Morning Folks!!
I don’t often if ever tell folks I am a Mason. Been one for over 25 years. I don’t think I have ever written about it until today. I have never talked about this before. It was nothing secret but also nothing you speak about either.
I figured with the Internet as it is I would look some info up and see how much was still private. So I feel comfortable discussing it now.
The Mason’s have a long history and many famous members. Free Mason’s have been around since the 17th Century. Some say even before that. Many myths have been spread over the years. They are just that. Myths.
The Lodge I belong to was established in 1795 by Paul Revere. Many of the original members were direct descendants of the Pilgrims.
The interesting thing that the Masons have in common with the Internet is that it was based on your reputation, your character and trustworthiness. Have you ever heard the term “Black Balled”? That was taken from the Mason’s. There were only 2 types of people in the eyes of Mason’s. 100% trustworthy or not.
When you get involved and go through the exercise to become a Mason they have one night in which all the other members of that chapter vote and decide whether you have the qualities needed. They use white balls which means they approve and “Black Balls” if a member does not approve. If just one black ball is cast, the membership is denied. Just one.
So if you had one bad thing happen with just one member, you were rejected. Character and reputation is everything. It’s an ancient thing this “Honor” stuff.
It’s not a religion and there are a lot of misinformation out there. It’s a fraternity. Together they do great things. Charitable ventures and just good stewards of the community. The only requirement is that you believe in God. That is the beginning and the end of religion and the Mason's.
I don’t know if it is very popular today. Are any of you Masons? I bet some of your father's and grandfather's may have been. Maybe that is why I talk about walking west to find the sunrise. Mason's will understand this one.
Happy Easter! Happy Passover! Happy Whatever! At the end of the day, no matter who you are or what you believe, our job is to be the best person we can be and better tomorrow than today.
Have a GREAT Day!
Rick Schwartz
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