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To all Regular Freemasons: Cowan Alert!!!

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Topic: To all Regular Freemasons: Cowan Alert!!!
Posted By: bupton52
Subject: To all Regular Freemasons: Cowan Alert!!!
Date Posted: April/17/2014 at 1:33pm


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Bro. Byron C. Upton
Highland Heights No. 200 F. & A.M. PHA
Initiated   06.19.10
Passed    09.25.10
Raised    01.08.11
Healed    02.02.12



Replies:
Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: April/26/2014 at 8:44am
Are 'cowans' common in Freemasonry??

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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: AJ Palata
Date Posted: April/26/2014 at 3:17pm
Yes, there are a lot of bogus lodges. Be careful who you talk to.


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: April/28/2014 at 11:17am
Hello AJ Palata,
 
Just to let you know, I am not a Freemason.  The term 'cowan' is something that surprises me.  I am a veteran and a college graduate, the only reason I mention that is because of all the fakes and phonies that either claim veteran status or graduating from college (or both) which I've met in my life - and they are very offensive and pathetic.
 
I am struck by the fact that somebody would go waaaaaaaaaay out of their way to impersonate a Freemason.  Why?
 
Masonry seems pretty cool but not cool enough for someone to misrepresent themselves in the extreme.  Maybe its because I've never been a Mason nor hung around known Masons?  Thanks for your response.


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: April/28/2014 at 1:21pm
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Hello AJ Palata,
...
Masonry seems pretty cool but not cool enough...


Watch it, now...   

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: ldarnell
Date Posted: April/28/2014 at 4:39pm
The problem of cowans has been around for a long time. 

  1. cowan
    Web definitions
    1. A worker in unmortared stone; a stonemason who has not served an apprenticeship; A person who attempts to pass himself off as a Freemason without having experienced the rituals or going through the degrees; A sneak; an inquisitive or prying person; uninitiated, outside, “profane”
      http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cowan" rel="nofollow - http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/cowan


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Larry Darnell
Senior Steward, St. Charles Lodge #241
Missouri Lodge of Research #9998
I: 02 April 2013
P: 01 May 2013
R: 07 May 2013


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/01/2014 at 12:39pm
How often does it happen that there is an attempted infiltration of a Freemason meeting?

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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/01/2014 at 12:41pm
Originally posted by NobleShabba NobleShabba wrote:

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Hello AJ Palata,
...
Masonry seems pretty cool but not cool enough...


Watch it, now...   
 
Sentence fragment.  But you know what I meant.  As cool as Freemasonry appears to the general public, why would someone go to the trouble and expense of dressing up and trying to pass themselves off as a Freemason????


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/01/2014 at 3:41pm
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:


Originally posted by NobleShabba NobleShabba wrote:

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Hello AJ Palata,
...
Masonry seems pretty cool but not cool enough...


Watch it, now...   

 
Sentence fragment.  But you know what I meant.  As cool as Freemasonry appears to the general public, why would someone go to the trouble and expense of dressing up and trying to pass themselves off as a Freemason????


I know what you meant - this is what makes it even more offensive that someone would want to. The person who would be doing such a thing is most likely someone who has mercenary motives (ie yet another book or article on "expose' of the deep dark mysterious secrets of the elusive freemason, number 468") --- OR some religious extremist who has in advance already determined our complicity in some shady stuff and just needs proof, etc.

In other words, the people who would have the mind to wish to do such a thing is EXACTLY the kind of people we can do without...

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: Hyksos
Date Posted: May/01/2014 at 4:51pm
Grimoire,

You can google numerous organizations that are completely fake.

International Free and Accepted Masons
Masones Cubanos (cuban grand lodge out of south florida)
Modern Free and Accepted Masons
The JGJ Grand Lodge
Prince Hall AF&AM of Florida (the real Prince Hall entity is Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge Prince Hall Affiliated (MWUGLPHA)).
Chicago has over 100 fake Grand Lodges.

There is nothing stopping a person from incorporating a company named as a masonic lodge and opening a building and holding themselves out as masons. The Square and Compasses (common masonic symbol) is too ancient to be copyrighted or trademarked, therefore nobody can own it. You can't sue a bogus or fake masonic lodge for using the name or the symbol because technically nobody really owns it. The only way to tell fake vs real is to trace the lineage of the lodge and/or Grand Lodge. It must somehow go back to the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). If the lodge cannot truly trace its roots, it is bogus. Many lodges will CLAIM lineage, but are actually not recognized.

The concept of recognition is where the real masonic Grand Lodges choose to recognize other lodges as "regular." In doing so, they are recognizing that it is legitimate and it is OK to attend their meetings and visit their lodges. For example, I am a regular mason from Florida, I am not allowed to attend meetings of bogus lodges, and they cannot attend ours. If someone from International Free and Accepted Masons tried to visit our meeting, they would be turned away. If i went to an International Free and Accepted Masons meeting...and I got caught...I would probably be expelled.

EDIT: If someone were to use a specific Grand Lodge's name, then that is actionable in court. For example if you opened a lodge and held yourself out to be the Grand Lodge of Florida, and claimed you were us, then that is a violation of our trademarked name as GL of Florida. You can trademark an individual lodge name or lodge symbol, but you cannot trademark "freemason" or any common masonic symbols. For example, see our below logo from our website. That image is our specific logo we designed. If someone used that EXACT logo we could sue them, but we can't sue for merely using the square and compasses with the G in the middle.



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Gainesville Lodge #41


Posted By: Tarditi
Date Posted: May/02/2014 at 7:53am
"How often does it happen that there is an attempted infiltration of a Freemason meeting?"

Not possible to tell - one has to be recognized and vouched for to attend a communication, and ANY visitors are to be tried and proven by a committee of lodge members in good standing (often officers and/or past masters themselves).
Cowans likely don't get very far in a regular lodge communication of the lodge is functioning according to their charges and obligations to the craft.

THAT said, cowans often do the most damage impersonating regular Freemasons when other's guard is down - through correspondance or even in the street when they recognize someone as a Freemason.

In some cases, the cowan is self-aware, and deliberately attempting to gain benefit through misrepresentation. 
In some cases, the cowan is, in fact, clandestine but perhaps unaware of their state (believing themselves to be regular and recognized).
In some cases they may be instructed  that their clandestine nature is merely a case of misunderstanding (lost charter, new innovation to the landmarks of which some lodges may yet not be aware).
In some cases they are founded by schemers and miscreants seeking to make monetary gain.


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Dustin Tarditi, PM
James B Green #735 A.F. & A.M.


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/02/2014 at 9:02am
Yes, I think that anyone who goes out of their way for such an elaborate impersonation has psychotic issues and/or criminal tendencies.  Wise that valid Freemasons police themselves so well.

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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/02/2014 at 4:02pm
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

How often does it happen that there is an attempted infiltration of a Freemason meeting?

I think it is very rare, although I have no statistics. I have never heard of an individual in recent times attempting to illegitimately gain admittance to a Masonic meeting, although it would not surprise me if it happens from time-to-time. From what I have read, this happened more often in the 1700's and early 1800's. There is one famous case of a woman in the Boston area getting into a lodge and seeing everything going on. She was ultimately discovered and kicked out, but from what I understand, the members of the lodge took it with good humor and pretty much laughed it off.

What is more common are clandestine lodges or grand lodges, that is, lodges that are not recognized by the long established grand lodges of Freemasonry and do not practice the ancient standards and forms of Masonry that all recognized lodges must practice. These clandestine lodges are usually formed by individuals or groups of individuals with an axe to grind with "regular and duly constituted" Masonry and/or who are on power trips and want to be the grand master of their own brand of Freemasonry. They often kick and scream about not being allowed to associate with legitimate Freemasonry and often constantly demand that they be recognized and thus allowed to visit legitimate lodges, but I have never heard of any individuals from these clandestine lodges attempting to surreptitiously gain admittance into a legitimate lodge.

Some clandestine lodges are formed with good intentions and they are not bad people, they just don't conform to all the standards of regular and duly constituted Masonry and cannot be recognized. Other clandestine lodges are very evil, such as the P2 lodge of Italy, and another grand lodge in the US whose name escapes me, whose "grand master" is a convicted pedophile. Legitimate Masons do not and should not give people belonging to such lodges the time of day.


Posted By: rmcgehee
Date Posted: May/03/2014 at 3:04am
From time to time here in Calif. We will hearoff imposters trying to get into Lodges. The word goes out fast and they are given a "boot"


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/03/2014 at 11:07am
I would think it would be very difficult anymore for a cowan to gain admittance to a lodge. They may know the basics but there are certain subtleties with which they would be unfamiliar and which would be picked up quite easily by an experienced Tyler. That is the key- the person guarding the door needs to know what he is doing. When I visited a lodge in New Brunswick, Canada, the Brother who "worked me in" was not the Tyler though- he was a Past Grand Master!


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/06/2014 at 1:18pm
Originally posted by droche droche wrote:

I would think it would be very difficult anymore for a cowan to gain admittance to a lodge. They may know the basics but there are certain subtleties with which they would be unfamiliar and which would be picked up quite easily by an experienced Tyler. That is the key- the person guarding the door needs to know what he is doing. When I visited a lodge in New Brunswick, Canada, the Brother who "worked me in" was not the Tyler though- he was a Past Grand Master!

wow.

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/09/2014 at 9:17am
Would possessing of a Freemason Passport alleviate any 'shakedowns' when a legit Freemason visits a distant lodge?
 
http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx" rel="nofollow - http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx
 
http://caironet.com/passport/" rel="nofollow - http://caironet.com/passport/
 
 


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/09/2014 at 1:20pm
not a shakedown, its identity verification... and short answer is "nope".   The passport is not a substitute, but a complement.

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: jdeal
Date Posted: May/09/2014 at 4:24pm
The grand lodge of MD gave out a MD masonic passport with all regular MD lodges in it. It seems like a cool way to track your travels through the Maryland jurisdiction.


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/09/2014 at 4:48pm
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Would possessing of a Freemason Passport alleviate any 'shakedowns' when a legit Freemason visits a distant lodge?
 
http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx" rel="nofollow - http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx
 
http://caironet.com/passport/" rel="nofollow - http://caironet.com/passport/
 
 

No. There are other procedures one must follow in order to gain admittance into a Masonic Lodge in which they are not known. A "Masonic Passport" alone would not be sufficient to gain admittance into a lodge.


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/10/2014 at 9:40am
Originally posted by droche droche wrote:

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Would possessing of a Freemason Passport alleviate any 'shakedowns' when a legit Freemason visits a distant lodge?
 
http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx" rel="nofollow - http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx
 
http://caironet.com/passport/" rel="nofollow - http://caironet.com/passport/
 
 

No. There are other procedures one must follow in order to gain admittance into a Masonic Lodge in which they are not known. A "Masonic Passport" alone would not be sufficient to gain admittance into a lodge.
Oh, and what exactly are those procedures? Embarrassed

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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/10/2014 at 4:08pm
(Laughing) I can tell by your winking emoticon that you don't expect me to tell you those procedures.

They are, of course, one of the things restricted to members only. Sorry.Wink


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/12/2014 at 6:30am
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Oh, and what exactly are those procedures? Embarrassed


As long as its between us - it involves a right hand extended, then pulled back, the hand is extended again, then that hand is moved about in a shaking action. Then a peculiar action called a Hokie Pokie is demonstrated, followed by a 360 degree turn.

And that's what its all about. :)

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: edwmax
Date Posted: May/12/2014 at 8:04am
Originally posted by droche droche wrote:

  ...

No. There are other procedures one must follow in order to gain admittance into a Masonic Lodge in which they are not known. A "Masonic Passport" alone would not be sufficient to gain admittance into a lodge.


Actually, I did visit one Lodge where the SD looked at my Passport, then asked 'you've been in all these Lodges?"  ... Yep ... The SD than stated he was satisfied.  
One  ... he had been in several of those Lodges himself.
Two  ... he knew they either tried me or I was vouched for, but I would not have been admitted otherwise.




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"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."





Thomasville 369


Posted By: js584
Date Posted: May/12/2014 at 3:22pm
Originally posted by NobleShabba NobleShabba wrote:

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Oh, and what exactly are those procedures? Embarrassed


As long as its between us - it involves a right hand extended, then pulled back, the hand is extended again, then that hand is moved about in a shaking action. Then a peculiar action called a Hokie Pokie is demonstrated, followed by a 360 degree turn.

And that's what its all about. :)


Thumbs Up well put LOL


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/12/2014 at 3:58pm
Originally posted by edwmax edwmax wrote:

Originally posted by droche droche wrote:

  ...

No. There are other procedures one must follow in order to gain admittance into a Masonic Lodge in which they are not known. A "Masonic Passport" alone would not be sufficient to gain admittance into a lodge.


Actually, I did visit one Lodge where the SD looked at my Passport, then asked 'you've been in all these Lodges?"  ... Yep ... The SD than stated he was satisfied.  
One  ... he had been in several of those Lodges himself.
Two  ... he knew they either tried me or I was vouched for, but I would not have been admitted otherwise.



So would you say that a Masonic Passport and a current dues card would be sufficient in order to gain admission into a lodge?


Posted By: edwmax
Date Posted: May/12/2014 at 8:31pm
I would say 'it could be'     ... Some examining Committees will still test you even with a current dues card.   it is up to them.

The unique thing is my Passport, it has page where the Lodge Secretary attest the Mason is in good Standing and the home Lodge seal.  Most other Passports do not.  Thus it can be considered as 'Lawful Information'; and other Lodge Seals ... vouchers ...


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"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."





Thomasville 369


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/12/2014 at 8:45pm
I was always under the impression that both a current dues card and an examination was necessary to gain admission to a lodge if one was not vouched for. I have to admit though a couple of lodges I visited just gave me a cursory examination and I was left shaking my head asking do they really want to let me in just based on that?


Posted By: edwmax
Date Posted: May/13/2014 at 1:59am
It is up to the examining committee ... we are taught that a Tyler's oath and current card is sufficient.


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"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."





Thomasville 369


Posted By: log cabin Bill
Date Posted: May/13/2014 at 8:23am
In my jurisdiction of PA, the only way for an unvouched for visitor to gain admission is to present a current dues card from a recognized lodge and then go through our process of the examination of a visitor.   

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North Hills Lodge, #716,PM
Allegheny RAM,#217,PHP
Allegheny Council,#38,PTIM
Allegheny Commandery #35
Knight Masons,Gateway To The West Council #5
AASR,Valley of Pgh.
Syria Shrine
Islam Grotto


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/14/2014 at 4:21pm
In every state, the police are required to enforce the law, however in the different parts of the same state may have behaviors peculiar to the police in that area. Some may be very strict on speeding, others not.   Others would want to impound your vehicle for the minimum offence, while others may be cool with a warning. My point is even where you expect consistency you will experience variances, but that is not to imply that the standards are not there.

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: jdwalker519
Date Posted: May/23/2014 at 9:57am
In my jurisdiction, we're not required to memorize the Tyler's Oath.  The Tyler administers the oath to the brother just as when you're getting sworn in to an office...  you know, the "Repeat after me: I <state your name>"...etc.....

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J.D. Walker
Free and Accepted Masons of the District of Columbia
Royal Arch of the District of Columbia
Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Chapter of Virginia


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/24/2014 at 11:48am
Originally posted by jdwalker519 jdwalker519 wrote:

In my jurisdiction, we're not required to memorize the Tyler's Oath.  The Tyler administers the oath to the brother just as when you're getting sworn in to an office...  you know, the "Repeat after me: I <state your name>"...etc.....
Has the Tyler's Oath changed much?  The reason I ask is that I've researched several Freemason's Manuals, some to the 6th degree, dated from the 18th & 19th centuries which have complete Tyler Oaths and it would seem that a Cowan might memorize older Oaths if they are still used today?

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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/27/2014 at 6:29am
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Originally posted by jdwalker519 jdwalker519 wrote:

In my jurisdiction, we're not required to memorize the Tyler's Oath.  The Tyler administers the oath to the brother just as when you're getting sworn in to an office...  you know, the "Repeat after me: I <state your name>"...etc.....


Has the Tyler's Oath changed much?  The reason I ask is that I've researched several Freemason's Manuals, some to the 6th degree, dated from the 18th & 19th centuries which have complete Tyler Oaths and it would seem that a Cowan might memorize older Oaths if they are still used today?


Nice try... :)

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: Adept?
Date Posted: May/27/2014 at 8:17am
Ha! Yea really... his signature state; Please Note: I am not a Mason.

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"It is humanity that creates god, and men think that god has made them in his image, because they make him in theirs."


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/28/2014 at 11:21am
Originally posted by Adept? Adept? wrote:

Ha! Yea really... his signature state; Please Note: I am not a Mason.
Hi Adept?:
Please note -- I am not a Mason:
Yes, it was suggested by some of the Masons on this forum that I write that I am not a Mason in my signature state rather than write it at the beginning of every sentence.
 
I do not want any misunderstandings.


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/28/2014 at 11:23am
Originally posted by NobleShabba NobleShabba wrote:

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Originally posted by jdwalker519 jdwalker519 wrote:

In my jurisdiction, we're not required to memorize the Tyler's Oath.  The Tyler administers the oath to the brother just as when you're getting sworn in to an office...  you know, the "Repeat after me: I <state your name>"...etc.....


Has the Tyler's Oath changed much?  The reason I ask is that I've researched several Freemason's Manuals, some to the 6th degree, dated from the 18th & 19th centuries which have complete Tyler Oaths and it would seem that a Cowan might memorize older Oaths if they are still used today?


Nice try... :)
Hi NobleShabba,
 
Actually it was a sincere question?


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/28/2014 at 11:56am
Question:
 
When a Cowan is actually discovered attending a meeting in full swing, exactly how is the Cowan removed?  HEY, there's a fake sitting here?  Does he get Hoodwinked and dragged through the streets?  Do charges get pressed for trespassing? 
 
What is the official Masonic policy for expulsing a discovered Cowan in mid-session??


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: Bellboy
Date Posted: May/28/2014 at 12:27pm
As long as a lodge operates effectively, a cowan wouldn't sit in an open lodge in the first place. I imagine IF someone were to thwart detection before lodge were opened and they were found out, they would be escorted out and the meeting would continue. I imagine followed shortly by a stern discussion with who was supposed to watch the door and verify visitors.

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Harding Lodge #649, PM
32, Valley of Des Moines
Benevolence Chapter
Mason City Council
Antioch Commandery
El Kahir Shrine-North Iowa Shrine Club
York Rite College #37 Ames, IA
HAPAC Grotto #71
Monarch


Posted By: Adept?
Date Posted: May/28/2014 at 1:27pm
In many states it is a violation of the law to pose as a freemason if you are not one. If i were in a lodge and a non mason was found to be present, i would push for formal trespassing charges to be filed.

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"It is humanity that creates god, and men think that god has made them in his image, because they make him in theirs."


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/29/2014 at 6:50am
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Originally posted by NobleShabba NobleShabba wrote:

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:


Has the Tyler's Oath changed much?  The reason I ask is that I've researched several Freemason's Manuals, some to the 6th degree, dated from the 18th & 19th centuries which have complete Tyler Oaths and it would seem that a Cowan might memorize older Oaths if they are still used today?

Nice try... :)

Hi NobleShabba,
Actually it was a sincere question?

Ok, sincere answer.

We have significant restrictions on sharing content of our ritualistic work. That's a private item, and there is an EASY way for the sincere person to learn. Rest assured that if you choose to join our ranks there will be nothing asked of you that will violate your obligations to your Country, your Family or your Deity.

Now you might say "but I can research it and find it on the internet" - well we cant help that - however we will neither confirm nor deny the accuracy of what you do find on the internet.

There are secrets within our gentle and beautiful craft, but the discovery of those secrets are part of the journey. A good secret is not what is revealed when you acquire the box, its what is revealed when you touch what is inside the box. Researching the facts might get you a look at the box, it may POTENTIALLY get you a peek inside the box, but to touch, you need to join.

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PS: An example is like marriage. You can "shack up" as much as you want or watch all the Ozzie and Harriet, Honeymooners, Married with Children and Cosby Shows you want - but nothing is the same as actually being married.

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DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/29/2014 at 12:42pm
QUOTE]
Hi NobleShabba,
Actually it was a sincere question?[/QUOTE]
Ok, sincere answer.

We have significant restrictions on sharing content of our ritualistic work. That's a private item, and there is an EASY way for the sincere person to learn. Rest assured that if you choose to join our ranks there will be nothing asked of you that will violate your obligations to your Country, your Family or your Deity.

Now you might say "but I can research it and find it on the internet" - well we cant help that - however we will neither confirm nor deny the accuracy of what you do find on the internet.

There are secrets within our gentle and beautiful craft, but the discovery of those secrets are part of the journey. A good secret is not what is revealed when you acquire the box, its what is revealed when you touch what is inside the box. Researching the facts might get you a look at the box, it may POTENTIALLY get you a peek inside the box, but to touch, you need to join.

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PS: An example is like marriage. You can "shack up" as much as you want or watch all the Ozzie and Harriet, Honeymooners, Married with Children and Cosby Shows you want - but nothing is the same as actually being married.[/QUOTE]
Hi NobleShabba,
 
Thank you for that excellent response!  That did answer my question.  If it sounded like I was trying to pry open secrets then I apologize for the naivete' of my line of questioning: that is my MA in History kicking in.  Ironically if I did become a Freemason then I would not be asking these questions.  But unfortunately I am not qualified in the remotest (?) to become a Mason.  And again I really appreciate your patience in putting up with all my questions.
 
The several Tyler's Oaths which I have come across are fascinating - hence the enthusiasm of my questioning.  Thanks!


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: May/29/2014 at 12:44pm
Originally posted by Bellboy Bellboy wrote:

As long as a lodge operates effectively, a cowan wouldn't sit in an open lodge in the first place. I imagine IF someone were to thwart detection before lodge were opened and they were found out, they would be escorted out and the meeting would continue. I imagine followed shortly by a stern discussion with who was supposed to watch the door and verify visitors.
Hi Bellboy,
 
Thank you.  Interesting and civilized.


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Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: NobleShabba
Date Posted: May/30/2014 at 8:47am
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Hi NobleShabba,
Thank you for that excellent response!  That did answer my question. 

If it sounded like I was trying to pry open secrets then I apologize for the naivete' of my line of questioning: that is my MA in History kicking in.  Ironically if I did become a Freemason then I would not be asking these questions.  But unfortunately I am not qualified in the remotest (?) to become a Mason.  And again I really appreciate your patience in putting up with all my questions.

The several Tyler's Oaths which I have come across are fascinating - hence the enthusiasm of my questioning.  Thanks!


What makes you say that?

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----------------------

DISCLAIMER: These are my comments, and mine alone - they do not necessarily apply to any group to which I belong!


Posted By: simple man
Date Posted: May/30/2014 at 5:43pm
Originally posted by droche droche wrote:

I would think it would be very difficult anymore for a cowan to gain admittance to a lodge. They may know the basics but there are certain subtleties with which they would be unfamiliar and which would be picked up quite easily by an experienced Tyler. That is the key- the person guarding the door needs to know what he is doing. When I visited a lodge in New Brunswick, Canada, the Brother who "worked me in" was not the Tyler though- he was a Past Grand Master!

I am S.D. in one of my Lodges and If I do not know you you will be examined. Sorry but my Fraternity means a lot to me and no cowans I hope do not gain admittance. 


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Initiated 03/04/2008
Passed 01/21/2013
Raised 02/04/2013
S.D. Ft. Valley #110
Scribe Chapter Austin #18
I. M. Council H. C. Rigdon #35
C.G. Commandery Ivanhoe #10
32° Valley of Macon
Al Sihah Shrine


Posted By: droche
Date Posted: May/30/2014 at 6:24pm
That is as it should be. One question though, it wasn't too clear in your post- if a Brother you knew to be a Mason in good standing were to vouch for a visitor would you still examine him? 


Posted By: David N.
Date Posted: May/30/2014 at 7:01pm
I know this wasn't directed at me, but I'll chime in anyway Wink
I too am Senior Deacon, and to answer your question, it depends on the Brother.
There are many, many Brothers whom I trust implicitly.  Because they are active and take Masonry seriously and are men I look up to regarding the Craft.  I would take their word in a minute.
But if, say, a Mason whom I know hasn't been to Lodge in years (or decades) shows up because his 2nd cousin twice removed is being Initiated, I wouldn't take his word for someone accompanying him who is unknown to me.  At the very least I would quietly seek confirmation from others that I knew well.

*Edit:  Meant to quote Droche.


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: June/14/2014 at 8:39am
Just a thought regarding security.
 
Does Freemasonry have an official 'cowan' who goes around to different Lodges to test their security?
 
While I was in the Navy and standing quarterdeck watches, the Navy would frequently send someone with a fake or altered I.D. to check the security of the quarterdeck.  It struck me that Freemasonry might do the same thing to their Lodges, send an official 'cowan' who tries to infiltrate a Lodge meeting with fake credentials, to to keep the Tylers on their toes.


-------------
Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: edwmax
Date Posted: June/14/2014 at 9:48am
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Just a thought regarding security.
 
Does Freemasonry have an official 'cowan' who goes around to different Lodges to test their security?
 
While I was in the Navy and standing quarterdeck watches, the Navy would frequently send someone with a fake or altered I.D. to check the security of the quarterdeck.  It struck me that Freemasonry might do the same thing to their Lodges, send an official 'cowan' who tries to infiltrate a Lodge meeting with fake credentials, to to keep the Tylers on their toes.


haha!  ... No  ... this isn't national Security; or Ship's security situation.  And, to the well learned, the answers can be found.    The only real problem are the Masons that might be suspended or expelled but still have a valid Dues Card for that year.




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"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."





Thomasville 369


Posted By: Caution1010
Date Posted: September/10/2014 at 4:48pm


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I: 10/1/10
P: 12/3/10
R: 12/31/10

PHA-AL

"You can't trust those fellow-crafts...buncha rogues and murderers!"


Posted By: Adept?
Date Posted: September/10/2014 at 5:35pm
Lol...old school... but i dont get it..

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"It is humanity that creates god, and men think that god has made them in his image, because they make him in theirs."


Posted By: GrimoireA3
Date Posted: September/12/2014 at 9:53am
Originally posted by Caution1010 Caution1010 wrote:

 How is Will Smith connected to Masonry or connected to cowans?


-------------
Please Note: I am not a Mason. And also, I am not an anti-Mason!


Posted By: Warrior1256
Date Posted: September/14/2014 at 1:20pm
I'm a new MM having been raised 04 Aug 14. I was cautioned early on by brothers not to just assume that someone is a Mason just because he is wearing a Masonic ring, shirt, etc. "Strict examination of lawful Masonic knowledge."

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St. Matthews Lodge 906
Suburban Lodge 740
Shively-Lewis-Parkland 951
AASR, Orient of Kentucky, Valley of Louisville
King Solomon Chapter 5
Louisville Council 4
North Central York Rite College 116


Posted By: scotladd
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 10:13am
Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

Would possessing of a Freemason Passport alleviate any 'shakedowns' when a legit Freemason visits a distant lodge?
 
http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx" rel="nofollow - http://www.macoy.com/Masonic-Passport-P4059.aspx
 
http://caironet.com/passport/" rel="nofollow - http://caironet.com/passport/
 
 


I would think not. Logically, passports, documents, membership cards etc. etc. Can all be forged, and I would think doing so would not be that difficult. If challenged, the only way to gain admittance would be to show adequate knowledge...something that cannot be forged and can only be learned. All you would need to forge something would be a legit copy, which can be obtained, quite easily I would think, considering enough masonic paraphernalia is available these days on ebay and the like. To "forge" the needed knowledge to pass a challenge you would need to be taught, and such teachings are only going to come from one who is a true Freemason. Otherwise you would need to be self taught. Although there are copious amounts of information available on masonic history and such, the O&O is not something readily available, nor is the information needed to teach oneself how to pass a challenge.


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Entered: 11 SEP 2014
Passed: 25 NOV 2014
Raised: 20 DEC 2014
Nederland, Texas A.F. & A.M
Lodge #1368


Posted By: NewToLight84
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 5:21pm
Not sure if anyone said this yet but...wouldn't it be terrible if he's gotten away with this for let's say YEARS!! And he has learned almost everything he would need to "pass" as a regular and true brother!!

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"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Mason some people will ever meet." -unknown


Posted By: jdeal
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 5:44pm
I have not been able to travel yet but I look forward to be examined for admission mainly out of curiosity...


Posted By: NewToLight84
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 7:39pm
Me too...I think all the GL that fall under the GLNE need to have a computer system that has a data base that stores all of our info. including our numbers that are on our dues cards...or have a barcode on our cards that can be scanned..I'm sure I'm not the first one to think of this..it may even exist. Anyone heard of such a thing?

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"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Mason some people will ever meet." -unknown


Posted By: jdeal
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 7:44pm
Seems like it would be a good idea to be able to quickly cross reference ones masonic identity.


Posted By: rmcgehee
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 8:28pm
In Calif. we have a computer system called Imember. The Secretary can check if someone has paid their dues and what Lodge they are from. There is also an examination that is called for if the person can't be vouched for.

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E- 9/29/81.P- 11/10/81.R- 1/19/82


Posted By: NewToLight84
Date Posted: September/16/2014 at 8:38pm
Would the system know that I was a real brother even if my Lodge is all the way in Nebraska. (Or any other lodge other than those not in California?)

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"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Mason some people will ever meet." -unknown


Posted By: ldarnell
Date Posted: September/23/2014 at 4:39pm
In our jurisdiction, you can be vouched for by a known lodge member who has sat with the visitor previously in a lodge and can verify they are a Freemason.

Otherwise, visitors are verified by the combination of the Tyler's Oath, a valid dues card (which here can be checked for forgery by its bar code/member ID on the GL website), and a committee of examination.  


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Larry Darnell
Senior Steward, St. Charles Lodge #241
Missouri Lodge of Research #9998
I: 02 April 2013
P: 01 May 2013
R: 07 May 2013


Posted By: Warrior1256
Date Posted: September/25/2015 at 9:54am
Originally posted by log cabin Bill log cabin Bill wrote:

In my jurisdiction of PA, the only way for an unvouched for visitor to gain admission is to present a current dues card from a recognized lodge and then go through our process of the examination of a visitor.   

Same here plus we have to recite the Tyler's Oath.


-------------
St. Matthews Lodge 906
Suburban Lodge 740
Shively-Lewis-Parkland 951
AASR, Orient of Kentucky, Valley of Louisville
King Solomon Chapter 5
Louisville Council 4
North Central York Rite College 116


Posted By: Warrior1256
Date Posted: September/25/2015 at 10:02am
Originally posted by ldarnell ldarnell wrote:

In our jurisdiction, you can be vouched for by a known lodge member who has sat with the visitor previously in a lodge and can verify they are a Freemason.

Otherwise, visitors are verified by the combination of the Tyler's Oath, a valid dues card (which here can be checked for forgery by its bar code/member ID on the GL website), and a committee of examination.  

Same here.


-------------
St. Matthews Lodge 906
Suburban Lodge 740
Shively-Lewis-Parkland 951
AASR, Orient of Kentucky, Valley of Louisville
King Solomon Chapter 5
Louisville Council 4
North Central York Rite College 116


Posted By: WBScott
Date Posted: September/25/2015 at 11:43am
I know this thread goes back over two years, but...

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

...I've researched several Freemason's Manuals, some to the 6th degree...

There is a serious flaw in your "research"! There are only THREE degrees is Freemasonry. There is no degree higher degree than Master Mason. There are apendant bodies that have up to 33 degrees, but they have no bearing in a Masonic lodge at all whatsoever. 

Originally posted by GrimoireA3 GrimoireA3 wrote:

But unfortunately I am not qualified in the remotest (?) to become a Mason.

Being nosey... how do you know you are not qualified? 


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Wentzville (MO) Lodge #46 - PM
Pride of the West (MO) Lodge #179 - PM (twice)
Pauldingville (MO) Lodge #11 - Secretary
Warrenton (MO) Lodge #609 - Secretary
Past DDGM - 25th Masonic District


Posted By: BroScubaSteve
Date Posted: September/25/2015 at 2:22pm
Originally posted by simple man simple man wrote:

Originally posted by droche droche wrote:

I would think it would be very difficult anymore for a cowan to gain admittance to a lodge. They may know the basics but there are certain subtleties with which they would be unfamiliar and which would be picked up quite easily by an experienced Tyler. That is the key- the person guarding the door needs to know what he is doing. When I visited a lodge in New Brunswick, Canada, the Brother who "worked me in" was not the Tyler though- he was a Past Grand Master!

I am S.D. in one of my Lodges and If I do not know you you will be examined. Sorry but my Fraternity means a lot to me and no cowans I hope do not gain admittance. 
We have a PM who was examined at a lodge where the Grand Staff told the lodge he would be showing up at their next stating for a presentation.

Good job on their part.


-------------
Initiated 4-22-13
Passed 5-29-13
Raised 6-27-13

Junior Deacon
F&AM GLNJ
32°AASR NMJ, Southern Valley of NJ


Posted By: Cookslc
Date Posted: October/07/2015 at 12:04am
It is correct that in the U.S. Symbolic degrees there are only three. Remember, other Rites do have more.

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G A Cook
F&AM of Utah
AF&AM of Oklahoma
UGLE


Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/08/2015 at 3:16pm
Do you not trust they Tyler...or are you saying that you are going to examine a brother after the Tyler as well?


Posted By: Cookslc
Date Posted: October/09/2015 at 10:24pm
In some jurisdictions an examining committee conducts the examination.

-------------
G A Cook
F&AM of Utah
AF&AM of Oklahoma
UGLE


Posted By: Warrior1256
Date Posted: October/10/2015 at 1:27pm
Originally posted by Cooks<img src=smileys/smiley2.gif border=0 alt=Wink title=Wink />lc CooksWinklc wrote:

In some jurisdictions an examining committee conducts the examination.
That's they way it is in Kentucky.


-------------
St. Matthews Lodge 906
Suburban Lodge 740
Shively-Lewis-Parkland 951
AASR, Orient of Kentucky, Valley of Louisville
King Solomon Chapter 5
Louisville Council 4
North Central York Rite College 116


Posted By: Just1flyguy
Date Posted: October/10/2015 at 2:03pm
Having my own experience with this kind of foolery, shouldn't this be against the law to mislead or misrepresent an organization? I'm very thankful I found this website as I would have been in error for a long time... I'm not a mason yet *I thought I was* but I'm determined to do it right!



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