I am contemplating becoming a mason.

[Etu Malku]

See, I can do it too.

http://www.masonicinfo.com/pike.htm

I'll save you some time regarding Pike's so called connection to the KKK.

http://www.masonicinfo.com/kkk.htm

I'm not sure what you believe you "can do too" . . . I already posted that link to that article.

As for the KKK, this topic was not being discussed, it was merely mentioned in the article I linked to . . . it is besides the point.

Good find there Columbus!

[ZaraKitty]

My pop is a mason, you need a lot of money and influence to 'get in'.

[Likely Guy]

I'm not sure what you believe you "can do too" . . . I already posted that link to that article.

As for the KKK, this topic was not being discussed, it was merely mentioned in the article I linked to . . . it is besides the point.

Good find there Columbus!

Yes, the KKK was not being discussed but you linked us to an article, titled, "Proof that Freemasonry is lieing about Albert Pike and the Ku Klux Klan".No one's that dense, so I'll give you the benefit.

[monk 56]

Hi Etu Malku,

I'm not against you, and i would agree Southern Jurisdiction Masonry associated with the House of the Temple, as shown on thread section #95 is not irregular fringe freemasonry, please note that i left astronomy graph for 18th October 1911. What happened in Washington DC on 18th September 1947, that will have an alignment to Alnilam, Belt of Orion, the other star that masons follow!

Please find a quote by Albert Pike about the Blazing Star of Freemasonry and Sirius being connected.

Some U.S. naval aircraft from aircraft carriers will have skull and bones on tail fin, however we must be careful as this symbol is also used by irregular fringe groups, picture below:-

http://en.wikipedia....net_VFA-103.jpg

The Skull and Bones is a symbol also used by regular masons in the third degree tracing boards shown below:-

http://www.maidstone...cing Boards.htm

SO WHAT HAPPENED IN WASHINGTON DC ON 18th SEPTEMBER 1947, clue is H. Truman.

Edited November 26, 2012 by monk 56

[monk 56]

You will note that the Modern United States Air Force was established on 18th September 1947, link below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force

You will note that C.I.A. has same date, link below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Intelligence_Agency

All this comes from Harry Truman while president with the National Security Act of 1947, link below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Security_Act_of_1947

President Truman was a 33 degree mason, so why did he choose 18th September 1947 in Washington DC?

As Sun rose at location, Alnilam, Belt of Orion and Osiris star was culminating in the centre of the sky, astronomy graph below:-

http://2012forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=3907&mode=view

[DONTEATUS]

Dont Do IT Seeker 99 ! they will cut a piece of your brain and jar it up in a Mason Jar for inspection ! THen they take your First born son and ,on and On and On !

Plus you have to work for Union wages ! Put this all together and you have The Great American Way !

[Travelling Man]

My pop is a mason, you need a lot of money and influence to 'get in'.

So, how is it that in most US jurisdictions, you can join for less than $300 total and being recommended by a single Freemason?

I've sat in Lodge next to a Senator, a Rabbi, a garbage collector - all at the same time... and in Lodge that year the Worshipful Master was a janitor. No, you don't need to have lots of money and influence.

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in the United States often omits the and), commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of the worldwide fraternity known as Freemasonry.

Whereas it is officially recognized in the United States as an extension of Freemasonry, The Scottish Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a "Master Mason" may join for further exposure to the principles of Freemasonry.

So obviously Pike had been a Master Mason. Are you certain you're in the right club? LOL

Yes, he had been a Master Mason - and was still. However, he was MUCH more involved in the Scottish Rite and wrote nearly all of his many, MANY books for their benefit. He had a very archaic and personal ideal of what the Fraternity was, and for some at the time, he was the go-to man for all matters Masonic. Since then, he's been more correctly identified as a person that was merely "quaint" and should be read for interest and history of the fraternity rather than a legitimate instructor that should be taken seriously for what the fraternity does today.

Right, and this is 2012.

I am not Mason, and I am not an expert on Freemasonry, I am on the other hand well read on the Picatrix.

Okay, so you know that the Picatrix sets up the scientific method then. Good. What's the feigned confusion then?

Albert Pike was considered THE authority on Freemasonry, for you to ignore this throws red flags up as your own validation as a Mason.

Here is an article on exactly your view of Pike and why you are completely wrong in your assertion of his worth in Freemasonry.

http://freemasonrywa...pikeandkkk.html

Aaahhh, gathering your info from a totally biased source. Good on you. Next you can start quoting from FoxNews and MSNBC - and to add more credibility you can provide links to the Daily Mail and the National Enquirer.

Do you understand anything about history? At one time, there were physicians that were considered to be the absolute pinnacles of the medical community - and they taught about catching diseases from swamp gasses and humors, and promoted the letting of blood and enemas for all ailments. Today we know that they are dated and no longer valid as modern experts in the field.

This is the same with Pike. He had delusions and reminiscence of a time well before his - and a time that is not supported as ever having existed in any period in history. He helped propagate some of the worst rumors of Freemasonry - and started some of the worst conspiracy theories about the group. Did he know his stuff and was he looked up by his contemporaries? Oh, yeah - in spades!! Is he a valid source of how we should conduct out activities in 2012? Hell no.

He WAS considered the authority on Freemasonry - specifically the Scottish Rite. "WAS". That is past tense. He is no longer so considered - except by anti-Masonic folks that keep dredging him up from history.

It gets tiresome.

_____________________

Hey, Monk56? The skull and crossed bones are also used in modern times as a symbol of death and for poison. This is why some pilots put the symbol on their MILITARY AIRCRAFT.

[ZaraKitty]

So, how is it that in most US jurisdictions, you can join for less than $300 total and being recommended by a single Freemason?

I've sat in Lodge next to a Senator, a Rabbi, a garbage collector - all at the same time... and in Lodge that year the Worshipful Master was a janitor. No, you don't need to have lots of money and influence.

Yes, he had been a Master Mason - and was still. However, he was MUCH more involved in the Scottish Rite and wrote nearly all of his many, MANY books for their benefit. He had a very archaic and personal ideal of what the Fraternity was, and for some at the time, he was the go-to man for all matters Masonic. Since then, he's been more correctly identified as a person that was merely "quaint" and should be read for interest and history of the fraternity rather than a legitimate instructor that should be taken seriously for what the fraternity does today.

Right, and this is 2012.

Okay, so you know that the Picatrix sets up the scientific method then. Good. What's the feigned confusion then?

Aaahhh, gathering your info from a totally biased source. Good on you. Next you can start quoting from FoxNews and MSNBC - and to add more credibility you can provide links to the Daily Mail and the National Enquirer.

Do you understand anything about history? At one time, there were physicians that were considered to be the absolute pinnacles of the medical community - and they taught about catching diseases from swamp gasses and humors, and promoted the letting of blood and enemas for all ailments. Today we know that they are dated and no longer valid as modern experts in the field.

This is the same with Pike. He had delusions and reminiscence of a time well before his - and a time that is not supported as ever having existed in any period in history. He helped propagate some of the worst rumors of Freemasonry - and started some of the worst conspiracy theories about the group. Did he know his stuff and was he looked up by his contemporaries? Oh, yeah - in spades!! Is he a valid source of how we should conduct out activities in 2012? Hell no.

He WAS considered the authority on Freemasonry - specifically the Scottish Rite. "WAS". That is past tense. He is no longer so considered - except by anti-Masonic folks that keep dredging him up from history.

It gets tiresome.

_____________________

Hey, Monk56? The skull and crossed bones are also used in modern times as a symbol of death and for poison. This is why some pilots put the symbol on their MILITARY AIRCRAFT.

Love, you pay to get in. You don't have to be anyone special, as long as you have the money. There are lots of connection you gain by joining.

[monk 56]

Skull and bones....travelling man?

Lets be clear a fringe masonic group started W.W.1. this was triggered by the assassination of Arch-duke Ferdinand and Black Hand, want to dispute?

http://net.lib.byu.edu/~rdh7/wwi/comment/BLK-HAND.GIF

[monk 56]

Before we start Travelling Man, just because i show my actual address means nothing, however it does put me at risk, i would say perhaps i have problems that others must investigate, send me a post card with only something you would know, everyone will see that your special riddle will be posted on thread, because i will post it!

My actual address has been stopped by moderators, but not always, it has been a struggle, obviously i'm not against moderators, they also know risks, just because i show my address doesn't mean i'm right, i have a lot wrong with me, i'll be passing soon, people must investigate all i say, big time!

http://www.unexplain...ic=236808&st=45

Obviously i have a lot wrong with me, but write a riddle or something only you would know and i will show when i get it, this doesn't mean i'm right, it means i'm passionate in what i study, but i'm very ill, it is my last gasp!

http://2012forum.com...=4548&mode=view

Edited November 27, 2012 by monk 56

[monk 56]

How i show must be noted that i'm going soon, whatever i'm an astronomer, at the end of my life. yes i have problems, try to look beyond that, i'm not interested of being aware of meeting my maker, perhaps i could show this......being a astronomer, would i want this....i don't wan't anyone to know date of death! I will not look at it regarding myself.....i will not give any analysis in regarding anyone else?

If there was esoteric way, would you want to know date of your death?

I doubt it!, i wish to be unaware of my own death, i will not investigate! Perhaps i could!

Edited November 27, 2012 by monk 56

[monk 56]

In England, i can show how to get to study a very rare book, go to your local library and order a book from the British library, it will appear in your local library after several months to borrow!

Indeed if you order a book called "THE SARAJEVO TRIAL by W.A. DOLPH OWINGS, and you borrow it, be very careful, if you lose it, you will be billed several hundred pounds, it is very rare, but English people can order and get it from a local library, it will come from the British Library, i copied it, i haven't the money to buy this rare book, but photostat is easy and only costs a few pounds!

Lets make this clear about this very valued book, it is only a translation into English of the Trial of Conspirators regarding the assassination of Arch-duke Ferdinand, THIS TRIGGERED THE HORROR OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR, a must read!

A couple of pages can be seen below, no problem showing more of the same:-

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/904/1jm0.jpg

Other pages are not a problem, please ask beyond below:-

http://2012forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=3710&mode=view

[Etu Malku]

So, how is it that in most US jurisdictions, you can join for less than $300 total and being recommended by a single Freemason?

I've sat in Lodge next to a Senator, a Rabbi, a garbage collector - all at the same time... and in Lodge that year the Worshipful Master was a janitor. No, you don't need to have lots of money and influence.

Yes, he had been a Master Mason - and was still. However, he was MUCH more involved in the Scottish Rite and wrote nearly all of his many, MANY books for their benefit. He had a very archaic and personal ideal of what the Fraternity was, and for some at the time, he was the go-to man for all matters Masonic. Since then, he's been more correctly identified as a person that was merely "quaint" and should be read for interest and history of the fraternity rather than a legitimate instructor that should be taken seriously for what the fraternity does today.

Right, and this is 2012.

Okay, so you know that the Picatrix sets up the scientific method then. Good. What's the feigned confusion then?

Aaahhh, gathering your info from a totally biased source. Good on you. Next you can start quoting from FoxNews and MSNBC - and to add more credibility you can provide links to the Daily Mail and the National Enquirer.

Do you understand anything about history? At one time, there were physicians that were considered to be the absolute pinnacles of the medical community - and they taught about catching diseases from swamp gasses and humors, and promoted the letting of blood and enemas for all ailments. Today we know that they are dated and no longer valid as modern experts in the field.

This is the same with Pike. He had delusions and reminiscence of a time well before his - and a time that is not supported as ever having existed in any period in history. He helped propagate some of the worst rumors of Freemasonry - and started some of the worst conspiracy theories about the group. Did he know his stuff and was he looked up by his contemporaries? Oh, yeah - in spades!! Is he a valid source of how we should conduct out activities in 2012? Hell no.

He WAS considered the authority on Freemasonry - specifically the Scottish Rite. "WAS". That is past tense. He is no longer so considered - except by anti-Masonic folks that keep dredging him up from history.

It gets tiresome.

_____________________

Hey, Monk56? The skull and crossed bones are also used in modern times as a symbol of death and for poison. This is why some pilots put the symbol on their MILITARY AIRCRAFT.

So, your saying that one, if not THE, most important Freemason at one time, was a loon? That's not saying much for your Club!

Then what are the Freemasons today? Is it more than a Men's Club with a few neat rituals thrown in?

You're right . . . this topic IS tiring!

[White Unicorn]

So, your saying that one, if not THE, most important Freemason at one time, was a loon? That's not saying much for your Club!

Then what are the Freemasons today? Is it more than a Men's Club with a few neat rituals thrown in?

You're right . . . this topic IS tiring!

I think what he may be saying is there is wisdom and there are two paths one is light and one is dark depends on the individuals or groups on how they use it.

Edited November 28, 2012 by White Unicorn

[Travelling Man]

White Unicorn, what I was driving at is more along the lines of, "What passes for wisdom and brilliance in one Age may not be equally considered in another." Pike wrote about the Golden Age of Masonry - or what _HE_ thought was the Golden Age... the late 1700's. Most of his books (including Morals and Dogma) were written in the aftermath of the Captain Morgan affair, so Freemasonry was hurting something fierce. He wanted to take it back to a time that he wanted to rebuild... a time that doesn't seem to have any actual written history and was only remembered by one man... Albert Pike, by name. He tried VERY hard to instil a sense of ancient history on the fraternity that isn't supported by any facts - kind of like writing a book intended to impress, and using a tone and method of speech that hasn't been used in a couple hundred years to impress the readers (the King James version of the Bible).

__________________________

monk, I don't know what conspiracy theory website you get your info from, but you are WAY out in left field.

The Black Hand was a terrorist organization that was created by young rebels in Bosnia/Serbia - none of which had any involvement in Freemasonry. The only "link" I've ever found has been in unsupported accusations by people that don't let things like references and facts get in the way of their conspiracies.

If you get charged "several hundred pounds" for The Sarajevo Trial, you are getting screwed, as it sells new for about 35 pounds. I've read it... and wasn't overly impressed.

Regarding a riddle and post cards, I have absolutely no idea of what you are speaking. Try again in English and perhaps I'll understand.

[monk 56]

You are very funny Travelling man,

I give my address as a yardstick of being honest, yes i will be leaving the human race soon, on rare times i may not show clarity, but even at the end of my life with my health problems, i will show that.....whats your excuse?

The book by W.A. Owings called "The Sarajevo Trial" grows in value only as it is out of print, but is a scholarly translation of the trial of conspirators, it is valued by all libraries.

Please scroll down to "REFERENCES" below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_Bridge

People are not idiots, they can fill in document below:-

http://www.bookfinder.com/

When i last looked no copies were available to buy!!!!!

If you want to smear British Library, go ahead!

I had a warning when i borrowed this book, DON'T LOSE IT OR YOU WILL HAVE PENALTIES, the real book has 2 volumes thus double £115:00

No one can buy it now, as it isn't in print thus value has increased!!!!!

PLEASE NOTE MY LINK BELOW:-

http://2012forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=6833&mode=view

If Australians want to borrow this book, please contact libraries below, they are thin on the ground, it is a very rare but scholarly book, not all libraries have it for you to read!

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/19232212?selectedversion=NBD3925112

I'm only getting warmed up, even if i'm half dead!

[monk 56]

Hi travelling man,

Any research into BLACK HAND, must include DRAGUTIN DIMITRIJEVIC, oops code name APIS, any idea what that means in hermetic philosophy or PICATRIX noted earlier, links below:-

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWapis.htm

Very important!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picatrix

I'm ready and waiting reply!

Edited November 29, 2012 by monk 56

[monk 56]

You will note on previous page that Travelling Man mentioned PICATRIX, i didn't, (THREAD SECTION #98).

I'm only Anti-Mason after three degrees, and by the way you just shot yourself in the foot, i have no idea what happened to William Morgan, but it seems he disappeared on a very auspicious date, being 11th September 1826, very hermetic!

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/aqc/morgan.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thout

Scottish Rite in the United States isn't a Fringe or irregular freemasonry, Obviously Albert Pike bores you, however lets go further!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Rite

Albert Pike always said that the Blazing star of masons was Sirius, link below:-

http://tetractys.blogspot.co.uk/2007/06/sirius-as-masonic-blazing-star.html

I have no reason to doubt him please scroll back to previous page regarding HOUSE OF THE TEMPLE thread section #95, i give astronomy charts regarding dates, it is aligned to Sirius!

Please read below, it would seem that both Albert Pike and John Wilkes Booth were members of Knights of the Golden Circle a fringe group involved in the American Civil War:-

http://knightsofthegoldencircle.webs.com/

So lets look at astrology magic, President Lincoln was assassinated at approx, 10:15pm or 22:15pm on 14th April 1865 at Ford's Theatre, in Washington DC, a lot of the time assassins will use an auspicious day regarding assassinations....well it was GOOD FRIDAY!

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lincoln-is-shot

There is nothing more unsavoury than political assassination, BUT WAS THIS ALIGNED TO SIRIUS?

At actual time, location and date, Sirius was setting along the horizon in the West, astronomy graph below:-

http://2012forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=6832&mode=view

[monk 56]

Hi Travelling man, my health isn't good today!

Please be aware i will always be in tune of masons up to third degree, same as you, like closure point it it suspect after, I WILL ALWAYS PROTECT 3 DEGREES OF MASONRY, you have no idea of my acid comments yet.....i will be always, like you a promoter of only THREE DEGREES, it gets very muddled after, just like all other beliefs.

You have no idea how i may only protect 3 degrees yet, watch out, but you only want to protect 3 degrees, we are the same in that.....you can watch me hereafter, make no mistake against bible belt in America, watch for attack...up to 3 degrees i will be on your side, please note cult after, just the same as any religious belief, i would never promote 3 degrees as anything other as GOOD!!!!!

I know the score, please promote, wait till i get going with Bible Belt, you have no idea yet, masons are never the Bogeyman up to 3 degrees, i respect them big time and will be on their side, UP TO 3 DEGREES.....do i need dispute or does Travelling man after that....i will be on traveling mans side up to 3 degrees....i don't think there is a problem here! but don't think good masons are the bogeyman, link below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogeyman

Don't only investigate masons over 3 degrees, it applies to all religion, i will support Travelling man up to three degrees, Good People! We have yet to go further, want to play on the dark side with all religion, please play, masons are not bogeymen, it involves all religion....wait if you want to respond to how i will play it, yes i know i'm ill, and may not have clarity on this subject!

Vidovdan is highly spooky if not intentionally aligned, i will not attack masons on this without looking at deeper religion!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vidovdan

.

[monk 56]

There is evidence that Albert Pike was greatly involved in the Knights of the Golden Circle, i have no sympathy with Confederate cause or civil war as it was about African Slaves, however i will note that usaully it was English Ships that sold African Slaves to the Deep South!

Whatever his reasons, Lincoln was against that, thus i value him as a great man, regarding the horror of the American Civil War!

During the Civil War, the Knights of the Golden Circle were reorganized regarding confederate beliefs on 4th July 1854, Yes masons align to Sirius/Isis, and yes masons align to centre star of the Belt of Orion, being Alnilam/Osiris......but they are not the only ones, it comes up in all major religions! Please scroll down link below to the reorganization on 4th July 1854 in Lexington, Kentucky:-

http://knightsofthegoldencircle.webs.com/

A usaul method of alignment is to choose one of the day dividers, ancient Greek day marker is sunset previous to date, ancient Egyptian day marker is actual day aligned to sunrise, after establishment of Gregorian Calendar, a modern approach is to use midnight.

Egyptian day marker was used on 4th July 1854 in Lexington, Kentucky, the Osiris star rose with the Sun, astronomy graph on link below, very Hermetic!

http://2012forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=6839&mode=view

[monk 56]

Hi Travelling Man,

How the hell did Southern Jurisdiction get a prime spot in the Capitol (American spelling), a very expensive neo-classical building on a prime spot in capital Washington DC, the poor old Northern Jurisdiction is out in Lexicon, Massachusetts.....who won the war about slavery.....Northern Jurisdiction has a nice smell about them!!!!!

If masons want to go further after 3 degrees, i would say JOIN NORTHERN JURISDICTION!

How the hell can Southern Jurisdiction say they are "Mother Council of the World", this is Confederate, and slavery, link below:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Temple

Not all that glitters is gold, nice expensive neo-classical building in prime spot!

Spare a thought for poor old Northern Jurisdiction, stuck out in Lexington Massachusetts, who were against slavery, perhaps if masons want to go further after 3 degrees, they will see the light!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Rite

There is no doubt i'm a cantankerous old *** that am half dead and will not show clarity always, that why i will not hide behind an Avatar, is that dangerous, perhaps, i do write about Muslim philosophy as well!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_Rushdie

Please note people do check me out, note i never show postmark to others, link below:-

http://2012forum.com/forum/download/file.php?id=4618&mode=view

[monk 56]

I know Northern Jurisdiction masons are amused in what i show,,,,,they won't respond, they will only laugh in secret, they smell right!!!!!

Only for you, my father was a founding member of Goffs Oak Lodge in England, i know you can check it out, my father was W.C. Smith, love Scottish Rite Northern style in America, you smell good!

http://home.btconnec...html/index.html

Hell i know you won't respond. i'm ill and a loose cannon ha ha, my father was William Charles Smith, a founding member of Goffs Oak Lodge, my start to the mysteries comes from him!

Edited December 1, 2012 by monk 56

[Etu Malku]

You know Seeker79, from all the poop contained in this thread, why would you even consider becoming a Freemason?

There are newer and better organizations to be a part of.

[libstaK]

You know Seeker79, from all the poop contained in this thread, why would you even consider becoming a Freemason?

There are newer and better organizations to be a part of.

Well, Seeker79 made his decision not to on page 5 , something about his dream and your comment about the "poop" in the organisation made me lol.

No offence to any Masons, I actually respect the publically advertised principles of the organisation, not so sure about what goes on in private though. Still I thought Seeker79 would have made it as a "good" Mason, as some of our members in this thread clearly are also.

I want to give special thanks to the mason that answered.

I have decided not to join.

.........

Last night I had a dream. I was shaking hands with a thin angular looking man. He was using some sort of secret handshake. Something with his thumb and a bottom finger. I did not like the way it felt. He look at me and was almost angry that I did not respond properly. Then he would not let go of my hand but I woke up.

I woke up perfectly clear on the issue. I am so not a secret society guy. I tend to hate rules, and don't care much for ritual or secrets. Its not for me and I'd probably drop out anyway, and I could probably teach them a thing or two about mysticism.

............

Thanks everyone.

Quote shortened from Seeker's original full post available on page 5.

[White Unicorn]

There is evidence that Albert Pike was greatly involved in the Knights of the Golden Circle, i have no sympathy with Confederate cause or civil war as it was about African Slaves, however i will note that usaully it was English Ships that sold African Slaves to the Deep South!

Whatever his reasons, Lincoln was against that, thus i value him as a great man, regarding the horror of the American Civil War!

During the Civil War, the Knights of the Golden Circle were reorganized regarding confederate beliefs on 4th July 1854, Yes masons align to Sirius/Isis, and yes masons align to centre star of the Belt of Orion, being Alnilam/Osiris......but they are not the only ones, it comes up in all major religions! Please scroll down link below to the reorganization on 4th July 1854 in Lexington, Kentucky:-

http://knightsoftheg...ircle.webs.com/

A usaul method of alignment is to choose one of the day dividers, ancient Greek day marker is sunset previous to date, ancient Egyptian day marker is actual day aligned to sunrise, after establishment of Gregorian Calendar, a modern approach is to use midnight.

Egyptian day marker was used on 4th July 1854 in Lexington, Kentucky, the Osiris star rose with the Sun, astronomy graph on link below, very Hermetic!

http://2012forum.com...=6839&mode=view

I'd just like to comment on the old slavery issues of the south and the Scottish Rite. My great grandparents founded a Lodge in Ohio and I am proud to say they also participated in the creation of the underground railroad to bring many slaves to freedom. The historical tunnels and secret rooms that they are still uncovering in town are facinating. I know some of the Lodges in the deep south were not as liberal and there were many tensions between the Lodges and some even formed other fraternities which were very bad for the reputation of other Freemasons who believed in liberty for all even if they weren't of a certain bloodline.