Time is running out! It is running out for those seeking change. Who carries our BATTLE FLAG? We desperately need to find something to focus our attention on—to focus our energies, our intelligence and sense of fair play and equality. Battle lines are drawn and sides have been chosen. What is the point?
We need constitutional change. We need a constitutional convention to discuss a new constitution, a new direction! We have a right, as a Mason, with our high ideals to expect the ultimate in leadership, the best possible choice from the craft, to be able to eliminate politics from our ranks and demand selfless men to lead us into the future.
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06 October, 2008 08:21
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04 October, 2008 19:56
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” Thomas Jefferson
Brethren we are very quickly approaching Grand Lodge. There have been calls for agendas and ideas of what should and should not be done. I urge caution in this discussion. While the eyes of the world will be watching then, the eyes of Grand Lodge are watching here now. Do not fall into the trap of discussing what the agenda should be. They WILL use that against us. We will be told that things discussed here are illegal and ultimately not allowed on the floor. Don’t allow that to happen.
What can you do? First and foremost go to Grand Lodge. Even if you are not a Past Master and cannot vote or speak, you have the right to attend. A packed hall in Charleston will send a clear message that we care. Second, if you are a Master or Past Master, vote your conscience. Don’t allow anyone to take that RIGHT away from you. Freedom of expression is your right. Finally pay attention, ask questions if you are not clear what is being discussed. Be polite. Be firm. Be brave and be a man.
Remember where you were first made a Mason. No one, not even Charlie Montgomery can take that away from you.
A Mason
[General
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17 September, 2008 06:00
New article in the Charleston Gazette
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14 September, 2008 17:48
Brethren, as I have watched the devastation that Ike has wrought on Texas, it occurred to me that there is an lesson in Ike for us to see. We have seen the damage wrought by unrestrained power and even the loss of life (in the Masonic sense). During all this there is a quiet time that we are in now and I would liken it to the eye of the hurricane. It is a time of quiet, stillness and yet the foreboding of things yet to come. It almost seems normal in an eerie sense. (More)
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29 August, 2008 13:56
Word is out today that Judge Berger denied every point of the defendants' motion to dismiss.This means the Court Case will go on.... Brethren we will have our day in court!
A Mason
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07 August, 2008 10:11
Brethren
The Charleston Gazette carried the following article on the court case. link
The Prince Hall Brief can be viewed here.
It is interesting to note that GL's attorneys seems to indicate that we will all be given a chance to vote on and affirm or deny the decisions of the Grand Master, Grievance and Appeals and the Jurisprudence Committees. Am I the only one that is a little pessimistic about that? Given our supremely unfair system of allowing the Grand Master to call the voice vote and NOT allow a paper ballot, I will go out on a limb and say the brethren will overwhelmingly be in favor of his actions and the committee reports. Anyone want to make a wager on the votes? (More)
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06 August, 2008 07:45
MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge submits brief
The MW PHGL of West Virginia has entered a Friend of the Court brief supporting MWPGM Haas and his position. This is a historic event that clearly show our Prince Hall Brethren recognize the importance of what is happening in West Virginia. The MWPHGL Grand Master is clearly a man of vision like PGM Haas and I am proud to call them both Brother! Brethren if you have not before, now is the time to reach out with the grip of brotherly love and right a wrong.
A Mason
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17 July, 2008 17:16
The guys over at Ex Oriente have interviewed I M Hiram. Click here to listen. It can also be downloaded as a podcast via itunes.
A Mason
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28 June, 2008 17:29
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?
[General
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25 June, 2008 19:42
We welcome a second post from our Brother Roger That
There is mass confusion among the leadership of Freemasonry in WV of their responsibilities to the craft. This confusion is in allowing them to be drawn into the realm of the four great apples of discord, namely, nationalism, politics, religion, and women. By eliminating the discords of nationalism, politics, religion, and women, the Ancient Craftsmen, which we claim to be part of, achieved a degree of peace and harmony which was remarkable in an organization which was governed largely by its own law and without the coercive restraint of the State. Peace and Harmony was not their objective; they were only necessary prerequisites. The Old Charges of our ancient brethren and reflection upon them in the light of political, social, and economic conditions of their time, we are compelled of the conclusion that the primary purpose of the operative Mason was excellence, originally excellence in the stone mason’s craft, excellence in their understanding of the Universe, excellence in their relations with fellow men, and excellence in their devotions to God. This goal of excellence has had everything to do with the rise of Speculative Freemasonry. From the minute books and records of the London Company of Masons, we have indisputable evidence of how the Speculatives were enrolled as “Accepted” Masons to distinguish them from the operative Freemasons, thus the craft came to be called Free and Accepted Masons.
(More)
There is mass confusion among the leadership of Freemasonry in WV of their responsibilities to the craft. This confusion is in allowing them to be drawn into the realm of the four great apples of discord, namely, nationalism, politics, religion, and women. By eliminating the discords of nationalism, politics, religion, and women, the Ancient Craftsmen, which we claim to be part of, achieved a degree of peace and harmony which was remarkable in an organization which was governed largely by its own law and without the coercive restraint of the State. Peace and Harmony was not their objective; they were only necessary prerequisites. The Old Charges of our ancient brethren and reflection upon them in the light of political, social, and economic conditions of their time, we are compelled of the conclusion that the primary purpose of the operative Mason was excellence, originally excellence in the stone mason’s craft, excellence in their understanding of the Universe, excellence in their relations with fellow men, and excellence in their devotions to God. This goal of excellence has had everything to do with the rise of Speculative Freemasonry. From the minute books and records of the London Company of Masons, we have indisputable evidence of how the Speculatives were enrolled as “Accepted” Masons to distinguish them from the operative Freemasons, thus the craft came to be called Free and Accepted Masons.
(More)
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22 June, 2008 22:22
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
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16 June, 2008 05:57
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
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13 June, 2008 13:39
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
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09 June, 2008 06:11
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.
[General
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05 June, 2008 08:36
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
