LEO's/Freemasons

[Kate]

I read a little bit about this on another site, but everything was so vague - very hush, hush, if you will. I read that a lot of LEO's are involved with this and I'm curious if any of you are Freemasons. What exactly is a "Freemason"? Some refer to it as a cult, others a religion of some sort, and still others that it's being part of a club, such as Knights of Columbus. I've also heard it's basically just for men - is that true? Do you find out about joining through word-of-mouth?

Thanks in advance.

[Johninaustin]

No idea. Never met one. Officer around here mostly belong to the "Green Society". Mainly because it's an excuse to talk with an Irish accent and drink beer. :D

[Oldbillplod]

We have a lot of freemasons in the UK, I don't know a great deal about it as I don't care to know. What I do know is its a bit like a sect where you have to be chosen to belong and everything about it is secret. A lot of influential people are masons including ranking LEO's and they give a lot of money to charity.
They do strange things like rolling up their trousers legs and doing funny handshakes, and it has been going on for centurys.
Around our caps we have a black and white checked band, this apparently is one of the symbols of the masons

[retdetsgt]

We have a few on our dept. One guy that just retired was the grand poobah or something of Oregon. No one ever really pays any attention. Most are Elks because they have better beer.

[JD45]

Never heard of it before until now... :confused:

[dwf]

The Freemasonry found it's beginnings in Europe way back in the day. It began as a group of (oddly enough) stone masons, kind of a union for lack of a better word. It has since morphed into an organization that maintains the symbols of its roots but little else remains. The Masons today are still steeped in religion (in theory), and committed to social good works (again in theory) and as far as I know still is exclusively male in its membership.

The Freemasons have been viewed with a wary eye as it is a "secret" society. Many of the United States founding fathers were Masons, counting George Washington among their number. Many of our national symbols are Masonic in origin. The Mason's are often accused of having a secret agenda for governmental domination and control, being blamed or hinted at being behind all kinds of things by conspiracy freaks. It's hooey, but the rumors persist.

The history and rumors regarding the Masons won't fit here and not knowing what prompted the question hope this helps a little. There are several Masons in my family and I assure you, they are no more dangerous than a kitten. Comparing the Masons to the Knights of Columbus is a fair analogy.

[Kate]

The Freemasonry found it's beginnings in Europe way back in the day. It began as a group of (oddly enough) stone masons, kind of a union for lack of a better word. It has since morphed into an organization that maintains the symbols of its roots but little else remains. The Masons today are still steeped in religion (in theory), and committed to social good works (again in theory) and as far as I know still is exclusively male in its membership.

The Freemasons have been viewed with a wary eye as it is a "secret" society. Many of the United States founding fathers were Masons, counting George Washington among their number. Many of our national symbols are Masonic in origin. The Mason's are often accused of having a secret agenda for governmental domination and control, being blamed or hinted at being behind all kinds of things by conspiracy freaks. It's hooey, but the rumors persist.

The history and rumors regarding the Masons won't fit here and not knowing what prompted the question hope this helps a little. There are several Masons in my family and I assure you, they are no more dangerous than a kitten. Comparing the Masons to the Knights of Columbus is a fair analogy.

Thank you.

[Piggy]

I was a mason for a couple years. Even though you are supposed to be a mason for life, I had issues with our lodge after we arrested a few members, so I never paid my dues again. It's really no different than Moose, Elks, etc., except for they aren't 'drinking clubs'.

Also, the masons have several branches, such as a Shriner. You have to be a mason before a shriner. Shiriners are known for their hospitals, circuses and you see them in most parades.

[CTDL92]

I was a mason for a couple years. Even though you are supposed to be a mason for life, I had issues with our lodge after we arrested a few members, so I never paid my dues again. It's really no different than Moose, Elks, etc., except for they aren't 'drinking clubs'.

Also, the masons have several branches, such as a Shriner. You have to be a mason before a shriner. Shiriners are known for their hospitals, circuses and you see them in most parades.

How are the Knights Templar associated to the Masons?

[Valor55]

The KT were disbanded a long time ago. The Masons are a fraternal service organization. What is secret about them is their handshakes and other ceremonials.

The Masons require a belief in God but not any specific religion. Jews, Christians, Muslims, all are welcome as far as I've heard. Knights of Columbus are strictly a Catholic organization.

There are female chapters of Masons and they are called something else. Kind of like Shriners.

Most conspiracies tie Masons into them. There are so many Masons though if there were ever any truth I'm sure it would have come out.

[Deputy12]

The KT were disbanded a long time ago. The Masons are a fraternal service organization. What is secret about them is their handshakes and other ceremonials.

The Masons require a belief in God but not any specific religion. Jews, Christians, Muslims, all are welcome as far as I've heard. Knights of Columbus are strictly a Catholic organization.

There are female chapters of Masons and they are called something else. Kind of like Shriners.

Most conspiracies tie Masons into them. There are so many Masons though if there were ever any truth I'm sure it would have come out.

The organization for women is the Eastern Stars. My mother was one. I am a Mason as are quite a few of my fellow LEO. Believe me when I tell you that there is nothing sinister at work. We raise money for the local school projects and have adopted a portion of the highway that we maintain litter cleanup. It is an enjoyable organization, but there is no alcohol allowed in the lodge. Mostly just there for fellowship and a continuance of what many great leaders and founding fathers participated in. Teaches many, many moral values and beliefs.
The Shriners are what some refer to as the party lodge. They do drink as far as I know. They are huge in the fundraising world. Most goes for the burn hospitals that they own, fund, and are free of charge to all if I remember correctly.
And to let you in on the big secret, we do control the world, and are behind the UFO and alien invasion of the planet. Watch X-File reruns for more information. Its all true. :p

[vadep]

So what's with the "secret" handshake???? :D

[mcsap]

Forget the handshake, whats up with the rolled up pants ??

[Valor55]

Who made Steve Guttenberg a star? WE DID, WE DID!
Who keeps the Aliens Under Wraps? WE DO, WE DO!

Best episode of Simpsons, EVER.

[corporal716]

Around here we have CLAMPER'S, their organization dates back to the gold rush. I have no idea what its all about, something secret. I know they drink a lot and do some strage things in their initaion process. None of them will talk much about it.