h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Freemasonry: The United Grand Lodge of England - A777792
Author: HappyDude®[Scout&Guru]Keeper of Happiness & Fluffy Cuddly Soft Toys, Jester@Balwyniti, dressed as a girl-short skirt-long jacket - U150533

I would like to state here and now that I am not a Freemason, nor have I ever been a Freemason, I also have no interest in becoming a Freemason. However, I do have a connection in that my farther is a Freemason.

Let the debate begin

Debate? Not that I know anything about it, but this seems to be a balanced, impartial and factual report, well constructed, a few typos (nothing serious).

There's another interesting entry on this at A642250, which is more informative on what Freemasons actually do, whereas this one is more informative on the history.

One very well-known Freemason is W A Mozart. What would his involvement have been? Have there been any other particularly celebrated Masons?



Bels

probably, I was chatting on IM last night and it was suggested that George Washington was somehow connected?

I expect this to be a somewhat controversial review as I have not gone into a full expose of the myths (show me hard facts and I'll believe them, until then...)

Quiet round here isnt it

Breaking the silence:

That was interesting, well written etc. and ready for the guide. I think I know why you were expecting debate HappyDude. I've been close to an incident where it was claimed someone was given favourable treatment because they were in the Masons. Common membership of anything can lead to accusations of that sort.

I would love to know the wording of the oaths taken. Any chance of that HappyDude?

old style (pre 86) or new style (post 86)

Having had a chance to look at the web site you quote, I would suggest that it's probably not a good idea to quote it word for word as you sometimes do, but try to rephrase it in your own words. That might make the text flow better - it's a bit spiky atm.

Having had a chance to look at the web site you quote, I would suggest that it's probably not a good idea to quote it word for word as you sometimes do, but try to rephrase it in your own words. That might make the text flow better - it's a bit spiky atm.

Having had a chance to look at the web site you quote, I would suggest that it's probably not a good idea to quote it word for word as you sometimes do, but try to rephrase it in your own words. That might make the text flow better - it's a bit spiky atm.

point noted - in triplicate (i'll work on it tonight)

Wazungu: I can't tell you the exact wording of the oaths but I can say that every Freemason is sworn never to reveal any of the secrets or mysteries of masonry and that prior to 1986 certain penalties for the breech of this oath were also mentioned

You might find the following article interesting http://www.freemasonrytoday.com/issue20-reflections.shtml

Bels: There are only so many ways of doing a time-line history. I would be grateful if you could point out any specific bits where you think I have cut it to close to the bone. I have no intention of plagiarising but when the source material is limited, there is a chance it could appear that way say any help in high lighting problem sentences would be appreciated

If anyoneelse is intrested the document Bel was refering to is http://www.grandlodge-england.org/history.htm

Pre and post '86 would be interesting. I'll read that link properly tomorrow, I've just skimmed through it tonight.

It's the exact wording of the oath I'd be interested in. I think akey to what the Masons are is who they swear allegiance to. Although of course in practice it is probably taken no more literally or practiced more fully than many things we swear to.

I've re-jigged the structure of the article to make it read better (I hope).

Nice one HappyDude. Still a couple of typos in there and I wasn't keen on the style at the begining as there are a few too many "It should be noted that.." and "It shoudl be stated that.."s for my personal tastes.

However, a good informative article - I like it

I'm afraid I don't have the time to do a detailed line-by-line comparison, but as an example of what I mean, the following from your entry needs looking at:

“Unlawful Societies Act” which banned any meetings of groups which required their members to take an oath or obligation. The Earl of Moira (Acting Grand Master of the Modern Grand Lodge) and the Duke of Atholl (Grand Master of the Antients Grand Lodge) called on Prime Minister William Pitt, (who was not a Freemason) and explained to him how they thought that Freemasonry was a supporter of the law and lawfully constituted authority and was much involved in charitable work. As a result of this, Freemasonry was exempted from the terms of the Act provided that each lodge secretary once a year lodged with the local Clerk of the Peace a list of the members of his lodge. This provision continued until 1967 when it was rescinded by Parliament.

Bels

off to look

more tweaks done

Nearly all the signatories to the American Declaration of Independance were Freemasons. I will look it up and confirm at a later date.

Must fly, I've got a Masonic Meeting. Really!

Lord Irish.

I could start something interesting here!

L.I.