Ambassadors for Freemasonry n A brief introduction n Some suggestions and ideas n The myths about Masonry n Question & Answer session n Open Forum –

AmbassadorsAmbassadorsfor for

FreemasonryFreemasonry

Ambassadors for Ambassadors for FreemasonryFreemasonry

A brief introduction A brief introduction Some suggestions and ideasSome suggestions and ideas The The mythsmyths about Masonry about Masonry Question & Answer sessionQuestion & Answer session Open Forum – what do you Open Forum – what do you

want to see next ? want to see next ?

Ambassadors for Ambassadors for FreemasonryFreemasonry ..

It is perfectly acceptable to appoint your Lodge Mentor immediately

The aim is to help all Masons, including the new Mason, to talk about Freemasonry with his family and friends.

The intention here is that we should all feel able and willing to talk comfortably and confidently about our organisation, and thereby act as

Ambassadors for Freemasonry.


So how do we do that ???So how do we do that ???

The help is already there ! The help is already there ! Group Officers Group Officers Group Mentor Group Mentor Lodge MentorLodge Mentor Personal MentorPersonal Mentor Lodge membersLodge members


A new approach to communication is needed

IntegrityIntegrity KindnessKindness HonestyHonesty FairnessFairness


Help from Grand Lodge

Freemasonry – What’s it all about ?A new leaflet written in plain language

A Short Talk to be delivered in Lodge, or at the Festive Board, on speaking freely about Freemasonry

Myths about MasonryMyths about Masonry The wonderful thing about the miracle of the The wonderful thing about the miracle of the

internet is the total freedom for anyone, internet is the total freedom for anyone, around the world, on any continent, at any around the world, on any continent, at any time, to be totally at liberty to contribute time, to be totally at liberty to contribute

absolute rubbish absolute rubbish about any subject, about any subject, including Freemasonry, on the world wide including Freemasonry, on the world wide web, without any shred of proof or web, without any shred of proof or substantiation substantiation

Many people have taken full Many people have taken full advantage of this freedom ! advantage of this freedom !

This doesn’t mean any of this electronic This doesn’t mean any of this electronic “publishing” is even partially true, “publishing” is even partially true, educational or in any way helpful....... educational or in any way helpful.......

The 3 AAAs of The 3 AAAs of Masonic Myths Masonic Myths

AllegedlyAllegedly ..............(insert allegation here)..............(insert allegation here)

ApparentlyApparently ..............(insert apparent fact here)..............(insert apparent fact here)

According to According to ..............(insert name of ..............(insert name of “expert” here)“expert” here)

So where do myths come So where do myths come from ?from ?

The age-old fight of The age-old fight of

Knowledge vs IgnoranceKnowledge vs Ignorance

Where knowledge is lacking, this leaves room Where knowledge is lacking, this leaves room for for Suspicion, Supposition and Stupidity !! Suspicion, Supposition and Stupidity !!

We are now starting to provide the We are now starting to provide the knowledge to break down this ignorance knowledge to break down this ignorance more publicly than ever beforemore publicly than ever before

Masonic Myths Masonic Myths

We are not alone in being We are not alone in being

subjected to this kind of thing ! subjected to this kind of thing !

It would be horrible to feel It would be horrible to feel

we have been left out !we have been left out !

Other Myth Recipients ! Other Myth Recipients !

All All Presidents of the USAPresidents of the USA are apparently reptilian are apparently reptilian (seriously?) members of the Illuminati (yawn), (seriously?) members of the Illuminati (yawn), and oh yes, Masons ( sometimes true !) and oh yes, Masons ( sometimes true !)

The The Police and Armed ForcesPolice and Armed Forces are allegedly puppets are allegedly puppets of some vague, shadowy multi-national of some vague, shadowy multi-national organisation who wish to create chaos......... organisation who wish to create chaos.........

The particle accelerator at CERN near Geneva was The particle accelerator at CERN near Geneva was going to destroy the earth by creating black holes going to destroy the earth by creating black holes – yes, the conspiracy theorists even take on – yes, the conspiracy theorists even take on advanced particle physicists........advanced particle physicists........

Even some numbers get a rough press.....13 ! Even some numbers get a rough press.....13 !

So what do “they” So what do “they” say about us ??say about us ??

It is hilarious to ask friends and family It is hilarious to ask friends and family what they have heard what they have heard

It is real fun to investigate on the www It is real fun to investigate on the www 5,820,000 results !5,820,000 results !

So this is going to take some time...... So this is going to take some time...... or is it ? Draw on your OWN or is it ? Draw on your OWN experiences to dispel these myths with experiences to dispel these myths with non-masonsnon-masons

Top 10 Masonic Myths Top 10 Masonic Myths

1) Are Masons 1) Are Masons Occultists, Devil Occultists, Devil Worshippers or Cult Worshippers or Cult Followers etc etc etc ? Followers etc etc etc ?

Thankfully not ! – we take an oath not to discuss religion or

politics when we join, to avoid disharmony; and we are not

linked with any one religion, whilst a belief in a Supreme

Being remains a condition of membership. We also talk

about Integrity, Kindness Honesty & Fairness – hardly

proper behaviour for any self-respecting evil-doer !

Yet more myths !Yet more myths !

3) Are we a branch of the 3) Are we a branch of the Illuminati ? Illuminati ?

Oh, for goodness sake !

There was a Bavarian Illuminati organisation which died out in 1784Since then, they have probably struggled a bit on recruitment........ And no, we are not a branch of theirs, even if they did exist !

More myths More myths

4) All World Leaders are 4) All World Leaders are Masons Masons

Not true – President Obama is not a Mason. Gerald Ford was the last US Presidential Mason.

No other World Leaders are currently Masons. A clear recruitment opportunity Brethren!

Many of our symbols come from aperiod before Masonry was even invented.The all-seeing eye was put on the Dollar Bill by artist Pierre Du Simitiere, who was not a Mason. The pentagram is much older than Freemasonry, and took it’s link with the occult only in the 19th century.

Partly true, but Partly true, but co-incidental Myths.....co-incidental Myths..... 5) 5) Masonic Symbols are everywhereMasonic Symbols are everywhere

Another myth ! Another myth !

6) We are a Secret Society6) We are a Secret SocietyNo, we are a society of men, with certain modes of recognition (in the form of a handshake) for use within Freemasonry, that we keep private. After all, even KFC keeps the ingredients for their recipe private .

Our meeting places are often opened tothe public for social events, weddings etc.and many of our own functions welcomefamily, friends and non-masons.

We openly exhibit at the Southport Flower Show !

Myths, myths, more mythsMyths, myths, more myths

7) Do we only look after our own ? 7) Do we only look after our own ?

Yes we do help our members, BUT we also give generously to non-Masonic charitable causes. In West Lancs, the Lodges and Chapters, and community grants from Province, give similar amounts to Masonic and non-Masonic causes.

Grand Lodge Charity - 51% Masonic, 49% non-Masonic

Not many myths to go Not many myths to go nownow- - Number 8 Number 8

Are we all Are we all Solicitors ?Solicitors ?

Bank Managers ?Bank Managers ? Business-men who Business-men who

help each other ?help each other ?

Do you need to be Do you need to be rich to join ? rich to join ?

A show of hands A show of hands here would be here would be helpful – who is a helpful – who is a Solicitor, Solicitor, Bank Manager, Bank Manager, Businessman ? Businessman ?

Who is Who is rich ??? rich ???

Today, Freemasonry welcomes ALL occupations, religions and races

The Penultimate MythThe Penultimate Myth

Do we have a funny Do we have a funny handshake ? handshake ?

We don’t call it a funny handshake ! We don’t call it a funny handshake ! We do however have certain methods of We do however have certain methods of

recognition, just like any society of men.recognition, just like any society of men. The army has ranks, uniforms and salutesThe army has ranks, uniforms and salutes We also have badges, jewels and regaliaWe also have badges, jewels and regalia Most of these are now available to view onlineMost of these are now available to view online

Myth number 10Myth number 10

We roll our trouser legs up? We roll our trouser legs up?

Oops, sorry, this myth is true ! But we only do Oops, sorry, this myth is true ! But we only do it early in our Masonic careers, and like all our it early in our Masonic careers, and like all our ritual, it is rooted in tradition, with an historic ritual, it is rooted in tradition, with an historic significance significance

Let’s remember that not all myths are untrue –Let’s remember that not all myths are untrue – Some Masonic myths come from time Some Masonic myths come from time

immemorial, and have been changed in the immemorial, and have been changed in the telling over many generations telling over many generations

Myths are usually just thatMyths are usually just that

The myths about Freemasonry often show a real contrast to what has recently been uncovered by serious research by a totally impartial body......

We now challenge these misconceptions more than ever. Nigel Brown, our Grand Secretary, has recently toured around 60 radio stations and press offices, willing to answer all questions

Enough about myths, Enough about myths, now for some facts ! now for some facts !

Everything in this presentation is absolutely true, firm, solid, unequivocal, and is not open to speculation, interpretation or doubt !

INCORRECT !

Masonic Masonic Misunderstandings?Misunderstandings?

Most of the following “facts” Most of the following “facts” and “answers” are open to and “answers” are open to personal interpretation, as personal interpretation, as Masonry often evokes different Masonry often evokes different emotions and meanings in emotions and meanings in different people; we could different people; we could have many different answers have many different answers to the same question ! to the same question !

Enough about myths, Enough about myths, now for some facts ! now for some facts !

So why So why dodo we roll our trousers we roll our trousers up ?up ?

When initiated, we must be free men, of the When initiated, we must be free men, of the full age of twenty one years.full age of twenty one years.

Historically, the trouser leg was rolled up to Historically, the trouser leg was rolled up to ensure there was no chain from a jail still ensure there was no chain from a jail still attached, or the marks left by a chain ! attached, or the marks left by a chain !

Do we always obey Do we always obey our own rules ? our own rules ?

Is 21 still the lower age limit ? Is 21 still the lower age limit ?

Surprisingly, this is 18 Surprisingly, this is 18

Any man can apply to join by dispensation Any man can apply to join by dispensation when he is 18. University Lodges are the when he is 18. University Lodges are the most common instances of this rule, and most common instances of this rule, and probably could not exist without it. probably could not exist without it.

This is not always a bad thing – our Provincial Grand Secretary, Geoffrey Lee, joined at the tender age of 18

Why do we meet Why do we meet monthly ?monthly ?

Traditionally, each member of the Lodge had to make his way there on Traditionally, each member of the Lodge had to make his way there on horseback. horseback.

Many Lodges took advantage of the full moon to make the journey Many Lodges took advantage of the full moon to make the journey easier, and called their meetings to coincide with the best public lighting easier, and called their meetings to coincide with the best public lighting available at the time ! available at the time !

There are still some Lodges which meet There are still some Lodges which meet on the full moon, but this does make on the full moon, but this does make scheduling very difficult.......scheduling very difficult.......

This fact contributed by W Bro Rowand Tait PJGD Queensland, Australia

Common Words, Common Words, with uncommon meaningswith uncommon meanings

Just Perfect and RegularJust Perfect and Regular

Like much of our ritual, we Like much of our ritual, we have heard these words on have heard these words on many occasions, but what do many occasions, but what do we think they mean ? we think they mean ?


JustJust Justice Justice JudiciaryJudiciary Judicious Judicious

The Volume of the Sacred

Law


Perfect Perfect The DC ?The DC ? The Treasurer ? The Treasurer ? The elder The elder

brethren ?brethren ?

A Lodge cannot be A Lodge cannot be perfect without a perfect without a quorum, or quorum, or number of number of members to fill all members to fill all the offices i.e. 7, the offices i.e. 7, WM through TylerWM through Tyler


RegularRegular Monthly ? Monthly ? Held at the same Held at the same

time of day ? time of day ? Sticks to the rules Sticks to the rules

and regulations ?and regulations ?

A lodge cannot be A lodge cannot be regular without a regular without a warrantwarrant

Different Lodges with Different Lodges with differing customsdiffering customs Many Lodges expect the brethren to always square the Many Lodges expect the brethren to always square the

Lodge whenever they walk around it. Lodge whenever they walk around it. Is this something we all Is this something we all havehave to do, and if so, why don’t to do, and if so, why don’t

we do it at Provincial meetings ? we do it at Provincial meetings ?

According to the Emulation Ritual book, the only According to the Emulation Ritual book, the only time we time we shouldshould square the Lodge is during the actual square the Lodge is during the actual ceremonies. After that, it has been extended by ceremonies. After that, it has been extended by many Lodges as the correct way to move around the many Lodges as the correct way to move around the room. As Province does not conduct ceremonies, room. As Province does not conduct ceremonies, there is no squaring the Lodge at Provincial meetingsthere is no squaring the Lodge at Provincial meetings

Contributed by our Royal Arch Provincial DC, Mark Dimelow

Where should we put a Where should we put a DC?DC?

Where it is most convenient Where it is most convenient for the Master ! for the Master !

Usually on the Master’s right and slightly behind him, in the Usually on the Master’s right and slightly behind him, in the East. East.

But what if the WM is deaf in his right ear ? But what if the WM is deaf in his right ear ?

Kindly contributed again by Mark Dimelow, Past PrDC of West Lancashire

Masonry is a Masonry is a progressive science progressive science

Why does the WM seem to be above us all ?Why does the WM seem to be above us all ?

Because he is - his Chair of King Solomon is, Because he is - his Chair of King Solomon is, in most Lodges, placed on three steps, that in most Lodges, placed on three steps, that of the SW on two steps, and the JW on just of the SW on two steps, and the JW on just one step. one step.

Contributed by W Bro Damon Tait PPrGSuptWks, N. Fylde Group Mentor

Questions for a changing Questions for a changing worldworld

Are we open Are we open to all to all religions ? religions ? A belief in a Supreme

Being

Questions for a changing Questions for a changing worldworld

Would we admit a Would we admit a Druid, who takes Druid, who takes his oath on a block his oath on a block of wood to of wood to represent Mother represent Mother Earth ? Earth ?

How would we How would we decide ?decide ?

Are we limited to Are we limited to “recognised” “recognised” religions ? religions ?

Always seek the Always seek the guidance of Province guidance of Province before things before things progress too far – progress too far – always good advice !always good advice !

Questions about our Lodge Questions about our Lodge roomroom

What does the G mean in What does the G mean in our Lodges ? our Lodges ?

Some say God, Some say God, whoever your own God may bewhoever your own God may be

Some say Geometry, or Grand GeometricianSome say Geometry, or Grand Geometrician

Why does it always face the Senior Warden ? Why does it always face the Senior Warden ?


Why do we have a black and Why do we have a black and white or chequered carpet ? white or chequered carpet ?

The Mosaic or chequered pavement represents The Mosaic or chequered pavement represents this world, the light and darkness and the joys this world, the light and darkness and the joys and sorrows of our chequered existence and sorrows of our chequered existence

Poetically contributed by Peter Bentham, Blackpool Group ChairmanPoetically contributed by Peter Bentham, Blackpool Group Chairman


Is this the only reason Is this the only reason we have a black we have a black

and white or chequered carpet ? and white or chequered carpet ?

W Bro Duncan Smith, our Provincial Senior W Bro Duncan Smith, our Provincial Senior Grand Warden, says this represents the floor Grand Warden, says this represents the floor of King Solomon’s temple. of King Solomon’s temple.

Questions about our Questions about our Lodge roomLodge room

Why do the Grand Why do the Grand Officers , Provincial Officers , Provincial Grand Officers, and Grand Officers, and Past Masters always Past Masters always sit in the same place sit in the same place in Lodge ? in Lodge ?

Tradition again, but Tradition again, but this is slowly changing this is slowly changing in some Lodgesin some Lodges

Installations are more Installations are more formal and should formal and should remain so perhapsremain so perhaps

We have to make our We have to make our visitors and newer visitors and newer Brethren feel welcomeBrethren feel welcome

Commented on by our Provincial DC, Keith Kemp

Questions for the futureQuestions for the future

Why did you join Freemasonry ?Why did you join Freemasonry ?

Never ignore the power of your own Never ignore the power of your own story story

It may lead others to the same decision It may lead others to the same decision


How do we speak about Freemasonry to others ? How do we speak about Freemasonry to others ?

How has this changed over the last few years ? How has this changed over the last few years ?

Are we comfortable to acknowledge our Are we comfortable to acknowledge our membership ? membership ?

How does this differ between the newer and How does this differ between the newer and more experienced Mason ? more experienced Mason ?


Do we all agree that it is now acceptable Do we all agree that it is now acceptable to discuss Freemasonry openly ?to discuss Freemasonry openly ?

Do we all agree with this latest initiative ? Do we all agree with this latest initiative ?

Do we really have anything to hide ? Do we really have anything to hide ?

Questions for nowQuestions for now

How How dodo we look after our newer members? we look after our newer members?

How have we done this How have we done this in the past ? in the past ?

Was this working ?Was this working ?


Within 4 years we Within 4 years we lose around a lose around a quarter of our new quarter of our new brethren brethren

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Facts and figuresFacts and figures

Losses 2008 - 2012Losses 2008 - 2012

The future is here The future is here alreadyalready

So, we probably So, we probably need to change as need to change as an organisation...an organisation...

Mentoring can help ! Mentoring can help !

Once our newer members are looked Once our newer members are looked after properly, these losses will drop after properly, these losses will drop

And we will have a new generation of And we will have a new generation of Masons, who are better informed, and Masons, who are better informed, and more knowledgeable about Freemasonry more knowledgeable about Freemasonry than ever before, and better equipped to than ever before, and better equipped to share that knowledge.share that knowledge.

And progress And progress to be better to be better Men, Men, Masons, Masons, and........and........

AmbassadorsAmbassadorsfor for

FreemasonryFreemasonry

Documents

Ambassadors for Freemasonry n A brief introduction n Some suggestions and ideas n The myths about Masonry n Question & Answer session n Open Forum –