Freemasonry for Sex, Murder & Profit Freemasonry for Sex, Murder & Profit Preventing Perverse Public Perceptions.

Freemasonryfor

Sex, Murder & Profit

Preventing Perverse Public Perceptions

Preventing Perverse Public Perceptions

A Talk by Wbro Colin Macdonald

(PM Lodge Ailsa 1172 S.C.)

The Lodge St Michael No. 2933 E.CInstallation 2005

The Lodge St Michael No. 2933 E.CInstallation 2005

Public perception•The General Public and Every Candidate who enters the

fraternity has a preconceived idea as to what Freemasonry

is

•Information in the Public Domain

•Family and Friends

•Where does this public perception originate?

•Is it important for the future of freemasonry?

•Is it accurate?

•If it is not, how do we attempt to adjust the perception?

Public perception1. Part of the Base Cause of the decline in numbers lies

with lack of retention of Master Masons (The Missing

Master Mason, by Wbro John L Belton)

2. The average length of service to the Craft after

becoming a Master Mason declined from:

* 20 yrs in 1950’s

* 10 yrs in 1970’s

* 5 yrs in 1990’s

• This has been the main focus of many studies and

experiments (Lodge Epicurean) to-date

New Zealand Masonic Membership

36

811

9 10

5 6 6 57

5 6 5 53

5 63

60.4

53.748.6

40.7

3739

4043

363333

31

6

32,800

29,520

26,568

23,912

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Members

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

NewLodges

Under 40

InitiatesAge

Potential Service

Total Membership

Linear (NewLodges)

New Zealand Masonic Membership

36

811

9 10

5 6 6 57

5 6 5 53

5 63

60.4

53.748.6

40.7

3739

4043

363333

31

6

32,800

29,520

26,568

23,912

-10

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1945 1950 1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000

Members

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

NewLodges

Under 40

InitiatesAge

Potential Service

Total Membership

Linear (NewLodges)

Common Threat

Source: The Final Forty Years of Masonry?By Bro A.H. Busfield

Public perception1. The other part of the Base Cause of the decline in

numbers and standing of Freemasonry, does not lie

within, but with the Public Perception of Freemasonry

• Is this Public Perception accurate?

• How was it developed?

• What can we do to reverse this adverse view?

Perceived Influences on Masonic Membership




LAWS & CONSTITUTIONS







Historical ExposéHistorical Exposé

Ancient Context of Learning about FreeMasonry

Word of Mouth Local Community Invited In to an Inner-Circle Had prestige and standing in the

community

Ancient Context of Learning about FreeMasonry

Word of Mouth Local Community Invited In to an Inner-Circle Had prestige and standing in the

community

Tools and AllegoriesTools and Allegories

What was the most widly distributed document accessible to all at that time?

The Bible Allegorical tales adapted to suit

Freemasons Purposes Also suited the God-fearing nature

imbued in the social relationships at that time between Master and Labourer

What was the most widly distributed document accessible to all at that time?

The Bible Allegorical tales adapted to suit

Freemasons Purposes Also suited the God-fearing nature

imbued in the social relationships at that time between Master and Labourer

The Written WordThe Written Word Guttenberg’s Printing Press -1440

Books and Publications

Records being set down

Pamphlets and Occasional Broadsheets

No photocopying, scanning, faxing etc as we know it today

Guttenberg’s Printing Press -1440

Books and Publications

Records being set down

Pamphlets and Occasional Broadsheets

No photocopying, scanning, faxing etc as we know it today

Source:The Origins of FreemasonryDr Robert Lomas

Historical DevelopmentHistorical Development


Most important exposé appeared as a pamphlet for sale in London in 1730 entitled:

“The History of Masonry or Masonry Dissected, to which are added the Mason Word and Catechism”

by Samuel Prichard, member of a Constituted Lodge

Most important exposé appeared as a pamphlet for sale in London in 1730 entitled:

“The History of Masonry or Masonry Dissected, to which are added the Mason Word and Catechism”

by Samuel Prichard, member of a Constituted Lodge

1730


“The terms of free and accepted Masonry (as now it is) had never been heard of until within these few years: no Constituted Lodges or Quarterly Communications were heard of until 1691, when lords and dukes, lawyers and shopkeepers, and other inferior trades (many porters not excepted) were admitted to the mystery, or no mystery”

“The terms of free and accepted Masonry (as now it is) had never been heard of until within these few years: no Constituted Lodges or Quarterly Communications were heard of until 1691, when lords and dukes, lawyers and shopkeepers, and other inferior trades (many porters not excepted) were admitted to the mystery, or no mystery”

1730


Movies / Flicks / CinemaMovies / Flicks / Cinema

Entertainment based on theatrical styles

Story Telling and romantic episodes

Information Dissemination

Entertainment based on theatrical styles

Story Telling and romantic episodes

Information Dissemination

Earliest MoviesEarliest Movies

Hinted on Masonic Topics

Used some obscure reference somewhere in the Background

Only Brethren may have noticed the Masonic connections

Hinted on Masonic Topics

Used some obscure reference somewhere in the Background

Only Brethren may have noticed the Masonic connections

Buster KeatonBuster Keaton1920

In 1539, the Knights Templar of Malta, paid tribute to Charles V of Spain, by sending him a Golden Falcon encrusted from beak to claw with rarest jewels….but pirates seized the galley carrying this priceless token and the fate of the Maltese Falcon remains a mystery to this day…

The Maltese FalconThe Maltese Falcon1942

A Night in CasablancaA Night in Casablanca1946

Monty PythonMonty Python196?

CartoonsCartoons

CartoonsCartoons

CartoonsCartoonsThe Initiation Ceremony was closed with the proclamation: “The Sacred Order of Stonecutters has, since ancient times, split the rocks of ignorance that obscures the light of knowledge and truth… now lets all get drunk and play ping-pong”

The Man Who Would Be KingThe Man Who Would Be King1975

The Man Who Would Be KingThe Man Who Would Be King1975

Opening of Freemasonry to Public Scrutiny

Opening of Freemasonry to Public Scrutiny

P2 Scandal

Other Conspiracy Theories

Decline in Numbers

The Brotherhood

P2 Scandal

Other Conspiracy Theories

Decline in Numbers

The Brotherhood

The BrotherhoodThe Brotherhood1980

Stephen Knight's impartial - but highly controversial - investigation addresses these vital questions and asks: •DOES FREEMASONRY INFLUENCE OUR POLICE AND JUDICIARY? •CAN A CHRISTIAN BE A FREEMASON? •HAVE THE KGB PENETRATED THE FREEMASONS? •DOES FREEMASONRY LEAD TO CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC LIFE Freemasons are all bound to silence, but now some of them have felt impelled to break ranks and reveal part of the truth...

Propaganda Duo - P2Propaganda Duo - P2•1877 Some Italian Lodges Became Political & Irregular

•1964 P2 Operated as the Grand Master’s private Lodge

•No register of Members kept

•1974 P2 Erased from roll but Bro Licio Gelli became Master and

requested suspension only

•1975 Accused of gross financial irregularities

•1980 Gelli expelled from Italian Freemasonry

•1980 Police found 950 names of members mostly prominent

figures. Gelli fled to South America

•Some Ministers resigned and Italian Government Fell

•Roberto Calvi was a friend of Gelli and member of P2

Propaganda Duo - P2Propaganda Duo - P21982

Propaganda Duo - P2Propaganda Duo - P22001

Does Exposure lead to Decline of Standing ?

Does Exposure lead to Decline of Standing ?

Absolute Numbers in Decline Quality of Ritual work declines Type of Members joining Type of Members Leaving Dissatisfaction with

Masonic Community Own contribution OTHER’S CONTRIBUTION

Absolute Numbers in Decline Quality of Ritual work declines Type of Members joining Type of Members Leaving Dissatisfaction with

Masonic Community Own contribution OTHER’S CONTRIBUTION

InternetInternet Free Access to on-line and mass printed

documents

Exposé of Freemasonry by Anti-Masonic Groups

Lack of Verification and Authentication

Lack of Masonic Guidelines for the use of the

Internet

Free Access to on-line and mass printed

documents

Exposé of Freemasonry by Anti-Masonic Groups

Lack of Verification and Authentication

Lack of Masonic Guidelines for the use of the

Internet

New Rash of Conspiracy Movies

New Rash of Conspiracy Movies

Conspiracy

Adventure

Heroes save the World (AND GETS THE GIRL)

Drama and Entertainment

Misleading

Miss-Information

Conspiracy

Adventure

Heroes save the World (AND GETS THE GIRL)

Drama and Entertainment

Misleading

Miss-Information

From HellFrom Hell2001

From HellFrom Hell

From HellFrom Hell

From HellFrom Hell

From HellFrom Hell

National TreasureNational Treasure2004

National TreasureNational Treasure

National TreasureNational Treasure

The Da Vinci CodeThe Da Vinci Code

2004











Conspiracy TheoryConspiracy Theory

Kingdom of HeavenKingdom of Heaven2005

Kingdom of HeavenKingdom of Heaven

Rash of Exposé BooksRash of Exposé Books

Coleman Street ExposéColeman Street Exposé

Heavy-Going and Trying to be Factual

Heavy-Going and Trying to be Factual

Popular and ControversialPopular and Controversial

Popular and ControversialPopular and Controversial

D.I.Y. FreemasonryD.I.Y. Freemasonry

Musical ExposéMusical Exposé

Further Exposés to come...?Further Exposés to come...?

Past Analysis of St Michael Papers

(Vols 2,3 and 41964-1996)

Past Analysis of St Michael Papers

(Vols 2,3 and 41964-1996)

S.E.A. and General Masonic History Our Ritual Music Lodge Administration

S.E.A. and General Masonic History Our Ritual Music Lodge Administration

Recent St Michael Papers


SE Asia History A History of Freemason's Hall, Coleman St (T.R. Neoh:1984) The Foundation of The Lodge St. Michael No.2933. (D.J Herring:1976) The Foundation & development of Johore Royal Lodge. (M. S.Randhava: 1980) W. Bro. Edaljee Khory. (RM.R. Patel:1981) RW.Bro. E.G. Holiday. (J.M. Parker:1981) Freemasonry in Singapore, my personal observations.(Chan CKG:1983) The Masonic Hall 23A Coleman Street. (D.J. Herring:1984) Lodge Johore Royal. (F.A Musset:1984) Two Centuries of Freemasonry in S.E.Asia. (E.L.S.Jennings:1985) Excerpts from Sir S'ford Raffles by C.Haffuer D.G.M.F.E (KE. Toft:1993) Founding o/t D.G.L.o/t E.A.& the part played by J.C.Smith (E.L.S.Jennings:1994) Freemasonry and the Hash. (D.D.K.Holloway:1994) The First 50 yrs. o/t Craft in the Eastern Archipelago. (E.L.S.Jennings:1995)

SE Asia History A History of Freemason's Hall, Coleman St (T.R. Neoh:1984) The Foundation of The Lodge St. Michael No.2933. (D.J Herring:1976) The Foundation & development of Johore Royal Lodge. (M. S.Randhava: 1980) W. Bro. Edaljee Khory. (RM.R. Patel:1981) RW.Bro. E.G. Holiday. (J.M. Parker:1981) Freemasonry in Singapore, my personal observations.(Chan CKG:1983) The Masonic Hall 23A Coleman Street. (D.J. Herring:1984) Lodge Johore Royal. (F.A Musset:1984) Two Centuries of Freemasonry in S.E.Asia. (E.L.S.Jennings:1985) Excerpts from Sir S'ford Raffles by C.Haffuer D.G.M.F.E (KE. Toft:1993) Founding o/t D.G.L.o/t E.A.& the part played by J.C.Smith (E.L.S.Jennings:1994) Freemasonry and the Hash. (D.D.K.Holloway:1994) The First 50 yrs. o/t Craft in the Eastern Archipelago. (E.L.S.Jennings:1995)



Ritual The N.E. Corner. (JAR. Reid:1970) From Whence our Signs (E.R. Walker:1983) The Emulation ritual & Lodge St. Michael.

(R.F.Nakhoda:1980) The Candidate & the Craft. (E. Kang:1982) Heraldry in Freemasonry (E.F. Mullan:1983) The Masonic Certificate. (Lim Boon Par:1992) Basic Principals of Masonic Symbolism. (C. G.

Standley:1992) The Royal Arch Jewel. (J.M.Parker:1994)

Ritual The N.E. Corner. (JAR. Reid:1970) From Whence our Signs (E.R. Walker:1983) The Emulation ritual & Lodge St. Michael.

(R.F.Nakhoda:1980) The Candidate & the Craft. (E. Kang:1982) Heraldry in Freemasonry (E.F. Mullan:1983) The Masonic Certificate. (Lim Boon Par:1992) Basic Principals of Masonic Symbolism. (C. G.

Standley:1992) The Royal Arch Jewel. (J.M.Parker:1994)



Music Some Notes on Masonic Music. (E.L.S.

Jennings:1971) Bro. Motzart's Masonic Music. (JG.

Bones:1991) Music in Masonry. (J.G Bones:1993)

Music Some Notes on Masonic Music. (E.L.S.

Jennings:1971) Bro. Motzart's Masonic Music. (JG.

Bones:1991) Music in Masonry. (J.G Bones:1993)



Lodge Administration Reworked paper by W.Bro Makepeace Record Making. (J.L.

Seale:1977) The RM.I's & RM.H. their past present & future. (J.L. Seale:1977) The Election & Appointment of Lodge Office Bearers.(Chan C.KG

1985) Charity Antient & Modern. (E.F. Mullan: 1986) The Lodge Officers. (YR.Degani:1987) Charity. (J.M. Parker:1989) What Freemasonry means to me. (KE. Toft:1989) The Duties of the Lodge Treasurer. (RI.Rawlings:1991)

Lodge Administration Reworked paper by W.Bro Makepeace Record Making. (J.L.

Seale:1977) The RM.I's & RM.H. their past present & future. (J.L. Seale:1977) The Election & Appointment of Lodge Office Bearers.(Chan C.KG

1985) Charity Antient & Modern. (E.F. Mullan: 1986) The Lodge Officers. (YR.Degani:1987) Charity. (J.M. Parker:1989) What Freemasonry means to me. (KE. Toft:1989) The Duties of the Lodge Treasurer. (RI.Rawlings:1991)

Where do we go from Here?

Where do we go from Here?

Will there still be a need for

Freemasonry, if all Is Exposed and

Conspiracies abound?

What change is needed to revive

Masonry into a vibrant useful and

respected society?

Will there still be a need for

Freemasonry, if all Is Exposed and

Conspiracies abound?

What change is needed to revive

Masonry into a vibrant useful and

respected society?

Possible Options?Possible Options?

Can we put the Genie back in the bottle?

Can we make Freemasonry “Secret” again?

Can it be made more exclusive , desired and Intellectually satisfying?

Will the leaders of World Powers, Revolutions, Science and the Arts be part of the Fraternity again?

Can we put the Genie back in the bottle?

Can we make Freemasonry “Secret” again?

Can it be made more exclusive , desired and Intellectually satisfying?

Will the leaders of World Powers, Revolutions, Science and the Arts be part of the Fraternity again?

Are We Still Relevant?Are We Still Relevant?


Should we refute and attempt to correct some of the articles, books and films?

Should we refute and attempt to correct some of the articles, books and films?


Should we publish our own version of

events?

Credibility (otherwise we can all go back

to “getting drunk and playing ping-

pong”)

Intrigue (It cannot be a dry refuting of

something the public is lapping up)

Should we publish our own version of

events?

Credibility (otherwise we can all go back

to “getting drunk and playing ping-

pong”)

Intrigue (It cannot be a dry refuting of

something the public is lapping up)

How do we make it happen?How do we make it happen?

Basis of Research

for Lodge

St Michael

Basis of Research

for Lodge

St Michael

5 Year Outline5 Year Outline

Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsFuture Directions

1. Has FM lost its special place in society?Society leaders and distinguished figures of the past all were freemasons at some time. When did it decline to lose such figures and what were the underlying social causes (60’ies?)

2. Newly developing trends in FM (Aust/US)One day masons Lodge Epicurean

3. Comparative analysis of successful LodgesGrowth and declineStrong/weak leadership and sense of direction

Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsHistorical

4. Buildings and Temples of the RegionMasonic Buildings /locations costs values opportunities / the lodge of the future


5. Characters in Singapore historySignificance of efforts / colour / achievements / worthy of emulation

6. How FM has moulded SEA historywhich FM’s have achieved political / social / economic / reforms and have they been acknowledged as such

7. Works of significance by local FreemasonsDunlop, Wearn, Read, Raffles, ????


8. Links and LoopsPresumptions and gaps in Masonic History

9. Following a thread to its conclusionDevelopment of a FM topic as far as possible – person event ritual etc to discover the origins, meanings or significance

10. Constitutional differencesWhat / why / when did the differences between the constitutions occur and where is this heading (OK as is etc)

Possible Topic GroupsPossible Topic GroupsPersonal Development

11. Masonic revelations and structured MentoringFM is a method of revealing bits at a time for self-discovery How does a one-day mason cope. What are the statistics a few years on?


12. Mastering Mentoring and

Mentoring the MastersWe are very weak at mentoring new brethren. There is a whole scope here for someone with a pedagogical background. What is the use of doing the rituals without understanding and enticement to learn and seep yourself in the Masonic culture?


13. Injecting “Depth” into Masonic WorkingsRituals/rituals/rituals/DofC/RWM – candidates copying

14. Mastery, Mystery and MagicExpectations and let-downs of new candidatesLearning and recitationRevelation and inspiration


15. Rituals, Rites and RegulationsHow did different rituals evolve and become acceptedPlace for new rituals in modern society

16. Opening or Concealing FMThe book The Brotherhood was instrumental in forcing the declaration of FM in the public service in the UK. The US masons have always flaunted it –more as a charitable organization.Does this contribute to public perceptions one way or the other

Possible topic groupsPossible topic groupsLodge Management



17. Standardising the Secretarial and Treasurers dutiesEvery year we reinvent the wheel by putting a different (amateur) member in charge of subjects like administration and bookkeeping and then spend the rest of the year arguing about the state of affairs. Is there an opening for standardization of the systems. Grand Lodge demand forms and returns so does district. Can a single internet database capture all this information and form part of some pre-acceptance training?



18. Library sources and Internet assistance

•Access•Scanning•Cataloging•Indexing•Annual publication of internet references

Proposed Annual SeminarProposed Annual Seminar

•Annual Event In conjunction with Mt Faber•Held on a Saturday 10am - 4pm•Informal setting (Smart casual dress)•FM only•Held In the Temple ($ to cover costs - lunch, coffee, snacks) •Paper produced and published as a result•Meant to be a stimulus and catalyst for further (self) study

Proposed Annual SeminarProposed Annual Seminar

Possible Seminar TopicsPossible Seminar Topics•The Value and Application of Masonic Research to Local Lodges

•Unsolved Masonic Mysteries

•Refining Rituals and the meanings of Workings (Tweaking the edges)

•Why has FM lasted so long and what is your view for the future

•Off-shoots of Masonic Bodies

•Museum requirements and the Singapore Masonic Museum

•FM uses under stress

•Will the real Master please stand up

Possible Seminar AgendaPossible Seminar Agenda

•Opening Address

•Key Papers

•Discussion

•Lunch

•Working Groups

•Coordinating discussion and potential follow through

•Closing address

Publication OpportunitiesPublication Opportunities

•Gaps and Mysteries in a Local Sense

•Developing a tighter Lodge Structure and Structuring a Retention Progamme (Making the Masonic Experience Meaningful)

•Internet, Information and Image

•Mastering Lodge Management Practices

•Seminar Topics

Writing a PaperWriting a Paper

Or

•“I Don’t Believe I Can Do It”

•“The Seeds of Innovation

(Look to the Future)”

Freemasonry for Sex, Murder and Profit?


Sex -

Murder -

Profit -

Produce a stimulating look at our present situation and establish a view for the future that can appeal to Members and the General Public

Resolve a detail of a Masonic Mystery to uncover more about ourselves, our Order, and to establish a definitive Body of Knowledge for the Craft

There is a potential for a few brethren to step into the commercial sphere by publishing accurate Masonic accountsHowever… The best profit that we hope for from this engagement is;

“so that there may be profit from the labour, and pleasure from the beauty of our Ancient and Honourable Craft”



Http://www.LodgeStMichael.org

The Lodge St. Michael

Papers

Freemasonry for Sex, Murder & Profit

SlidesNarration

Freemasonry for Sex, Murder & Profit Freemasonry for Sex, Murder & Profit Preventing Perverse Public Perceptions.

Documents

public perception accurate

public domainfamily

public perceptionpart

masonic topicsused

years of masonry

missing master mason

master masons

accepted masonry