Restaurant at the End of the Masonic Universe

[richcapo]

The biggest problem we face is how apolitical and anti-nepotistic we've become. We watch from the sidelines as far right Christian and other groups promoting un-Masonic values exploit their resources to get their voices heard in government and corporate America, and do nothing to counter or stop that. We no longer do what we can to put Masons in as many civil and private positions of leadership as possible.

We've let our power atrophy for some ungodly reason, and now we're paying the price.

[GoldenEars69]

A bit of a harsh conclusion. Allegory aside, new members do need to know that FM sometimes moves at near-glacial speeds and that some things take time.

[The3antarofLeb]

Oh Fortunate Free Mason,

Do not be oppressed by the forces of ignorance and delusion!

But rise up now with resolve and courage!

Entranced by ignorance, from beginingless time until now,

You have had more than enough time to sleep.

So do not slumber any longer, but strive after virtue with body,speech and mind!

[The3antarofLeb]

This video wonderfully and metaphorically depicts the current status of FreeMasonry.

However, there is no specific number of Brethren to blame for this degeneration, we are ALL responsible for the present form af Masonry.

Free Masonry is a Living Spirit at its core and is independent of it's outer manifestation (the Brethren and the Lodges). Depending on our efforts,the Lodge either reflects the Three Great Lights of Masonry, or otherwise, is like a corpse whose spirit has long departed.

[proudmason98]

I've been a Mason for 1 year and my life HAS changed for the better. If this young man got into Freemasonry seeking "Riches" and/or "Business Contacts" he surely left disappointed. Freemasonry is about Freemasonry.

By posting this video it is obvious to any Mason that you have no idea what you are talking about.

When you join a bowling league you join to bowl. Not for personal or financial gain. Masonry delivers what it promises I am living proof

[The3antarofLeb]

@proudmason98

The poster of the video knows exactly what he is talking about. And in the video there is NO mention WHATSOEVER regarding seeking riches or business opportunities.

The metaphor strictly alludes to the fact, that WE as FREE MASONS, are not doing our best, to make GOOD men BETTER, and taht there is a significant amount of resistance to transmute our Physically existent Order into a Glorious edifice, a Spiritual/Celestial Temple for mankind to contemplate upon.

[KilshawInt]

Freemasonry is based upon esoteric principals, not stubborn cooks or bland food. This is not a true masonic metaphor, if it was, you would be happier. I think you are depressed and should seek professional psychiatric help.

[The3antarofLeb]

@KilshawInt

If you are a M.'.M.'. then I do call you to remember your charge. In specific your right to correct the irregularities of your uninformed brethren.

The poster of the video expressed a point of view, you need not call him depressed and needing psychiatric assistance etc.

Any metaphor or allegory can be used to portray a certain reality, and the point of this video is that We are not doing enough to fulfill our promise towards the newly joined young Brethren. This is very true.

[Douris12]

the recipes are still good, you have to add your own spices. Everything is in the cookbook, it is just a matter of how you understand it. I think the problem is that a lot of the patrons don't understand the cookbook.

[buster27]

Just another occult,

conspiracy or no conspiracy

[bigeasy750]

you must be in the wrong lodge, sounds like you are a little bitter. apply to another lodge

[StephenDafoe]

No, I'm in a wonderful lodge - two of them in fact. This film is a video version of an editorial I wrote for the September 2006 issue of Masonic Magazine. It is intended to be an allegory.

I've also delivered this and other themes to several Grand Lodges on how our declining membership numbers are due to demits and suspensions.

There is no bitterness here. Simply using allegory to illustrate that WE and only wee can retain members.

[bqreus]

What a sad, sad lot of wish-i-was-somebodies. Can't you just try a little self-reflection without the promise of reward? Why so insecure? You are not special - no matter how exclusive you make make your little circle-sqaure-triangle jerk. Eye see right through all your lies.

[endofroad123]

masonry is more like a philosophy rather than a religion - a way of opening a man's mind...you should read more all of you guys and girls that complain a lot but don't know anything on the subject.

[mosleyauto]

You are well spoken and some things you speek of are true but my friend thats not what goes on at my lodge.Change is here and will spread around the world. Master Mason

Lodge #76 Apalachicola

[VeritasTruthEmet]

Fraternal Greetings from Saint Lawrence 14 Quebec

Brother, we make better men better. Your words, while valid in many ways, are far too negative. Our lodge has more than 20 brethren under 30 and we have too few officers to raise the influx at the gates. We are indeed very selective, we have the luxury here. I've been a mason for nearly 3 years now and at 23 I can say with confidence that I am quite happy with the state of the Craft. Nothing is perfect - to expect perfection is to disappointed.

[karnermm]

go ask him if you know him-spend much time with him at your folk's place?

[karnermm]

thanks! i pride myself on my humor. coming from someone who doesn't shave yet[i saw your pic]your comment means a lot. LOL!!! [btw-not actually a grandparent yet,but when i am if my grandkids are as socially mal-adjusted and paranoid as yourself- i will pay for their counsling]

[karnermm]

anti for life.....until he or a family member needs the help of a shrine hospital or vision program or scholarship or whichever public service program that freemasons tend to support. btw,the state i live in was founded by freemasons-how cool is that!

[karnermm]

not in my town. i'm sorry young man but as a 47 year old freemason with kids older than you[ hell, i have UNDERWEAR older than you! lol]and several black belts to my name, i would have to spank your silly little butt for speaking with such a potty mouth. oh yes,one more thing. you touch my lambskin-i dislocate your arm-try me.

[SiliconBong]

You wipe your donkey with a masonic apron?

Some of us catch a bus.

[zepplinjetta]

you guys? im not a mason or masonic or however u call someone whos a freakn person who believes in this religion

[zepplinjetta]

hes not controlling anything, go fuck yourself

[Vertigo6911]

u little prick.

i was resisting when your ass was still in diapers.

as for heavy metal, i saw Korn Live

before their first album, primus before southpark, and i was listening to metallica

before the black album came out.

you prolly never even herd of 'master of puppets'

[Vertigo6911]

go read some malcom x and find out what resistance realy is dickhead.

theres a world outside of your mom's basement,

you should check it out some time...

[Vertigo6911]

do you believe in the easter bunny aswell?

all u do is point ure finger at something u dont understand.

[javajohns]

Monthly dues??? I'm not sure where you are checking, but it more than likely is not a Masonic Lodge.

[Vertigo6911]

could it be that you forgot to tell us you are selling your own inferior burgers and are just afraid of the competition that comes with a free market?

[Vertigo6911]

anyways to say in the analogy, where the fuck do you come off talking shit about food u never tasted or even smelled but have only herd the oppinions of other people who themselves havent tasted it either?

[Vertigo6911]

dude, dont put that bong down but load it up, inhale deeply and fucking thing for a minute instead of letting that caffeine fuled jaw flap.

im not a mason either, but i know for a fact that masons dont worship anything.

it is xtianity that spews that BS at anything that is the slightest bit different then they are.

truth is they dont like to compete with reality...

[UFMD1]

"im not a mason either, but i know for a fact that masons dont worship anything." That is a confusing statement. "where the fuck do you come off talking shit about food u never tasted or even smelled but have only herd the oppinions of other people who themselves havent tasted it either?" That one made sense.

[richcapo]

@Vertigo6911 "im not a mason either, but i know for a fact that masons dont worship anything."

We worship God.

[dcking76]

Dude it's ok, put the bong down , and come out of your mother's basement, no one's going to hurt you. I'm not a mason,and obviously niether are you, but I know enough to you are spewing a bunch of B.S.

[dcking76]

mispelling "but I know enough to know

you are spewing a bunch of B.S. "

[dcking76]

Mrcow1985 sounds alot like Dale from King of the Hill

[w8ebj]

Ah, I see. Thanks for clearing that up for me!

[w8ebj]

I'm sorry, but your message appears incoherent and is incomprehensible to me. Could you please be more clear?

[ninsquad]

You seem to think you know all about masonry, when it is painfully obvious you are not a mason. In fact, masonic rituals are based on, and teach lessons from the bible. I don't want to start an argument because you've already made up your mind, I just wanted to inform you that you are wrong.

Fraternally,

Jay

Sul Ross 1300

College Station, TX

[thecattledogg]

sir lysander

all of you scum use little allegorys to be sly on a subliminal level which is coming more apparent as i read thru you bitching its obvious you arnt a decent unit of people because believe this brothers your as clear as water i dont study what you call craft i belong to a higher power

[willsmith1775]

Great video, Brother. As a very junior MM, I hope one day to be able to affect change as needed in a lodge, but only if needed. I am proud of my lodge and my brothers. They are great men and we do well with and for one another.

Fraternally,

Will

Carmel, #680

Carmel, CA

[DelrioDemon]

You are RIGHT ON TARGET! I have served my lodge (Yucca Valley #802, California) three times as master. Each time I tried to suggest change, was met with 'Thats the way we have always done it'. Most of those 'old cooks' have passed on now, and the new master is making great changes by renovating the lodge building, and attracting new (young) members.

We have had seven new members, five of them under the age of 40, sign up in the past few months.

[YAWEHoutthere]

'The drive of the Rockefellers and their allies is to create a one-world government combining supercapitalism and Communism under the same tent, all under their control...Do I mean conspiracy? Yes I do. I am convinced there is such a plot, international in scope, generations old in planning, and incredibly evil in intent.'

[w8ebj]

A well-done video, thank you! I am pleased to say that much of what is being addressed here ("the same dozen patrons doing things the same way over and over year after year") does not appear to be true in my lodge, though talking to other Masons from around the country I can see that it's a very valid issue.

S&F

Ken

Stanfield Lodge #217

Denton, Texas

[fletch357]

where i am from, dues or fees are not for discussion... especially with the uninitiated........

[ynotbegoodtoall]

I am a Entered Apprentice, I was quite surprised to find that my dues where only 80 per year! I was expecting to pay at least $20-50 per month. I worry as to how my lodge can do anything great, with so little coming in. I hope, blindly, that the lodge survives on some sort of revolving trust, living off of the interests of those long past.

[tint661]

I agree with Brother Stephen. That is how it is in my lodge in Pennsylvania. I started to go through the "chairs" but could not find anyone in my lodge to get help with going higher that deacon. Even my own uncle, that was a past master, would help me. Bitter,yes I am. NO I do not hate these fellow brothers, I just think it is hurting Freemasony in that they don't want young people running the lodge.

[jasncab]

I belong to lodges in AZ and ND (in America) and I pay around $50 a YEAR in each lodge. The lodge gives me much more back and I sometimes think dues could be higher.

[ElliottSaxton]

Well I belong to two lodges and I don't think I even pay $90 a year.

[ElliottSaxton]

$90 a month!?! Where's that?

[chucktrumbull]

Yeah, I hear this more and more. Spikebravo - some of the Prince Hall lodges have dues that high.

[aal49]

Accurate. All I see in today's FM are men clamoring to become RW's. As soon as they are free of the constraints of the lodgeroom they speak and act crudely and vulgarly. Imagine, at collation, having to tell your WM to watch his language, and have him tell you to go "F" yourself! We have thrown open the gates, and the trash has wandered in.

[SteveMerritt]

The San Francisco Bay Area (which aint a cheap place to live!)

[SteveMerritt]

You're question is unanswerable given the topic we're discussing. I'm not sure where you're from, but my Lodge dues are $54 A YEAR! I dont know of any lodge in the USA that charges $1080 a year. Maybe double check with your local lodge to make sure you've been given the correct information. Each mans take on the Craft is very different, who is to say what yours might be?

[SteveMerritt]

why? Masons dont solicit. If you have no interest in the Fraternity, then don't join. We're not about to give you the hard sell.

[myway43]

Very well done Sir! I think you have hit the nail on the head. I have seen this in my own Lodge. What is the answer in your opinion?

[StephenDafoe]

I think the answer is that if those who want to effect change do so with a hard headed approach, they will hit an equally hard wall. The answer would seem to be to attempt to introduce changes in small doses. Pretty soon educational or other programs of interest to the younger members will become regular - simply because "Well we've always done it that way before."

[MaverickBris]

I thought I would comment on your video. I thought it was a great light hearted view of Freemasonry in general, I cant comment to the lodges in the USA as I am in AUS. I honestly thought your video was quite good, and I think that we need to really take hold and fix it, and whilst its a metaphor I think our food in our Festive Board has room for improvement. If your ever in Aus look up a few lodges and say g'day, we would love to have some international visitors.

[AshlarNo15]

Pretentious, over-simplifies, boring, long-winded and paints a very large institution with a broad brush. Uncommonly common.

[FrumiousBander]

Sure, Freemasonry is just fine. Great participation, outstanding ritual, helping your community, encouraging intellectual excellence, charging enough dues to be fiscally responsible, and retaining new members. Nothing wrong here.

[FrumiousBander]

However, for the other 98% of the lodges out there, maybe this is a good reminder to pull their heads out of the hot sands and get to work on improving the fraternity and making sure it is doing what it claims.

But I'm thrilled to hear your ashlar is so perfect.

[AshlarNo15]

Could you cite where you derived your 2% vs. 98% statistics?

Never said I was perfect anywhere in my comments nor that things are perfect with the Craft.

You must be hitting the Kool-Aid pretty hard.

So I'll just have a few glasses with you and join you in running around crying, "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" and "Oh woe is me!"

[FuzzyCurmudgeon]

Naw, our lodge doesn't serve Kool-Aid.

How many lodges have you visited lately? Knowing FB, I can pretty much vouch for the fact that he's visited a lot more than you have and talked to a lot more Masons than you have, too. 2% and 98% might be a bit of hyperbole, but not by much.

[AshlarNo15]

Well, you're getting it somewhere. I do not accept your undocumented and unsupportable 2%/98% split. I suspect your stats on visitations and communication with Masons to be as ephemeral.I doubt either of you is a Mason - not very open-minded, too accepting of a ham-fisted, sophomoric, video proclaiming doom-and-gloom with no substantiation of facts. Enjoy drinking from a poisoned well and indulge unabated you lust for self-fulfilling prophesies of demise of the Craft.

[StephenDafoe]

Oddly enough Ron, your commentary back and forth with these two men - who are indeed Freemasons - is amusing to me; because you are proving the allegory in the video you are condemning.

[AshlarNo15]

Proving? How so? Are you saying that only 2% of the Lodges are running correctly as they have stated? I am not saying that the numbers are down, but, Stephen, they've been artificially high. I attribute the low retention rate to the "open-door" policy Freemasonry has been promoting. I also would like to know what the young Mason, who felt "cheated", actually expected. Also we don't "make men better" - no one can do that - they do that themselves.

[AshlarNo15]

The two "Masons" attacked me personally. I attacked the content and premise of the video not you. They quoted stats which they could not substantiate. Open-minded? Masons? Parrots? Functionaries? How should I view men like this?

[SirLysander]

I see. So, you make an attack on Stephen, yet complain when you claim to see an attack on you. Sounds like the classic application of Harmony to me, Brother. (And yes, before you ask, I am. Even sat in Washington's lodge, as well.)

The state of the Craft isn't good. But, if the order of the day is to shoot the messenger, we can hardly be surprised if the message never gets through.

[AshlarNo15]

You need to read my initial comment a bit better. I did NOT attack Stephen, I commented on his VIDEO. It was NOT an ad hominum attack as these fellows did to me.

The State of the Craft isn't good, in your opinion, EVERYWHERE? EVERY Lodge? I take exception to the gross generalizations made by those like Stephen. And when has, or ever will, Freemasonry be great? What criteria do you use to assign a rating? Numbers?

[AshlarNo15]

And talk about "shooting the messenger"! Wow! I guess if I don't fall in lock-step with your perception, I get attacked. And yet the video addresses the "managers" ignoring comments from customers. That's exactly what you're doing.

Take issue with my analysis or perspective, that's fine. But don't parrot the words and negative attitudes being spread by well-meaning and concerned guys like Stephen. Check things out for yourself - and every restaurant in the chain isn't bad.

[StephenDafoe]

I'm going to go back to one of your earlier posts to answer a couple of questions. "I also would like to know what the young Mason, who felt "cheated", actually expected." Well to save you the trouble of asking one for yourself, he expected the educational, philosophical organisation he was told he was joining. "Also we don't "make men better" - no one can do that - they do that themselves." Well then many Grand Lodges have some bumper stickers to change.

[AshlarNo15]

Educational, philosophical organization... just what does that mean? That's rather vague, isn't it? Was he expecting a college/university setting? Writing papers? A group of men sitting around pondering the meaning of life? Just what, specifically?

[AshlarNo15]

As far as the bumper sticker comment...you indicate neither agreement nor disagreement with my statement, merely a need for new bumper stickers. My point is that HE is responsible, just as YOU and I, for our individual progress. It's an individual journey. Stop indicting the "system"...we're the "system". What will he or you or I do about it? Masonry is a grass roots system. It's not really a "chain" like you portray in your Vid. That's why I object to the Vid...it's misleading.

[AshlarNo15]

For instance, Freemasonry is often criticized for NOT being organized/operated like a corporation. It is not really monolithic, either. The individual Lodge/restaurant has parameters in which it must work but those parameters are wide and allow for much individuality. That is where you and I seem to differ: you seek a top-down solution; I believe that we have the tools to do what we need to do at the Lodge level. So, your restaurant chain analogy doesn't hold water, IMO.

[StephenDafoe]

I don't think we disagree as much as you think. The problem is at the local lodge level. Young Freemasons are not demiting Grand Lodge, they are demitting their local lodge. And they are demitting because the local lodge is not offering what they were told they would receive. Look it is impossible for me to properly respond in a series of 500 character posts. Track me down and e-mail me if you want to continue this.

[AshlarNo15]

Thanks for your response. I don't "track down" people. I stand by my original comments about the VID. It leads one to see FM as monolithic - using the "chain reataurant" analogy. "Chains" are tightly run entities - Lodges are not. Are you suggesting they should be? That would be counter to the essence of FM.

[StephenDafoe]

If you would like some data to back up the unsubstantiated claims in this video, please consult my paper in the latest edition of Heredom, my address to the Western Canada Conference or simply pull out your NJ proceedings and compare lost members from deaths, demits and SNPD and you should see for yourself where the hole in the bucket is.

[AshlarNo15]

The hole in the bucket is from not guarding the West Gate and accenting the need for numbers and accepting men with unrealistic, and even ludicrous, expectations, IMPO.

[StephenDafoe]

I see there are some things on which we are in agreement. We are all concerned about guarding the West Gate. What I meant by proving the video is that you seem to believe that the brethren who leave are doing so because they shouldn't be there in the first place. It would seem that you think that how lodges are operating is not a problem - thus you are the customer who likes things the way they are.

[AshlarNo15]

Never wrote that. Never stated such. I would say that is a huge assumption on your part. I object to the exclusive negativity and blame-game mentality. There is nothing right in the restaurant? The furniishing are shot, the food stinks the service is bad, ad infinitum. Why not just start your own Fraternity/Restaurant Chain? I submit there are restaurants in the chain that do quite well - more than the 2% postulated by your spokes people.

[AshlarNo15]

I am neither affirming or castigating ALL Lodges - you paint with a broad brush. Typical media tactic - accent the negative - gets you attention, a name, etc. Good stuff doesn't sell and doesn't get you noticed. It's so cool to be a maverick.

[AshlarNo15]

Stephen, when will you be satisfied with the State of the Craft, really? Perfection - 100% across the board? We'll never achieve that. Things are always in a state of flux - some on a rising tide, some on a lowering tide - no such thing as status quo. You're a smart guy - you know that. Why not make a video showing a successful restaurant in a chain? Because you then lock yourself in to a model that you're stuck with - or one that is unattainable for most.

[JamesCanby]

While I agree that Freemasonry would benefit from a rejuvenation, I find this video to be rather one-sided and cynical. The scenario described herein does certainly not comport with how my Lodge practices its Craft.

[funseeker2006]

No wonder the worlds such as mess if the knife and fork masons really think that this is illuminating,what about

waking up and smelling the coffee.The world is going to hell in a handbag .because of old lodges like skull and bones top industrialists and hidden agendas

[jcdeselms]

truly an awesome video. should be watched by all Brothers interested in bringing our fraternity out of the dark ages.

[StephenDafoe]

I'd suggest making a phone call to the lodge in your area. They should be in the phone book and able to assist.

[jondough83]

im very interested in freemasonry, i live directly across the street from a masonic temple and two blocks from the scottish rite temple. But i read to be one ask one, i dont know any, im only 23. so am i out of luck ?

[JamesCanby]

Try visiting the Lodge across the street from you. You will find Brothers who will be ready and willing to explain the fraternity to you and to talk with you about joining.