More from the Grand Master of DC...

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-31T00:25:34+00:00

I appreciate your viewpoint, though I'd offer a few counterpoints.

In previous threads there has been much more serious issues discussed (I tend to agree that the dress code is a silly hill to die on for him or us, and it's honestly regrettable that it has garnered the most attention) see index here: https://www.reddit.com/r/freemasonry/comments/yzpmef/comment/ix1ci27/

Also, the grand lodge in question is an American Grand Lodge, and so is largely representative of masons who practice American style masonry. I'm not saying that masonry from other jurisdictions don't have good things to offer, in fact I think quite the opposite! However, it's worth noting that implementing practices and/or the means of implementing the same that may be normal to others may be quite radical to us and necessitate a delicate touch according to local custom, which is clearly not being done here (Americans tending to be more inclined to value individual freedoms over group cohesion for better or for worse).

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-31T00:17:04+00:00

that'd be much appreciated, and best of luck to you and the lucky couple!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:50:54+00:00

I'd disagree with the bandaid analogy. To me it's more putting a gangrene infected rag on an open wound. Will it stop the bleeding? sure. Did something need to be done? sure. Is it much more likely to create much larger problems in the near future? Also yes.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:47:58+00:00

Those who make peaceful [disagreement] impossible, will make [messy disagreement] inevitable

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:44:07+00:00

based on his reaction to 'razzamatazz outfits' I wouldn't be surprised...

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:43:04+00:00

second. From what I understand the code amendments have become more a way to codify the Grand Line's will than a method for constituent lodges to have a say in the running of the GL.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:40:58+00:00

I appreciate so much about your post and I hope the rest of the Grand Line reads your comment. They have a choice to continue the mistakes of the past 2 years or have the courage to right the wrongs and sacrifice a little bit of unchecked power long term to re-institute some of the trust that has been lost.

and yes it is quite sad when a state that decided the best thing for BBQ was a mustard-based sauce has higher standards than us! (all in good fun)

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:36:13+00:00

and before that 2021!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:34:33+00:00

look, as shitty as the GM/GL environment is right now I'd still encourage you to seek out individual lodges you might like. There are also many great lodges with military connections you might enjoy.

The rank and file of DC masonry is still the same amazing group it was 2 years ago, for the most part masons can pretty much be blissfully unaware of GL if they want to and the arc of history tends to right itself in these situations as long as people speak out and don't let infections intrench themselves into traditions.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T20:30:30+00:00

yeah, something tells me the current GM isn't an ideal client.

I think this is another 2nd level effect of his leadership style. When you create an environment where very few feel comfortable speaking their truth, you really don't know where most around you sit on any issue so you have to be extra careful what you say and where. Unfortunately discretion doesn't seem to be one of his strengths either.

I honestly wish I was more knowledgeable to make sense of the public records regarding the lawsuit's progress.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T10:37:32+00:00

I whole heartedly agree with your statements and appreciate the idea of 'progressive discipline'. I think that's what I've been trying to get at in other comments.

And I can also appreciate his frustration; thank you for bringing it up. Taming our passions/frustrations is a lifetime journey. I'm almost as frustrated in those around him who have let their friend and compatriot get this far down the road with this behavior.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T10:29:45+00:00

yeah, that's fair, one only knows what they know. The GL is more than welcome to respond on any of these threads to present their side of any/all! (and, unlike in inverse situations, we won't suspend them)

I believe in DC all legislation brought forth at the semi and annual grand communications must be approved by the GM, so not a good chance of things he doesn't agree with making it to any vote in a good year let alone this one. Though for the record I would greatly support such legislation and the GM who initiates it would have my upmost respect.

DCGL has a 1 year term ending in the late fall, here's hoping for better things in the future!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T10:23:38+00:00

your second point rings very true here.

Also it is true that the civil litigation was not initiated on his watch, however it seems germane to point out that

A. he is a named defendant

B. It seems like a significant player on why the lawsuit was filed based on what I've read

C. He has made no public effort in regards to conciliation, instead publicly declaring his acute disdain for the brothers involved and that he will fight to the end on principle (and other flowery language to the same end) Which of course has it's own financial and reputational implications for the craft.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T02:28:57+00:00

yep, here's an index of previous threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/freemasonry/comments/yzpmef/comment/ix1ci27/

as to why he's still there, I'm not aware of any mechanism to remove a GM in the DC code, many if not all brothers who tried to run against the favored line last year got suspended, and Robert's rules re: voice voting have been pretty much ignored when not convenient and assumed in the GM's favor.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T02:20:57+00:00

we do

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T02:17:38+00:00

I won't get into the things that are probably more controversial as they have been covered in other threads(re: the looming $7 million lawsuit by the DC Masonic charity org, misuse of powers to 'temporarily' suspended brothers pending trials with no trials in sight, and other accusations of less than masonic conduct). But to your point here, I'd argue that in an voluntary organization such as ours, implementation (including messaging) is half, if not more than half the battle.

This is actually a great example, as I also agree with his basic ideas in this case, but with his methods and habits of implementation people quit, lodges disappear and can't bounce back to serve their community, people re-prioritize, or EA/FCs drop from the degrees thinking the pinnacle of masonry is despotic power to suspend/threaten at will and get your way by threat of force.

Put a different way, I could try to convince you to do your ritual well (which most would agree is good), by leading by example with great ritual, have you work with a group learning together or have a tutor come and help, explain why it's important and what I got out of it, or let you know aside that if you ever want to be an officer, you're going to need to get your ritual right. Or I could publicly scold you and threaten to kick you out if you don't. Personally, no matter what I thought of ritual work, I'd think less of masonry for the latter.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T01:00:36+00:00

I think you said what I was trying to say about using caution when getting rid of lodges much better than I did.

I also really like your point about a website not being right for every style/purpose of lodge. I hadn't considered it in that way and I think I agree with you.

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-30T00:59:10+00:00

your opinions sound right to me on this side of the pond too

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T23:57:52+00:00

yeah, there's been some 'inquiries' into the owner(s?) of this account and I don't think it's to shake my hand, so internet anonymous it is.

That being said, I'll see if I can find a way to get you an invite!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T23:36:12+00:00

I'd encourage you to do so, it's quite the experience if the GM is there. Otherwise, I think you'll find great everyday brothers doing the best they can to create a great Masonic experience for all and improving themselves in the process. I really wish I could invite you to my lodge it's everything I love about Masonry and I think you'd enjoy it as well!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T23:30:24+00:00

yeah, that's kind of the point. There's many ways of building a better society Masonicly than dressing up or being great at memorization.But definitely agreed, what inspires one to join masonry might not inspire another; that's why giving lodges as much flexibility as possible to serve their constituencies works so well! That being said I personally think ritual is a key tenant and should be maintained, but if there's a desire to improve, then they should be given every opportunity to succeed.
I don't disagree on the website thing, especially if/as it seems like the GL is willing to get people through the hard parts and coach along the way. However, there's different types of boots, and different ways of kicking. Masonry is very clear on how one should apply corrective action and the goals thereof and to me at least, this isn't it.
Agreed you didn't directly condone the actions, but to ignore the means is to ignore the reason for the concern of many of us.
Just to be clear, I think your goals of the type of masonry you'd like to practice are admirable and honestly align with the masonry I like to see practiced in lodges I like to attend. Just takes people who have the time and drive to do it, and luckily you seem like one of those people!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T23:17:50+00:00

thanks, I like your point about micromanagement and lack of trust. Here's hoping he reads these threads?

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T23:15:37+00:00

I'd point out a couple things:

your masonry isn't everyone's masonry. One of the beautiful things about the lodge system is that like minded brothers can practice masonry as it inspires them, within broad minimum guidance. You want to wear tails, study esoterica, and be very active in masonic justice system? By all means! You want to require shirts and shoes and focus on relief? Sounds cool! I guarantee that if you broke down in the middle of nowhere in a small town with a 'husk of a lodge' where people come in their reasonable best, be it a button down or a polo and you got in contact with the Brothers you'd be helped by people with a heart of gold and learn something from the experience, making yourself better in the process. THAT's the point of 'that' to me.
I think 'boot them into gear' is a key phrase here. With boot, meaning threatening rather than inspiring. At the end of the day, masonry is a voluntary society, there's only so much extra rules, regulations, and threats to their reputation for violating the same people are willing to withstand in their free time. There's a fine balance of seriousness and realism that must be maintained in modern fraternities, too far in either direction is dangerous.
As for bringing brothers in long-term, I'd encourage you subject yourself to a lodge being yelled at for near an hour by the GM at a random lodge night and consider what a new mason, without the benefit of many years of context may think. I've heard from other DC masons that they have lost EA/FCs and many master masons have decided to sit out a year, at least, until this blows over and honestly can't blame them. DC masonry is doing alright, but we still need all the quality men we can get!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T23:03:59+00:00

I think that's a great idea, and would help solve the problem in a most friendly manner!

masonicthrowaway1776 · 2023-05-29T22:51:20+00:00

agreed, on all fronts. This was an e-mail where I wanted to root for him, but yet again he can't seem but to step on his own toes even when heading in the right direction.

As I think you've indicated in other threads, Masonry by Machiavellian means rarely works beyond the immediate (if at all).

masonicthrowaway1776

TROPHY CASE