Per Brother Adam's request.... here is a series of questions that were posted.
A Mason
What purpose do we as Masons in WV serve? What is our mission?
Do we improve our communities or our cities?
Do we do anything?
But what purpose does each lodge in WV and the Grand Lodge collectivly serve?
Brethren
It has been interesting noting the increase in comments since the recent article in the New York Times. One thing that has stood out to me is the number of Masons who have signed comments with their real name.
These brethren hold allegiance to a Grand Lodge where Democracy is alive. They are Masons who do not fear their Grand Lodge officers. They do not fear voicing their opinions or the repercussions of such an act. In those jurisdictions, brethren like Richard Bosley could easily have stood up at Grand Lodge, requested a paper ballot. It would have been granted and in some jurisdictions it is required for all but the simplest of motions. Instead Richard was expelled for questioning the lack of a ballot.
Brethren it is important to understand that we live in the Stalin era of Masonry. We live in a time that we must fear the knock on the door. We must fear pogroms and ethnic cleansings. Those that question will be done away with. The parallels are everywhere. Do not think this is inflammatory rhetoric. The three expelled brethren do not. If a Master is installed that is not “qualified” then the previous Master will be dealt with. Another fine example of the terror we live with.
We all know the end result of Soviet Communism.
What are your thoughts brethren?
A Mason
Brethren,
this morning the prestigious New York Times published a article that may be of interest. You can view it here
We have been told and it is interesting to note that MW Brother Haas was approached by the Times for the article. It is also interesting to note that this is the second article that I have seen in which Charlie Montgomery has declined comment. Why is that?
Brethren the world is truly watching and our "leaders" say nothing....
A Mason
It has been said that the Grand Master is comparing the Masons involved with this site to Terrorists. In fact we have been called Terrorists by the Grand Master.
Definition:
Terrorism is "the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion."[2] There is no internationally agreed legal definition.[3] In one modern definition of terrorism, it is violence against civilians to achieve political or ideological objectives by creating fear.[4] Most common definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants. Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war.
Tell me brethren... how is presenting the truth Terrorism? The definition above speaks of non-combatants (innocent by-standers) being targeted. Is it just me or does Richard Bosley and Justin Blankenship fit that definition? Both have been unjustly accused of being a part of the Masonic Crusade website and expelled without trial. This is a complete lie that OUR Grand Lodge officers continue to spread. Neither brother is now or has ever been a part of this website.
It also mentions use of terror as a means of coercion. Doesn't the Storm Trooper tactics of showing up five minutes before lodge unannounced seem to fit that defiinition?
The Grand Master has made it clear that his goal is to catch someone doing something. Scare tactics and threats... again it seems to match the definition?
Finally.... if you have not, take the time to read the "Who we are" section on the main page of this website. It clearly states our objectives. Terrorists or Masons who want to see fairness and justice brought back to Grand Lodge? You decide brethren......
A Mason
There was an interesting article posted in the Charleston Gazette yesterday.
You can read it on line here
A Mason
Correction: It is on the front page of The Gazette this morning. It has also been posted in The Columbus Dispatch and The Wheeling News Register.
Grand Lodge of West Virginia is being sued
Friday May 30th, 2008 a lawsuit naming Charlie Montgomery, Chuck Coleman, the MW Grand Lodge of West Virginia and John Doe (unnamed others) was entered in Kanawha County.
The lawsuit details can be seen here
Brethren please keep MW Brother Haas in your thoughts and prayers as he persues a rough and rugged road.
A Mason
From the Old Man... Justin Blankenship: The Unjust Expulsion of A Good Worshipful Master
I received this in an email from a thoughtful Brother
A Mason
Take A Stand - A faithful Brother's thoughts:
Taken from Brother Thomas Paine; These are the times that try men's Masonic Souls. The favor seeking Mason and the Mason seeking public praise will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their Lodges; but the Mason that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of all the Brothers. (More)
Where do you stand my Brother?
Knowledge is a powerful thing. This site has brought much truth and light to the inner workings of our fraternity, but what do we do with that knowledge now that we have it?
Our perceptions of West Virginia Freemasonry are forever changed. Just like a soldier who has seen death and despair or a man who has been hungry or homeless we now look at things from a totally different definition of reality.
Some of the more recent abuses include:
• numerous abuses of the voice call vote (Pledge of Allegiance)
• When French went after Cottrell and Guminey for beautiful articles in their community papers “They Were Just and Upright Men” I believe was one of the article titles.
• The extreme act of expelling Haas and Bosely for reasons that can’t be proven.
• The degrading of the secret ballot by Coleman
No longer do we look at the office of Grandmaster with the same respect and awe.
I am aghast at the attention that my letters have received.
As for the younger Mason who tells me to leave if I don’t like what we (W.Va. Masonry) have become, (his exact words were: If you don't like what is going on maybe you should go. Don't get into something and try and change it for everyone else. You and I have had the honor of something pure passed down from generation to generation. If it's changed it will be ruined!) some day you will understand… (More)
Brethren,
I wanted to let you know that as a society of friends and brothers, the Masonic Crusade feels it is important that we allow all posts. We must allow open communication from both sides of the issue if we are to get past all this dissension and find a solution. Censorship and repression will not be allowed on this site.
However I am asking for temperance in our rebuttals and responses. I am reminded of an old saying from Brother Mark Twain “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.”
Likewise untruths require clarification. I am certain that with the knowledge and experience of the folks posting here, that won’t be a problem.
Finally, if ANY of the Grand Lodge Officers would like to post or submit an article, I promise it will be posted for all to see. I know I would love to see some debate from the Grand Master.
Keep the Faith!
A Mason
More of Thoughts from An Old Man) Title: What’s your legacy Charlie?
My Brethren,
There is yet another letter from Grand Master Charlie, a good deal of which is a warning about elections regarding “qualified” Masters and suspension of members for failure to pay dues.
Could it be that school of instruction attendance is way way down?
Has the significant effect of apathy begun to take effect and are we growing concerned that members are refusing to pay homage - or - even dues?
Are Lodges having problems paying bills or making repairs?
Is this your legacy Charlie? Are you busily going about building the Lodge of (some) Past Grand Masters?
In an interesting twist to everything that is occurring in West Virginia, we have learned that at least one Ohio Mason sojourning in West Virginia has been denied entrance to a lodge. This was apparently based on the fact that he was from Ohio. The Master of the lodge remembering the “secret letter” from the Grand Master felt uncomfortable in admitting him. The lodge name and number is not important. What is important is that we are now officially reliving McCarthyism. The Grand Master has succeeded in taking good reasonable men and converting them into fearful uncertain followers.
Brethren is this your Masonry? Is this the type of organization that we can be proud of? Many West Virginia Masons live along the river. Should they give inviting their Ohio Brethren a second thought?
Can we live with this? Brethren know the risks and do as your conscience dictates. Speak out if you dare. Be polite and respectful but let the Grand Officers know how you feel. Please be aware that you risk your card if you do and act accordingly. Brothers Haas and Bosley knew and felt that the truth was more important. I stand with them. You must decide too.
A Mason
Brethren, please email us at masoniccrusade@gmail.com if you hear of anything that should be made public. We promise to keep any and all sources on the square. The brethren of West Virginia need to know what is going on.
As an Internet Society the Masonic Crusade believes in the following:
1. Truth, Justice, and Tolerance are indispensable qualities of Leadership and Membership
2. Transparent, and open Government of Our Fraternity with Freedom of opinion and Equal participation by all
3. Education and Participation are essential for Harmonious and Equitable Brotherhood
4. Reformation of the Laws, and General Regulations to bring West Virginia Masonry into accord with modern Masonic Jurisprudence.
5. Insuring Preservation of the Ancient Landmarks, Customs and Usages of the Fraternity
6. Support of lawful legislative efforts to bring about positive change and growth in Our Fraternity.
contact us at masoniccrusade@gmail.com
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