ricardo
Member
Australia
Posts: 161
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Post by ricardo on Nov 21, 2007 11:57:14 GMT
It is regrettable that this thread has generated a great deal of heat and precious little light. For once MFOL is not living up to its name.
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vtmason
Member
Running Dog Lackey
Posts: 251
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Post by vtmason on Nov 21, 2007 12:40:46 GMT
It is regrettable that this thread has generated a great deal of heat and precious little light. For once MFOL is not living up to its name. Flowers bloom brightest after a storm, and the sun shines brighter
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ricardo
Member
Australia
Posts: 161
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Post by ricardo on Nov 21, 2007 19:49:10 GMT
It is regrettable that this thread has generated a great deal of heat and precious little light. For once MFOL is not living up to its name. Flowers bloom brightest after a storm, and the sun shines brighter Thank you. You have reminded me that some parts of the Australian landscape come alive in the months following a firestorm - and not only following rainstorms. The influence of the storm of human activity upon a landscape can be much more devastating - witness the denuded land surrounding the Tasmanian mining town of Queenstown, where the hills were stripped of timber and acid rain killed almost all other vegetation. The effects have lasted for many decades - see community.iexplore.com/photos/journal_photos/west-queenstown.jpgSimilarly human and fraternal relationships may be corroded by the storm of passions.
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Tamrin
Member
Nosce te ipsum
Posts: 3,586
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Post by Tamrin on Nov 21, 2007 20:26:08 GMT
The influence of the storm of human activity upon a landscape can be much more devastating - witness the denuded land surrounding the Tasmanian mining town of Queenstown, where the hills were stripped of timber and acid rain killed almost all other vegetation. The effects have lasted for many decades - see community.iexplore.com/photos/journal_photos/west-queenstown.jpg As a youth, I spent a year in the Victorian Alps around Mansfield. I saw much clear felling of trees and now look with some cynicism at the timber industry's profession of environmental integrity. What improvements they have made in the years since have only been following their staunch resistence in the face of overwhelming concerns and lobbying. As Abba Eban said: Men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all the other alternatives. The circumstances leading to the topic of this thread come to mind (as does my pet subject).
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Post by maat on Nov 21, 2007 23:35:26 GMT
It is regrettable that this thread has generated a great deal of heat and precious little light. For once MFOL is not living up to its name. Ouch! ... don't worry Ricardo, it is still there you just gotta know where to look for it ... (that goes for that thread as well) Maat Rose gardens thrive on a little manure and the magnificent flowers rise above the thorns.
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Post by brandt on Nov 22, 2007 1:30:09 GMT
The open exchange, no matter how much they may disagree, is often quite enlightening.
Brandt
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Post by wayseer on Nov 22, 2007 1:55:37 GMT
Brethren - the sky is not falling. What we are witnessing is the part communications now play in the shrinking Ark. What has previously remained silent is now exposed to the full light - as a tree falleth in the forest its passing now is no longer unheard.
This phenomena is interesting and it is no coincidence that 'disasters', natural or the work of men, are now show stoppers - they are what makes the nightly news 'entertaining' - we just love the 'shock/horror' of it all.
So a Lodge decides to go a different way - what's the problem?
It is not the fact that a Lodge has decided to go in a differnt direction - it's the shock/horror value we place on the event - that's the real issue.
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Post by penfold on Nov 22, 2007 11:32:27 GMT
Hmm, some perspective needed I think, looking back through the thread I can't see anyone thinking the sky is going to fall down because of Halcyon going their separate way. If anything there has been mostly positive words of encouragement and support. Things started to get heated when some of the posters felt it was OK to be rude and agressive, and were asked to behave, this had nothing to do with the subject matter.
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Post by lauderdale on Nov 22, 2007 11:47:59 GMT
As a service to readers I have cut and pasted this letter which was already reproduced on another Thread as I feel it is relevant to this situation but could have been lost elsewhere. Unlike the poster who originally reproduced it I do so without any comment nor personal opinion, leaving readers to form their own conclusions. This letter is already in the public domain.
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Halcyon Lodge 2831 Franklin Blvd. Cleveland, Ohio 44113-2916
November 21, 2007
Dear Brother
We write to inform you of recent events concerning Halcyon 498. Our lodge has been at odds with the Grand Lodge of Ohio for several months on a number of important issues. Chief among those have been the Grand Lodge of Ohio's attempt to control the content of our website, its unwarranted demand that we shut down our website, its attempt to dictate whom we mayor many not associate with, and most recently their attempt to coerce the lodge to reverse a transaction that has been tremendously beneficial to the lodge, the West Side Masonic Temple, and to the community. / The transaction in question is the gift of financial assets and West Side Masonic Temple Company shares in December of last year to Halcyon Charities, an Ohio non-profit corporation that was founded by several brothers working with community leaders.
There were very good business reasons for making the gift. Before this transaction, the Lodge was losing money every year as it was forced to bear all of the building expenses on its own. Furthermore, after years of neglect by previous management the building is sorely in need of expensive repairs. It became clear to the brethren that if Halcyon 498 were to continue acting as the sole source of revenue to support the building, the lodge would slowly bleed to death over the next few years. The end result would have been the end of the Temple and the death of Halcyon 498. The brethren determined that this was an unacceptable result. Thus, the Lodge unanimously voted that it would no longer fund the West Side Masonic Temple Company.
To insure the long term preservation of the building AND the long term viability of Halcyon 498, the lodge voted unanimously to gift its securities, including its shares in the WSMTC, to Halcyon Charities. Halcyon Charities is not a temple company, but is instead a fully functioning public charity as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Thus, it has the ability to pursue strategies to generate revenue through rentals and through charitable activities that will ultimately lead to tax-deductible donations. It can engage in fund raising to support its charitable programs, and to support building maintenance and operations. Further, its public charity status will position it to seek a local property tax exemption, which (if granted) wil significantly improve the bottom line. It is clearly a superior business structure for the long-term viability of the temple.
Halcyon Charities has two goals: serving poor and underprivileged youth, and historic preservation of the building. Halcyon Charities seeks to establish athletic and arts programs to serve children in its neighborhood and the surrounding Cleveland area. It has already established a reputable youth boxing program that is housed in the building. Halcyon Charities is actively seeking strategic partners to establish a youth arts program utilizing the building's theatrical stages. The charity has already contributed significant value to building, including finishing the ballroom to return it to rentable condition, repairing the neglected air handling systems, repairing the roof, and building the boxing gym to house the boxing program. In short, it is doing what the brethren of the lodge hoped it would do when they voted to make the gift.
This transaction was also designed to insure the long term viability of the Lodge. Without the burden of supporting all building expenses, the Lodge was suddenly solvent and its anticipated dues revenue exceeded its expenses. In just a few years, the end result would have been a healthy lodge meeting in a safe and healthy building, and enjoying a much higher profile in the community in the process. Unfortunately the Grand Lodge of Ohio lacks the vision and understanding to appreciate what the brethren of Halcyon have done. At this year's annual meeting, several DDGM's and high ranking officers of Grand Lodge made an unannounced visit to our Lodge. MWB Steven Krekus, in the presence of Grand Treasurer MWB Thomas H. Galyen, the current Junior Grand Warden, RWB Bradford Goebel, and all 5 current 22nd District Deputy Grand Masters, read a letter from the Grand Master demanding that Halcyon #498 reverse the transaction and put things back to the way they were-and giving the lodge only 48 hours to comply. The Grand Master stated that if the Lodge did not comply, he remove the duly elected worshipful master and secretary of Halcyon Lodge #498 and assume control of the lodge. After reading the letter, brothers Krekus, Galyen and Goebel immediately left the building offering no opportunity for discussion.
It was both legally and practically impossible for the lodge to comply with this order. Further, the Lodge determined that it was inappropriate to allow the Grand Lodge officers to overrule valid elections and remove/replace officers without the consent of the lodge. Given the 48 hour deadline, the lodge felt that it had to act immediately to prevent this obvious injustice. Thus, the lodge unanimously voted to surrender its charter, severing its relationship with Ohio Grand Lodge.
Those present at the meeting were concerned about what would happen to brothers who may want to remain Masons in good standing within the Ohio Grand Lodge system. DDGM Edgar Phelps confirmed that all brothers who had not surrendered their dues cards would remain in good standing and would be permitted to affiliate with another blue lodge. Thus, the good standing of the brethren of Halcyon Lodge #498 is unaffected by this move, your dues card is still valid and you are stil a Master Mason in good standing with the Grand Lodge of Ohio. However, upon surrendering the Charter, Halcyon 498 ceased to exist.
It is regrettable that this all happened so quickly, but the unexpected and illegal mandate by the Grand Lodge left Halcyon Lodge with little choice. We are mindful that many of you have already paid your dues for the coming year, and you wil now have to affiliate with a new lodge and pay its dues, if you choose to remain a Mason within the Ohio Grand Lodge system. Thus, it is our intention to provide a full refund to all brothers who have paid their 2008 dues. At this point we will not cash any additional dues checks. If your check has not been cashed yet, you wil get your check back with your dues card. If your check has already been cashed, we will write you a refund check. We wil try to get to everyone, but if you do not receive a refund check within the next 4 weeks, please send us a letter at the address below to the attention of Mike Howard. Note that we have already paid the per diem to Grand Lodge of Ohio, so you are in good standing and should have no problems affiliating with another blue lodge.
Many former members of Halcyon 498 have turned in their dues card and formed a new lodge that is not affiliated with the Grand Lodge of Ohio. We are excited about the opportunity to continue to practice Masonry. To learn more about the new lodge, visit our website at ww.halcyontemple.org. Former members of Halcyon 498 are welcome to petition our new lodge, known as "Halcyon Lodge."
Ken Miler, Master of Halcyon Lodge Former Master of Halcyon 498
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Post by penfold on Nov 22, 2007 12:39:08 GMT
Thank you Steve, most helpful.
From reading the letter it seems to me that the GL should have encouraged the bretheren rather than condeming them, however, there are always 2 sides to every story. I would also question the alleged 'illegalities' - no doubt the GL of Ohio has rules and regs in place like many GL's to deal with issues arising in individual lodges, this would include sanctions up to and including removal of officers. Whatever, it is in process and what will be will be, my speculatation and questions don't change the status quo and are simply my ponderings, nobody is expected to respond to them unless they want to - and it may be that discretion is best at this time, which I do respect and understand.
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Post by billmcelligott on Nov 22, 2007 12:43:26 GMT
The open exchange, no matter how much they may disagree, is often quite enlightening. Brandt Absolutely, you never solve anything by not talking about it.
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vtmason
Member
Running Dog Lackey
Posts: 251
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Post by vtmason on Nov 22, 2007 12:55:39 GMT
My initial thought from this letter is that these brothers made a very conscious and educated decision. I'm a big idealist with a big heart so I would have wished there was another way. It might be the bobble head in me.
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Post by penfold on Nov 22, 2007 13:16:54 GMT
Luvvin the new avatar!
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Post by brandt on Nov 22, 2007 14:55:37 GMT
Brother Bill, Truth truth truth Brother. Again you speak truth. Nothing is solved by brushing things under the rug or refusing to discuss matters. It is the "sensitive" matters that need to be discussed. In order to do this we have to honestly want a solution and will have to have a bit thicker skin. Sensitive discussions can be, sensitive. One of the matters that pushed Euclid over the edge was people being rebuffed. Discussion was attempted and we were met with "I am done talking." If diplomacy is never given a chance then there are only three other options. Sit quietly and take it (which is not in my nature as you may have surmised), quit entirely (thought about it), or start anew (we did). All could have been avoided in Euclid's case. I assume that all could have been avoided in Halcyon's case as well. This is a great civics lesson. Diplomacy first. Talk about things, and keep talking until a settlement can be reached that is mutually beneficial.
Fraternally, Brandt
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vtmason
Member
Running Dog Lackey
Posts: 251
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Post by vtmason on Nov 22, 2007 15:51:10 GMT
Hey it combines my two favorite loves. My Red Sox, and my Masonry.
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Post by billmcelligott on Nov 22, 2007 16:06:37 GMT
Well Brandt, I think you Guys are into Politics you just don't know it yet.
You see ordinary people say something and others don't believe them. Then they get really angry because they know what they are saying is true and why the hell don't all these idiots understand that its the truth.
But the Politician knows that no one is going to believe him, doesn't matter if he is telling the truth or not. So he does not get upset and arms himself with a battery of answers and proof that he is telling the truth.
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Post by penfold on Nov 22, 2007 16:36:43 GMT
None of this is new tho, is it? You can find articles on the web showing the same stuff was happening 50, 70 and even 100 years ago. In any organisation the size and complexity of freemasonry there are going to be people who disagree over the way things are run, it takes a confident GL to have open discussions with lodges to make sure that they (the GL) are providing the support they need to help the lodge, and it is up to the lodge to work with the GL to find accomodations and compromises. Entrenchment on either side leads to a break down in communications and strife. If the GL is dictatorial and inflexible in its approach and the lodge feels they are simply being ignored then situation such as this are inevitable.
Again, just my opinions.
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Post by billmcelligott on Nov 22, 2007 18:17:52 GMT
Hey it combines my two favorite loves. My Red Sox, and my Masonry. And a big Red Nose.
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Post by billmcelligott on Nov 22, 2007 18:32:04 GMT
Well I can tell you a little battle I had with UGLE.
I had a Brother in my Lodge, loved by all, he was 82 years old. He had been a Freemason for 60 years.
Under UGLE rules he is entitled to a 60 Year Certificate. However 2 years before the Lodge had voted to make him an honorary member. but as an honorary member you are not a fee paying Mason therefore you are not eligible to full membership. He had been a Freemason for 58 years and a part Freemason for 2. He was not entitled to his 60 Year Cert. Of course if the Lodge had realized this we would not have made him an honorary member.
Now I had 40 members who were prepared to walk out of Freemasonry there and then, because they loved this Guy so much, they would not accept this situation, it was there fault not his.
So what do you do?
Well 2 phone calls 1 letter and an article in the Essex Mason Magazine. 3 months Later the APGM came along and presented the 60 year certificate to this worthy Brother. A special exception was made.
So in this case it was not so much what the complaint was but how you go about complaining. It was done as request not a demand and it was done in a respectful and polite manner. Now I cant say this will happen on every occasion, but it is a demonstration that there is another way.
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Post by penfold on Nov 22, 2007 19:01:56 GMT
Indeed, one will always catch more flies with honey than with....well, something else that isn't as sweet or nice smelling. So for the lodges, ask nicely, and explain your case well, and for the GL's - keep them flamin' ears (and minds) open!
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