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Post by Blackadder on Nov 11, 2006 18:40:04 GMT
I arrived at the lodge,wearing dress trousers,black leather shoes,white shirt and tartan tie.The officers were all very smartly decked out in there uniforms,as were the Brothers from the lodge and the Brothers from other lodges. I was standing having a cup of coffee,when I noticed three guys walk in the room,the way they dressed I thought they had come to repair something. I was then told the two younger guys were to be raised along with myself.They were both wearing dirty jeans,one had work boots on and one had filthy hi-top sneakers/trainers.They had made no effort to wash there hair/shower etc.In fact one of the Brothers hands were filthy. I'm not a snob,but come on.In my opinion these Brothers showed no respect to the Fraternity,The Lodge or themselves.
I think its a shame and when its all over you cant stay and have a few drinks and a few toasts with your Brothers,sipping on a cup of coffee doesn't seem to cut it.Alcohol is not allowed in any Blue Lodge in Florida,which is a real shame. Once again its a case of Floridians not being responsible for there own actions and being treated like children,but thats a story for another time and another place. It was a real anti-climax to drive home ,when we should have been celebrating. When I got home,I had two beers went to bed and couldn't sleep,I relived the whole night over and over in my head. Those few minor blips failed to spoil my night,I had a fantastic time.
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Post by Bettendorf on Nov 12, 2006 16:25:19 GMT
Congratulations on your Raising!
I couldnt imagine arriving to Lodge dressed as you describe those two Brothers. Let alone a MM Degree, but to any stated communication.
Im curious as to where you get the notion all Lodges must be dry in the United States? Is there some federal law that I dont know about? I doubt it. I thought that would be more an issue up to each individual GL in the states. My Lodge certainly isnt dry.
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Post by Blackadder on Nov 12, 2006 17:48:34 GMT
Thank you.
I was informed by our Senior Warden who is Lawyer,that alcohol is not permitted in any Blue Lodge in USA.I did some searching on the net and each GL has there own laws regarding alcohol. Its typical that I live in a state were you cant even have a beer at Lodge. Enjoy your beer after you meeting.
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Post by Liberty on Nov 12, 2006 18:31:40 GMT
Alcohol is never to be consumed in the actual Lodge Room. Many US Lodges have a seperate recreation building or room where alcohol can be consumed for speacial occiasons like St. John's Day and Table Lodge. Alot is up to the GL and the particular Lodge.
Now I know our European Brethren have different traditions concerning alcohol and thier festive boards however there is something to be said about not having alcohol on the premise for liability reasons. You don't have to worry about Brethren drinking too much and driving. Nor wives being upset that thier husbands came home from Lodge a bit tipsy.
Also remember the famous Hogarth drawings (London 1720's or 1730's) of drunken Freemasons carrousing the streets and Brethren correct me if I'm wrong wasn't the artist a Mason himself? Don't think we want that image again.
Many Brethren simply go out after the Meeting.
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