constituted under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, to insure and enforce strict complipance with this Edict, and, further to have it read at the next two communications of the Lodge after rec&pt by the Lodge. Any Lodge reported in violation of this Edict will be disciplined.
EDICT No. 2009-2
Whereas: the Masonic Code of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, F & A.M., contains the procedures to proceed with charges against a Brother Master Mason, and
Whereas: the Masonic Code of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M., contains the procedures to proceed with charges against the sitting Master of a Lodge chartered under its Constitution, and
Whereas: the Masonic Code of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & AM., denotes breaches of conduct of which Masons may be charged with un-Masonic conduct or gross un-Masonic conduct, and
Whereas: in the history of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M., there has not been intervention from any Civil Court pertaining to Masonic mailers contained in the Masonic Code of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M.
THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED:
That it shall be deemed un-Masonic conduct and a Masonic offense subjecting the offender to Masonic discipline for any Lodge chartered under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M., or any member thereof to seek Civil action in a profane Civil Court of Law, against the Grand Lodge of Georgia, the Grand Master, its officers or any employee of Grand Lodge, or any subordinate Lodge of Grand Lodge, or any member of a subordinate Lodge, for any civil action without first addressing to a conclusion, the disputed issue at Grand Lodge, in accordance with Masonic Code, and exhausting any and all internal, administrative, substantive and procedural remedies provided under the Masonic Code.
Further, be it resolved, that it is the responsibility of the Worshipful Master of each Lodge constituted under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, to insure and enforce strict compliance with this Edict, and further to have it read at the next two communications of the Lodge after receipt by the Lodge.
Yes that is correct. It was voted out. BUT, the Edit itself did not change, add to, or delete any section of the Code. It would however add the words ‘race, color and national origin’ which are not there to begin with. … That I agree with, it was not necessary to incorporate the Edict into the Code. The Edict did it purpose and that was to put Lodges on notice.
Brother Edwmax,
If the Grand Master’s edict was not approved by a Grand Session than any enforcement of it no matter where it was place was deleted. An action a Grand Master takes while Grand Session is not in Session that is later voided when Grand Session is in session and votes it down, is null and void.
Any Mason within a state whether a member of that Grand Lodge or not is subject to the rule of the Grand Master of that state. It makes no difference whether these are Blue Lodge Masons, Scottish Rite Masons or York Rite Masons or Shriners. They are all subject to the Grand Master. We cannot say here that because these were Scottish Rite Masons that they were not Blue Lodge Masons or were not Georgia Masons. This is all one fraternity. What one part of the fraternity does reflects on us all. I am not saying that the Grand Lodge of Georgia had anything to do with what went on at the Scottish Rite. What I am saying is that some of the Scottish Rite Masons who acted as they did were prominent Blue Lodge Masons and some were involved in the attempted purge the first time around.
Furthermore, it is quite provable that the Grand Master instigated the actions against Victor Marshall and Gate City Lodge No. 2 in the first place. I reiterate my question. Have you talked to Brothers attorneys David Johnston or David Llewellyn or any other members of Gate City Lodge No. 2?
It’s not what was the official position here that I am arguing with. There is no contesting what the official position of the Grand Lodge of Georgia was and is. It is the actions behind the scene that violate the official position I am talking about. And when those contrary actions are by the Grand Master himself, you have to ask whether the man is talking out both sides of his mouth at the same time.
I spent a lot of time on research of these articles. Quoting me the official position means diddly. Reality is reality and fantasy is fantasy.
Every single one of the bills relating to discrimination and acceptance were rejected by the vote of the Grand Lodge in 2009. Every single one relating to that topic. The Grand Lodge assembly had multiple chances to prove themselves not to be prejudiced but proved quite the contrary. Again, not one passed!
Brother Edwmax,
If all of the bills regarding racial equality and non-discrimination in practice, not to mention the Grand Master’s edict, failed to pass at the 2009 Grand Lodge, what more proof do we need that the representative body of Georgia Masons are not true Masons? These were bills that stated that a man could not be turned away from the Craft because of his color, religion, etc. There were several bills all speaking to the same thing but worded differently. All of them failed, many by as much as a 3 to 1 margin, 700 voted (basically 1.2% of members). If that’s not a representative sampling of Georgia Freemasonry, I don’t know what to tell you. Accurate Presidential Election Outcomes are calculated and predicted using way less of a representative sample.
I know those bills were voted down, I was there. … As I stated above the bills did not do anything to change the Ga Code even if they were passed. … Nowhere in the Code does it state men of Color or Black men are bared from joining our Lodges. … So it is not necessary for these bills to be pasted. They are men of color members of our Lodges long before 2008 and Gate City.
[quote=Fred] … Any Mason within a state whether a member of that Grand Lodge or not is subject to the rule of the Grand Master of that state. It makes no difference whether these are Blue Lodge Masons, Scottish Rite Masons or York Rite Masons or Shriners. They are all subject to the Grand Master. We cannot say here that because these were Scottish Rite Masons that they were not Blue Lodge Masons or were not Georgia Masons. This is all one fraternity. … [/quote]
If the Scottish Rite takes action to expel specific members for un-Masonic conduct, then I’m sure the GL of Ga would take appropriate action. So exactly which Members cast a Racist & un-Masonic vote? It appears that Members of Gate City Lodge are equally guilty too. They cast their vote simple because a candidate was White. Or was the vote cast because of the Lodge a Candidate was a member of??????
The point is, until the Scottish Rite, Valley of Atlanta take action, then charges in the GL of Ga are not possible. If the un-Masonic conduct is not provable in the Scottish Rite, then it is not provable in the GL of Ga.
Now can you point out specific Masons who cast their ballot because of skin color?
[quote=Fred] … Furthermore, it is quite provable that the Grand Master instigated the actions against Victor Marshall and Gate City Lodge No. 2 in the first place … [/quote]
Then prove it, for all to know! Otherwise that is your supposition and you, sir, are just being a wordsmith to stir up trouble.
@ Frank Connors
I reiterate again … no where in the Ga Masonic Code is Black men or any man of Color barred from joining a Georgia Masonic Lodge. Those Bills are simple un-necessary and would have not changed anything if they were passed. … What’s more when a Candidates petitions a Lodge, non-members of that Lodge can not vote. The acceptance of a Man as a Candidate is business of that Lodge ALONE.
Has anyone spoken to S.G.I.G Steele? I would love to get his take on this matter. I spoke to him at USC and he and his wife says “Race has no place in Masonry”
I am working with a very fine African American who lives in Atlanta but is working in Minnesota. I have talked with him about Masons for him and DeMolay for his son (13). I will speak no more on the subject except to invite him to be part of my Lodge in Minneapolis. One fine loss for former-Brothers.
This same thing happened to the brethren of Alpha Lodge No. 116 in East Orange, New Jersey back in the early 90’s. It then happened with the Shrine class too, and again they sued and won.
@edwmax
No one can hide behind his obligation (s) with his obligation (s). Unfortunately, sir, I was at GL 2009 as well. I saw some pretty frightening things but according to you these would be local prerogatives. The hypocrisy here is that you are aware of the same transgressions that I am but choose to interpret these in some sort of “states rights” fashion as opposed to what is good for the Craft as a whole. The reason those proposed by laws and edicts were important was for Georgia Mason’s to prove that they were true Mason’s. You couldn’t even prove yourselves to be human. How dare a serial transgressor against the tenants of Freemasonry such as Georgia vote down an edict or law that states that Freemasonry in Georgia does not discriminate? After this slap in the face, we receive car salesman type arguments from the likes of you which do nothing but insult the intelligence of any one reading this blog.
So, in your words, you have alluded to me possibly being a wordsmith who likes to stir up trouble. You are obviously a wordsmith who likes to enable. Yes, enable. Like those that assist the alcoholic in repeated bad behavior, your are giving aid and comfort when you should be warning your Brethren. Like the smart one in the room who doesn’t correct the idiot when he speaks. Like the father who doesn’t correct the child and then wonders why he wears his pants hanging down around his rear.
Despite years of rambling and warnings, two years ago, who among us thought the Gate City story was real? It couldn’t be real, could it? Sure, it showed up on Hodapp, and there were detractors and challengers asking for proof. But, myself included, all of us hoped against hope that the story wasn’t real. WAKE UP CALL: The proof came when the written charges then showed up in the Beehive, then the reaction was “I can’t believe they are airing our dirty laundry”. So many were trying to make excuses or apologize for the Grand Master. Then, the mainstream media got a hold of it and all ran for cover. It all turned out to be real. A real nightmare and Georgia could have stopped it by acting like human beings. You can’t even affirm the principles of Freemasonry when it comes in the form of an edict. SAD. Your explanation, by the way, is garbage and red neck logic. Shame on you. You are in an international fraternity and your bad judgement reflects poorly on all of us.
Georgia couldn’t stop the embarrassment of Freemasonry with the Blue Lodge. No, now it’s on to the Scottish Rite. I guess you’ll make a tour of it. Today the Scottish Rite, tomorrow the Shrine and York Rite. You will make all of us have to answer tough questions or take off our rings because you simply will not police yourselves. It’s not just a lodges or valley business when stupid events transpire or ignorant people are left unchecked.
Unfortunately though, pal, that’s the way you guys have always done down there. I guess about 150 years ago, your side would run head long uphill and into canon fire. You are doing it again.
Noble 357, especially the black race.
@ frank… ever hear the song “Rednecks”, by Randy Neumann? Its about you. Don’t put your southern Brethren in some broad group. Do all Yankees winter in Florida RV parks? No. Everybody just needs to shut up, sit in the chairs, go to GL and vote.
S&F regards.
“no where in the Ga Masonic Code is Black men or any man of Color barred from joining a Georgia Masonic Lodge. Those Bills are simple un-necessary and would have not changed anything if they were passed.”
And yet, being that they made absolutely no changes to anything, they weren’t passed. When it actually comes to putting it -in writing- you object. If they were no big deal and made no changes then why not pass them?
Gentlemen, Brothers. I am a newly raised Master Mason and live in Georgia. This is my firs time visiting this site. Based on what I read in this thread though many of you have claimed I am not a Master Mason at all.
My personal stance is that I believe any man of character who meets the requirements should be, if found worthy by the lodge he petitions, welcomed into our fraternity. My lodge, yes here in Georgia, has an Asian Member in it. He is not “White”, nor have I ever been told or instructed that a man had to be white to join my lodge. I was raised a year ago, so I am not sure about the History of the Gate City situation, though I am aware of it through heresay. I do know that the Brothers, I call them that because they were made Mason’s in a regular lodge recognized by my GL and therefore are not clandestine to me, from Gate City were at our GL They were there with all the Masons of Ga who attended GL. So it seems that all the Past Masters , Past Grand Masters, and MM’s in GA sat with them, and why shouldn’t they? If we were all sa you claim I would imagine there would have been a lot of guys walk out and not sit in Lodge, more especially a GL, with them right?
As a newly raised Master Mason I take insult, grave insult, at the accusations made that I am not a real Mason simply because I am under the jurisdiction of the GL of GA. I have taken my obligations, passed my examinations, am involved in my lodge, involved in my community and represent this fraternity as a whole EVERYWHERE I go with pride. I do that because I know wherever I go I represent all of you as well!!
Simply becasue there are some who have bigotry in their heart here in GA (and I would assume that bigots exist in PH Masonry as well I am sure as bigotry is EVERYWHERE sadly) that does not qualify all of us as bigots.
I believe in time things may change in GA. Until then I have earned my rights and privledges as a Mason. No man, on here, has a right to say I am not a Master Mason in my opinion. Even if you say I am not…I know what I am. I need no affirmation from anyone but my GAOTU. I pray this will all resolve itself one day, and I am sure it will.
Wow, It’s so sad to see some never received light! It’s so sad to see some speak insignificant words of virtue but have so little understanding of their book of faith upon which their words could derive real meaning. It’s sad that some vote without any awareness of the good of their lodge. I’m fortunate to have seen first hand so much masonry has to be proud of and have only heard of this shame from far away. I pray the decent men will restore a masonry built on truth in this lodge in Georgia.
@ Son of Sylvanus ???? The Black Race…. Trust me there is no place in this life or the next for narrow minded people such as yourself. You cannot be a Christian and I pray that the Lord will forgive you!!! I will pray for you.
@ Frank Connor
One). I haven’t alluded to you as being a wordsmith. That comment was made to Fred. … This shows your attempt to twist the facts and my words. … But if the shoe fits you may wear it too.
Two) … Regardless of your opinion, the tenets of Freemasonry are stated at the beginning of the Ga Code. and Men of Color are not barred from joining Lodges in Georgia. … Therefore. Passing nor failing to pass the Edicts in question has nothing to do with Masons in Georgia being human or not.
Three) [quote=Frank Connor] …A real nightmare and Georgia could have stopped it by acting like human beings. … [/quote] … What the h-ll are you talking about? Gate City still has their Charter and Victor Marshall is still a Master Mason in the GL of Ga. This situation is resolved and you (Frank Connor) don’t like the outcome.
Anyone can start a Civil action in court, even you. Nowhere on the Civil complaint against Gate City Lodge is there the name of the Grand Master or the name of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Contrary to Fred’s claims above the Grand Master nor the Grand Lodge were not party to that Civil action. … I’m still waiting for Fred to PROVE otherwise.
Four) You, Frank Connor, keep using the pronoun ‘you’ as in ‘me personally’ & ‘ Grand Lodge collectively’; thus insinuating that I, personally, as leading or being the problem with the Grand Lodge.. Get this straight, I only have one vote out of about 45000; or 1000 or so that show up at the Grand Lodge. And, You DO NOT have any idea what my position on this situation IS. … My comments above were to Fred for insinuating the Grand Master and/or the Grand Lodge itself lead the Civil action against Gate City Lodge. They did not.
Five) … [quote=Frank Connor] …You will make all of us have to answer tough questions or take off our rings because you simply will not police yourselves. …. [/quote] Not hardly! It’s Brothers like you that just run off at the mouth about knowing the truth but fail to swear out Masonic Charges against the guilty parties and present proof of those Charges, that are allowing this problem to continue. You want the Grand Master & the Grand Lodge to handle the problem; then swear out Charges! … Put UP or Shut UP!
Six) … [quote=Frank Connor] …Your explanation, by the way, is garbage and red neck logic. … [/quote] You sir are just rambling BS and can kiss my Brotherly Redneck Ass.
@edwmax
I would be happy to kiss your redneck a$$, but only in a brotherly sort of way. No funny stuff, remember I am your brother, not your sister or cousin.
I don’t know how many times I have to say the same thing. Let me be blunt for your dull edge: If the last event concerning Gate City Atlanta is a precursor to what’s on the horizon, I am sure your proof is on it’s way or “in hands”. What is unclear is whose hands. That is the pity. I doubt if it will be handled internally as you guys are Excuse Artists, Cover Up Stooges and Spin Kings and I don’t think, especially with the edicts and proposed laws of 2009 being voted down, you’ve earned a place in anyone’s hearts as being fair or honest. Again, it’s your fault.
@ Frank Connor
[quote=Frank Connor] … Again, it’s your fault. …[/quote] … How can that be, I actually voted to approve both Edicts. … surprise, surprise … But I wouldn’t do it again for the reasons I stated above. … As I stated the problem is Master Masons that are failing to swear out Charges against guilty Masons and loud mouths that think they know what is going on.
The proof of the Grand Master’s initial persecution of Victor Marshall and Gate City Lodge No.2 is real but it is in the hands of trusty Brothers who wish to stay in their Lodges and not bring up a settled situation just to create a disturbance. Its over and done with and both parties settled for a standoff until now. I cannot lay it out all here because to do so would jeopardize the Masonic careers of some good men. You will find that whistle blowers in civilian life are most often granted immunity and relief from retribution. Not so in Freemasonry. The lives and well being of those involved are more important to me than the rantings of some unbeliever who demands to see it all in black and white.
So we are at a standstill. You either accept what I have to say or you don’t. Either way we will go forward and the tiger will reveal some more of his stripes in the future. Perhaps then we can come back and revisit the issue of the innocence of Grand Lodge.
In the meantime the declaration by those who would like to see others hanging themselves – that if they are in possession of any incriminating evidence of Masonic malfeasance, that they should immediately bring these matters into the open and bring those that have violated the by-laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge, EVEN IF IT IS THE GRAND MASTER to justice, are not dealing with a full deck. They are divorced from reality and dealing in the never, never land of where everybody is a goody, goody and operates above board. Bringing a Grand Master up on charges is the end of that person(s) Masonic career. Retribution will be swift and final. Anybody in Mainstream Masonry that is expelled from his Grand Lodge will be refused admittance elsewhere within all the other Lodges in the United States that are Mainstream. There are a huge amount of Brethren who have been unjustly expelled in this country. Adding to their roles will not help the situation one iota nor will it bring to justice those that have acted unmasonically and illegally. To say otherwise is to label one as living in an Alice in Wonderland fantasy world.
Every time one of these persecution situations arises there are Brothers who come forth and propose that the only way to deal with the situation is to go through channels, prefer charges, attend one’s own Masonic trial because right will win out. Well right does not always win out in this world. Any Brother who has traversed the ins and outs of Grand Lodge can telly you that Grand Lodge plays hardball and the only way to combat the manner in which they operate is to play hardball back.
Please stop the “holier than though attitude.
As I am new to this site I apologize if this violates any kind of protocols.
While I have my own thoughts as to what is being is happening in Georgia, I doubt I could offer anything that hasn’t already been said. But what I will say is that some passions need to checked. I realize this is a touchy subject but to call an entire jurisdiction clandestine is just wrong. Just as there are evil men everywhere there are also good ones. We can’t condemn an entire group of people because of a few bad eggs.
I can understand your outrage brothers, but part of what makes us masons and separates us from the rest of the community is our ability to keep our passions in check.
SORRY ABOUT THE TROUBLE IN GA.——BUT——-ITS N OT THE ONLY STATE HAVING TROUBLE—-ARK—-IS IN BIG TROUBLE—-RACISM—-UNGODLY ACTIONS—ECT ECT—SEAMS ALL OF THIS COMES FROM THE GRAND LODGES—-THINK—–THE DAY YOU KISSED THE HOLY BIBLE——-AND PROMISED YOUR BROTHERN WHAT YOU WOULD DO—–DID THAT MEEN NOTHEN TO YOU WHEN YOU GOT POWER??????????
None of you should be talking bad about another brother. Talk in general not about direct brothers. Seems a lot of you have forgotten your MM Work obviously. How can you expect to move on if you can’t remember where you started in your work. We don’t know what caused their ballot casting nor, you can seek legal suit over anything doesn’t make it fact. Unless your involved it makes it hard to judge. I can’t make a judgment like that and remember ur MM oath
You all share too much about the work here in my opinion.
Love what you said Big Bob in reference to our passions. I don’t know the protocol either, apologize for the multiple posts. 🙂