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Post by autumninor on May 9, 2008 22:02:39 GMT
Hi everyone. I recently was doing some research and found out that my great-grandfather was apparently a Grand Master of the Masons in Michigan for some time. After looking into it further, I thought that I would maybe like to continue the family tradition (since it ended with his death but went *way* back) as it seems that the Masons fit very closely with my own beliefs. Here's the question...I am a female and am really interested in co-Masonry as opposed to Order of the Eastern Star or other "female" Mason organizations. Does anyone know if there is a co-Masonry lodge in the Oregon area? And after doing a bit of research, is co-Masonry really the exact same thing as the Masons with the only exception being that they allow women? OK...it was more than one question. ;D But I'm curious and would like to learn more, so bear with me if they're stupid questions...heh
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Post by corab on May 9, 2008 23:17:45 GMT
Hi there! Here's the question...I am a female and am really interested in co-Masonry as opposed to Order of the Eastern Star or other "female" Mason organizations. Does anyone know if there is a co-Masonry lodge in the Oregon area? Depends on how you define "the Oregon area". I don't know off the top of my head whether we have any lodges in that area, but if you talk to Bro:. Karen (Imakegarb) she'll be able to point you in the right direction in her obedience. Yes and no. We work to the same principles and here and there to the exact same rituals, but mostly to our own. These rituals tend to be of a more elaborate nature -- and that is a very sweeping generalisation. There also tends to be among our (co-masonic) lodges a tendency to concentrate more on the esoteric side of freemasonry Keep on asking -- and remember that no question is stupid but that which you do not ask. Take care, Cora
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Post by hollandr on May 10, 2008 0:49:35 GMT
>is co-Masonry really the exact same thing as the Masons
I have been in both Co-Masonry and the male craft and I found Co-Masonry to be more satisfying spiritually and ritualistically. But lodges vary so you will need to check out your nearest Co-Masonic lodge for yourself
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imakegarb
Member
One wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie
Posts: 3,573
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Post by imakegarb on May 10, 2008 2:32:12 GMT
Greetings to you. Carrying on your family's tradition is admirable. As Bro. Cora mentioned, I'm a Co-Mason and I live in Oregon. To my knowledge, the lodge nearest to Oregon is mine. I attend lodge in Tacoma, WA., a four-hour trip for me each month. If you'd like more information, please let me know. From what I know of the Eastern Star, they also admit men, so long as they are Master Masons. But you are right, OES is *not* Masonry. Not even a substitute. Welcome
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Post by leonardo on May 10, 2008 6:54:37 GMT
Greetings and welcome to the forum from a male Co-Mason I wish you well in your search and hope to someday hear of your initiation into this wonderful Fraternity. I am in Ireland, by the way. My wife and I were Initiated together last November, and next Saturday, May 17th, we will be Passed to FC (Fellow Craft, which is the second degree in Masonry) Again, good luck to you!
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Post by autumninor on May 13, 2008 16:33:46 GMT
Thank you all for your responses! I am very much looking forward to finding out more.
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FireMist
Member
Then rally boys, and hasten on.To meet our Chiefs at the Green Dragon.
Posts: 293
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Post by FireMist on May 13, 2008 20:02:23 GMT
Wow does that post ever hit home....You have recieved great advice. Welcome, and good luck on your quest. I'm sure you will be successful. My quest has been much the same as you can see from my past posts.
Cora is absolutely correct...there are not any stupid questions.
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Post by treeoflife on May 14, 2008 15:32:11 GMT
Hello and welcome on your Masonic journey. Let me introduce you to the International Order Of Co-Freemasonry Le Droit Humain American Federation. Le Droit Humain or just LDH for short We are the original Co-Masonic order. The oldest and the largest worldwide. I guess you could say we are the Coca Cola of Co-Masonry so to speak, often imitated never duplicated. We are in the process of forming a lodge in Oregon state. Please PM me for details.
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Post by leonardo on May 14, 2008 19:35:59 GMT
Welcome treeoflife to the forum. When you have the time pop over to our introduction area and tell us a little about yourself.
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Post by maat on May 14, 2008 23:55:55 GMT
I guess you could say we are the Coca Cola of Co-Masonry so to speak Ah - THAT's why I am 'curvy' - I'm going to have to cut down on lodge meetings. ;D So we should thank them for the compliment maybe (Which ritual do you use? There is a choice in LDH) That is great to hear treeoflife. I have rather gotten the impression that is difficult for quite a lot of US Brn to find lodges in their vacinity. It is much the same here in the Aust Fed. Lodge/s only found in some capital cities and some Brn have to travel vast distances to attend those. (One of our ladies has a four hour trip each way - as she is aging we worry about her.) Several states have no lodge at all. This sparseness of lodges gives cause for a feeling if isolation as we are unable to visit other Brn. Fortunately for me, my husband belongs to the Male Craft (as we call them), and I am able to discuss Masonry with many others, including even his Grand Master/s, this, even though at official levels LDH is on the 'bad guy' list. Through this avenue I have also been most fortunate to meet some wonderful ladies from two other female only orders and ladies from the OES. It is so nice that in this day and age most Masons are able to see for themselves that what brings people together is good, what does not is not. I think one of the great works that we masons can do in our time, is to work for mutual recognition of each other. United we stand - all just really good people doing our best to improve ourselves so that the world is benefitted and we glorify our Maker. Maat
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Post by maat on May 14, 2008 23:59:32 GMT
Did you know that the 'male craft' in Cuba fully supported their ladies when they formed the first female lodge there, and would have loved to attend - but they were in fear
..not of Fidel ..but of losing "recognition" from other Grand Lodges
Maat
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