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The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 12:56 pm
by JoeClark
Hello,

How do WE know what the secrets of masonry are? I assume our obligations are very similar from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. I've heard it said many times that the secrets of masonry are the means of identification and the details of the ritual. All I can find in our Masonic Code is that "degree work may not be discussed in front of non-masons". At a public event a few months ago, a Past Grand Master gave a very nice speech. In it, he incorporated all the working tools of the three degrees, and gave there uses, almost verbatum from our degrees. Prior, I would have considered this something off-limits to discuss in public. The way I understand my obligation, without going into or disclosing the details of it, is that I will not share the secrets of masonry if something is communicated to me to be a secret. In my years as a mason, no one has ever said to me "by the way Mike, this is a secret of masonry, so keep it that way". Who is qualified to let me know if something is secret or not? I have a good idea, and feel I've always been faithful to my obligations and the Masonic Code of MN, but I'm curious what others think...


I didn't find the right solution from the internet.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 7:20 pm
by Lloyd Wiebe
I can not see where said Grand Master gave away any secrets. You may want to sit down with your lodge mentors and discuss this matter. You are not alone in not being familiar as to what may or may not be discussed. Many lodges are neglectful in following up with brethren after the various degrees.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 10:05 pm
by Trouillogan
This being lodgeroomuk, while it is interesting to hear about other constitutions, what may or may not be done under those other constitutions doesn't concern us greatly here under the United Grand Lodge of England.

As to the subject at hand, most of the time you can substitute the word 'private' for 'secret'. E.g. a secretary deals with the private/confidential matters of his/her employer. The word 'secret' has taken on an altered focus from its use in our eighteenth century ritual work.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:14 am
by mindmagic
UGLE has made it quite clear that in their opinion the only "secrets" are the modes of recognition - signs, tokens and words.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:21 am
by russellholland
So what do the secrets protect?

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2017 2:16 pm
by Trouillogan
russellholland wrote:So what do the secrets protect?

As a protection against impostors gaining access to charitable funds.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:09 pm
by russellholland
>protection against impostors gaining access to charitable funds.

That did not work locally where some brethren took over management of the charitable trust and persuaded GL to transfer almost all its assets to the trust and now by law the assets cannot go back. The GL now does not even own its temple.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:02 am
by Trouillogan
russellholland wrote:>protection against impostors gaining access to charitable funds.

That did not work locally where some brethren took over management of the charitable trust and persuaded GL to transfer almost all its assets to the trust and now by law the assets cannot go back. The GL now does not even own its temple.

As I understand it, GL is not a legal entity so that might make some sense. However, the protection to which I believe you were referring was related to outsiders.

Re: The Secrets of a Freemason

PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:08 pm
by Peter Taylor
In my jurisdiction the "secrets" are the modes of Recognition.
However, they are only private to me because I made a promise not to reveal them, you can find them on the internet or a library if you want to do so!