PrinceHall,

what do you do in your lodge as far as volunteer work?

as of now,nothing.Annually,our (my lodge and the OES chapter under my lodge) big season as far as volunteer work is around the fall and winter time. We keep the fundraisers going all year-aound.Me personally, I haven't been doing any volunteer work with the lodge right now(this summer),because of my internship with the county and my regular job,but you'll always see me at the business and work meetings,except when I'm in school,and you'll STILL see me at a meeting or two because of spring break,holiday break and fall break,plus I stay in my books.See,I was initiated at a lodge in my Hometown (flint,MI) but I go to school in Nashville,TN. at Tennessee State Univ.;I fellowship with the bruhs down in nashville as other bruhs that go to TSU that's from another jurisdiction,that about it for now. I'm going to start "working" with the lodges in Nashville while I'm still in school.

My grandfather was a prince hall mason. Do your research because masonry is a hot mess. It is the most segragated society on the planet.
Black masons look down own so called bogus masons and many white masons look down on prince hall mason as bogus. Crazy

Check these sites out before you start giving up that cash and signing your life away.

www.ephesians5-11.org www.fish4masons.org :)

To ALL non-masons and aspirants,

Don't pay attention to people who make statements like this^^ when it comes to Masonry;besides,I know who the person is that made the post I am replying to. YES, do your research. Please know that ALL organizations get stereotyped,talked about,etc..,especially the biggest organizations out here(e.g. Masonry). Masonry is the biggest influence on ALL Greek-Lettered Fraternities and sororities; And in particular with predominately black Masonry here in the U.S. (known as Prince Hall Masons and OES,etc.) is why the B.G.L.O.'s exsist today. YES,there are fake,"bogus" people out here that CLAIM to be Masons and OES...particularly in the Black community...all of them were started by expelled Prince Hall Masons(go research on this as well).White masons in the south( more than half of them) dont recognize any black mason (whether fake or legit)because of racism,but things are changing and getting better and technically,PRince Hall Masons and OES is recognized as "regular" and legit all over the world(we do have lodges and other houses in other countries and on military bases);what matters is...are you a 'mainstream'(white) or Prince Hall Mason or OES. YES, you have to pay dues if you become a member...JUST LIKE ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION (i.e. church,synagouge,mousk,boy scouts,girls scouts,etc..). And last but not least...you're NOT signing your life way...lol.Oh,and Masonry is NOT a relgion..


...that's why it's important to do research and speak with a Mason or Eastern Star in general.

Times are changing & so are organizations
 

Great way to address this comment. I would like to add that with any organization there are certain cultural issues such as race that is changing in this nation, yes it is a slow some times painfully change, but these changes have been filtering down into all of our organizations.

In the chapter that I was initiated into, which is Prince Hall Affiliated (predominantly black), I had a white sister that I love dearly that was initiated with me as well as a mixed (mexican/black) sister, and a mexican sister that I was initiated with as well.

Also in the MD jurisdiction the predominantly black Prince Hall Masons and the Predominantly white Masons had it formally passed that they will recognize each other and have co-sponosored events where they bring in new masons, black and white, together in a joint effort to formally show that it's about the organization and the things we do for our communities as a whole, not about our race.

I think some of the main points that should be looked at here for any organization is to do your research, as to get as much of a good idea as possible about what you are getting your self into. Make sure that you are still putting your organization in the correct place on your life's priority list. Your higher source of spiritual guidence, your family, your career, etc. Don't neglect your life's responsibilities. Be a positive force in your organization. Ever heard of the saying "If you're not on the way, then you're in the way." -Unknown? Don't be in the way of the positive progress of your organization.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

WHAT IS THE UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAN AND THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD ? AND HOW DOSE JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY WAY TO GOD FIT IN OR DOSE HE FIT IN TO THAT CONCEPT


http://www.fish4masons.org/issues/pd...FJ_fogbom.PDF?

VERY well said, sis.

YES, everywhere except 10 states in the south recognizes Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars; Racism from the white bruhs down there insn't the main issue that much anymore. See,recognition works both ways meaning that the Prince Hall(predominately black) Masons have to recognize the 'Mainstream' (Predominately white) Masons and vise versa. For instance, in Tennessee and Alabama the White Bruhs actually requested recognition from the Prince Hall bruhs in those two states,but the Prince Hall bruhs turned THEM down...they basically said "we aight." So when you think about it,the black bruhs down there are racists as well....not all of them,and not all of the white bruhs are like that just quite a few too many are. But like I stated before,things are changing in a positive way,so...


P.S., that "Beverysure" guy be on alot of other greek/masonic websites false prophetizing as well,so don't pay any attnetion to him...we're all adults,so therefore do your research and make your own decisions...you will never know unless you go through...guessing and coming up with lies will only make you miserable...

THE BLOOD OF JESUS
 

If you want the truth dont listen to these guys because they are bound:) to COCEAL THE REAL. www.fish4masons.org Now these ex masons will tell the truth they are bound by the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED:)

DID THE WORD OF GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH?

so since you're listening to some "ex-masons",you think you know it all now,huh?I have heard ex-Omegas,ex-AKA;s,etc.,talk bad about their "ex-organization," but I never look at the organization different.I hear about certain chapter's of XYZ frat when it comes to hazing,but I dont look at the organization as a whole in a bad way.People have left the fraternal order of Masonry as well as Greek-Lettered organizations and organizations in general(i.e. church),because they saw reason to do so whether it made sense to leave or not. People leave organizations for the typical reasons you hear all the time(and really,it's not an epidemic);because they been through a few bad experiences,or just because someone stopped them from doing what they wanted to do in the org.,or because that organization was just not for them,etc...I can go on and on. when it all boils down to it,people make the choice to do what they want to do;nobody can control that but that person....even GOD leaves it up to us to make choices whether right or wrong,but he will ALWAYS show us the right way and he will always speak to us;never leave or forsake us,period. ALL GLO's and Masons/Eastern Stars are taught to NEVER put the organization before GOD,family and other important priorities like your job,school,etc. Greek-Lettered organizations and Masonry are all christian-based organizations;none of them are a religion! In order to be a mason you have to be a believer in GOD;I can't speak for the Greeks on that,but with Masonry,yes....and they check that type of stuff. Most of the masons and eastern stars that I've met are christian's...strong believer's in GOD and christ jesus;Muslims and Jewish can join the Order as well,because they are believers as well.So I speak again,Masonry is NOT a religion,but has alot of religious character in it. Masonry is all through the Holy Bible,because it is symbolic of the Holy bible.See why it is important to do your research,and never dwell off of someone's comments?

JESUS IS GOD
 

"Always put GOD first..nothing else" which god?


My God is Jesus Christ is yours?

prince i agree with most of what you say. What you said earlier is the same thing a former 33rd degree mason told me in new york and after researching and knowing my bglo ritual I denounced. I loved my frat but I love Jesus Christ more.
:)

I have a honest question to ask:confused: . The people who are denouncing their organizations because they are putting God first, did you not know how to do that when you were in your organization?

I'm really trying to get an understanding of the arguments that many people that put up links like this do & I just can't understand their arguments or points:confused: . Never once in my organization have I been asked, ordered, or it even been implied to put the organization before anything, especially not God, family, or work.

Second I know how to keep God first in my life no matter how demanding things can be in my life:D , so is the problem that these people get too caught up in their organizations then see that they are putting their organizations first, then feel so upset about it instead of devoting more time to their savior and put their organization in it's proper place in their life, they feel that they can't balance the two out so it's either one or the other???

I'm really not trying to be funny, I'm just trying to understand since the solution to the issue for these people seems clear to me. Cut back on the org and devote more time to God. It doesn't mean that you have to denounce anything.

my testimony is... one day i came from the club fell
a sleep and woke up the next day with the thought to
not eat meat for 30 days ...now at this time i was not
a christian i was into all sorts of philosophies and
religions ... i figured what did i have to lose but a
couple pounds .. but 15 days into this no meat fast i
woke up free from weed. it was weird .. then i went to
my job and saw a flyer to audition for a play. i was
cast in a gospel play . when i read the script i knew
this play was about me. the name of the play was MAMA
DEE'S GIRLS. now i am rehearsing with these praying
Christians. no one new that i was not a follower i fit
in because i was raised in the church. before we went
on the road i came home for new years eve 2001 ...i
was headed for a party and on the way i was selling
one of my foul Cd's to this young girl at the gas
station... well as soon as that 10 dollars hit my hand
i was convicted and new i was wrong in pushing this
lyrical pornography. i looked at her and asked what
she was doing tonight and she said she was going to
church. and i knew what God was telling me TO DO. i
walked in church and all i heard was family this and
family that. and for the first time i realized that i
had become an apostle of satan in fact when i looked
at my shirt during church service it was covered with
dragons breathing fire. i left that night and decided
to do a gospel CD. songs just came TO ME and i
recorded them ....7 months later i ended up in Atlanta
at Bishop Eddie Longs church. that was the first time
i heard a preacher who was an omega say that he did a
foolish thing by branding his body. i just brushed it
off. a church from new york invited ME to work with
their choir and i followed them that very weekend . on
the way i brother asked me how was i doing gospel
music and i did not have a bible. i said i don't
know...well i met Sean slaughter around the 4 of July
and we hit it off .AND WE DID A CD CALLED THA DUGEON.
the church gave me my first bible and i was cool .then
A Nigerian prophet layed hands on me and when i
finally got up OFF THE FLOOR ...i went back to my
basement apt in queens and began to devour the bible.
i met a former 33rd degree mason who told me about the
god of the lodge and the connection to frats 2 weeks
later i denounced and about a month or so later GOD
SPOKE TO ME AND TOLD ME TO MARRY THIS WOMEN FROM HAITI
WHOM I HAD JUST MET.

IT WAS THE BEST THING I EVER DONE FALLING IN LOVE
WITH JESUS ...WHO IN RETURN GAVE ME HIS SPIRIT, A WIFE ,3 KIDS
, a HOME ,A VAN AND A MUSIC MINISTRY

THANK YOU YAHSHUA :)

That is wonderful that you have rebuilt a very strong relationship with God, but I'm sorry I did not see the answer to the question that I asked in your testimony. To me it seemed that if you were trying to answer my question that your life was basically already away from God & then you came back to him. I'm talking about those that already have a strong relationship with God and that already put him first. Let me post up what the original questions that I had up again so that they can clearly be answered.

I put GOD as in my lord and savior JESUS CHRIST first,because without him all things are impossible.Alot of people say that,but they say it just to put on a front....I MEAN IT WHEN I SAY IT.

Anybody that put their organization before GOD,family,their job,and school(if applicable),then they're going about everything the wrong way,and it'll catch up to them(it usually does). I don't put Masonry or any other organization that I want to be apart of before GOD,Family,school,and work...NO WAY.

Masonry and GLO's don't serve a god within the organization,you should know that "Beverysure"...you were an Omega,remember?? Well in my eyes,once one always one.


P.S.,whoever made that webiste need to do their research.For instance,they said "Freemasonry has been around for over 300 years,"..........HUH?!
First of all,there's two types of Masonry;Speculative(or Honorary-which is who we are [modern]) and Operative Masonry(ancient).Operative Masons were the original masons who actually built temples,bridges,etc.. waaaay back in the day;Operative (or stone)Masons go back to egypt times,but speculative masonry go back to the 1600's.............go do your research.


I'mma tell you right now "Beverysure",you'll reck your brain trying to figure Masonry out;talking to ex-masons aint gonna do it for you,brother...

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
 

Now i can not speak for those who are christian before they pledge. I was not.

Lets make it clear my testimony is about what happenned to me . If it helps the next person so be it.


I went to a revival at a Holy Ghost Church I had never been to this type of church service before.
well i did not believe in laying on hands and people falling out. Until it happenned to me.

A small nigerian lady layed hands on me and prayed and A 300 lb omega man went in the air and landed head first on the ground.

When i finally got up I left and began to eat the Word of God . Before that night the bible would put me to sleep.

Well I figured that God wanted me to stay at this Haitian Church. The pastor spoke english and treated me like his little brother.

2 weeks later a Former 33rd degree mason met me at the church and shared with me his exp. as a mason in Haiti and America . after studying and praying for 2 weeks i denounced because i knew omega... that frat that i loved would not take that which was revealed to me out of the ritual.

After i took those plates off my truck and sent a letter to nationals about a week later early in the mourning I had a divine encounter. God spoke to me and gave me specific instructions.

Since then I have seen the super natural. I have exp miracles. and every where i preach i sing the song i use to sing as a q


IIIIIII KKNNOOWW iivve BBEEEEN CCCChhhAAANNGED THE ANGEL IN HEAVEN DONE SIGHNED MY NAME.


AMEN BROTHER I DO LOVE YOU GUYS AND I PRAY THAT YOU PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MASTER JESUS CHRIST GROWS STRONGER EVERYDAY

EZEKIAL 33 IS WHO WE ARE WATCHMEN IN THE NAME OF JESUS:)

I believe in miracles as well but I do have one question....why are you on Greek chat if you have denounced being greek? I'm not saying you need or have to be greek to post on the site. It just seems like you are being an antagonist. JMO

I think his purpose is not to antagonize. I think he is trying to show that what he did in his situation is an option to the next lost soul that is currently in his past situation. Which it's good that he's trying to assist in saving the lost;), but if you already have a strong relationship with God then it is not applicable to you.

I do agree with Prince Hall that anyone that tries to figure out any of the complex masonic or BGL's organizations that don't belong to each of them (which no one does) are going to reck their brain to figure them out. No one will ever completely understand the next person's organization like they know their own. There have been too many years of work to understand each & every aspect about your own organization, let alone someone elses org.

How do you post a website that you can't even be able to check or attest to the accuracy of the information:confused:? So actually if you are putting out negative information about someone or an organization that is incorrect & is not in your personal opinion, from my training & knowlege that's slander:mad:. No one wants to be given a bad name due to incorrect information being given out to people that don't know anything about them, so let's think about what we do before we do it people.;)

lets chat
 

I am at greek chat to talk to brothers and sisters and give my opinion.And how it came about. I love people regardless if they are in or out of a org.
:)

Just out of curiousity for all the of masons and stars, what chapter are you all with? what jurisdiction are you all with? what position do you hold in your chapter? and what events do you have planned for the year?

I am currently with Columbine Chapter # 46, MD Jurisdiction:) (Formerly with Electa Chapter 67, NC Juris.:D)
Currently I am a general member since I just demitted into the chapter
The most current event that we will be having is our Fall Activity with Praise Dancers, I'm not really sure how this goes:confused: since this will be my first major annual event with them.

Ruth Chapter #102, PHA
Nabbar Ct., D.O.I. #123
Atlanta, Ga.

This month we have our Potentate and Commadress Ball, and next month we have the Atlanta District 3 School of Instruction and the Imperial Session. We do various volunteer work around the community (last weekend we had our local Feed the Hungry drive), but I'm working with the Chapter to link up with Habitat for Humanity.

I'm curious PHA_luv, are you a teacher, psychologist...? I enjoy reading your responses, because I, along with Blessedone04, was wanting to label beverysure an antagonist but you help put a different light on the situation.

If you don't mind me asking, exactly what are the Christian principles each organization are founded on?

Quote: I put GOD as in my lord and savior JESUS CHRIST first,because without him all things are impossible.Alot of people say that,but they say it just to put on a front....I MEAN IT WHEN I SAY IT.

Anybody that put their organization before GOD,family,their job,and school(if applicable),then they're going about everything the wrong way,and it'll catch up to them(it usually does). I don't put Masonry or any other organization that I want to be apart of before GOD,Family,school,and work...NO WAY.

Masonry and GLO's don't serve a god within the organization,you should know that "Beverysure"...you were an Omega,remember?? Well in my eyes,once one always one.


P.S.,whoever made that webiste need to do their research.For instance,they said "Freemasonry has been around for over 300 years,"..........HUH?!
First of all,there's two types of Masonry;Speculative(or Honorary-which is who we are [modern]) and Operative Masonry(ancient).Operative Masons were the original masons who actually built temples,bridges,etc.. waaaay back in the day;Operative (or stone)Masons go back to egypt times,but speculative masonry go back to the 1600's.............go do your research.


I'mma tell you right now "Beverysure",you'll reck your brain trying to figure Masonry out;talking to ex-masons aint gonna do it for you,brother...
__________________
"The Father of ALL"
/G\ Fraternal Order of Freemasonry-Prince Hall Affiliation /G\
"Beware of fake masonry amongst you" for more information,please visit:
http://www.bogusmasonry.org

"Always put GOD first..nothing else" End Quote:


Even if you say you don't serve other God's in the organization (I'll give you that right now) you do have to take an oath (pledge) to enter into the organization which is strictly forbodden in the bible. If you are saved (which I believe you are) the only brotherhood you need is the BODY of CHRIST, it does say so many times in the bible that we are indeed brethren, so I'm just curious to know, what does the Masons give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?

No i'm not any of the above just a recent college grad.

I'll be honest I was rubbed the wrong way at first, but i'm confident and secure in my relationships with God, my organization, and in the overall good in what other people's organizations do in our communities as well. Without masonic and BGLO's women, our country, as well as our black community would not have gotten as far as we have. I also believe that it's a good rule of thumb to try and look at the good, rather than the bad because the person really could mean good, but you just misinterpreted what they were saying.

As a representative from my chapter i'm going to participate in the Walk Against Domestic Violence i believe it is in October. I'm participating through a local area sorority as to build relationships between our chapter and other greek organizations in the area.

IASKTHE QUESTION: "the only brotherhood you need is the BODY of CHRIST, it does say so many times in the bible that we are indeed brethren, so I'm just curious to know, what does the Masons give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?"

I don't think that anyone that is in an organization is saying that they need these organizations to survive. Many of us achieved before we became XYZ and we will continue to grow and prosper with or without XYZ because that is the type of persons that we are.

The oaths that we are taking are not to the extreme that we are saying that we are devoting our souls to a body out side of Christ. Most organized organizations have a oath or mission that they follow to keep the ideals of their organizations on track. For example when you become barred as a lawyer you have to take a professional oath, I do believe preachers have to take a form of oath. These oaths don't mean that we worship a false prophet or anything of the such.

Masonry, OES, BGLO's are another venue for many people can come together without regard to your exact denomination where they otherwise would not, and participate in community service for the good of their surrounding communities.

Yes there are chapters in all of our organizations that fall out of line with what our chapters are all about, but when looking at our organizations look deeper. Look at how much positivity we inject into this world, in comparison to the negative issues that may have heard about. I truely believe the good out weighs the bad.

oaths
 

I never took an oath to become a preacher. When God calls you ...you just start preaching.

This made me chuckle.

Thats bogus!! There is more to it than that. Maybe you are missing something if you think it just that simple.

I thought that you had to go through training and basically be taught by someone who has been a preacher before, and take an oath:confused: I didn't know that someone could just become a preacher all of a sudden.

But whatever the situation the point was lost and/or shifted from the point that I am making. There are so many organizations out there that are meant to better and help people. We may fall short in some areas and there is no way that we can please everyone, but if so much good is coming from these organizations, why do people try to condemn us?

I support other organizations that are out there busting their butts and pockets to help others that can't help themselves. My other question is what types of community service and aid are those that are against masonic & BGLO's do on their own?

Not to avoid the question of IASKTHEQUESTION, but honestly the way that many of our organizations are, responding to your questions about exactly how our organizations are bible based, would be divulging of information that we are unable to do. I didn't want you to think that we were ignoring your question though.

Back to the topic at hand of sisters and brothers communicating their chapters, stations, & activities.

Love you all!

You are correct Sis/Dt. We do a LOT of volunteer work and community service in helping others. IMO THIS is what matters and falls right in line with what our five heriones stand for. All of our organizations (Masonry, OES, BGLO's) work for the betterment of our communities. This Fred Hatchett mentality has been around for a long time, so all we need to do is to continue to let our lights shine and support each other in our good deeds!

BTW, the Ball was LOTS of fun!

PREACHERS
 

Man made churches got all kinds of rules and regulations confirmations and ordinations But when you are touched by the master JESUS CHRIST rivers of living water will flow out of your belly. I know little kids who preach. All saints, thats born again believers, are preachers.:)
Where did Paul who has written most of the new testament learn how to do what he did after he got knocked off that horse?:cool:

EMPOWER THE PEOPLE by TONY BROWN
 

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...sbn=0688169740


This book is off the chain.:eek: Proud Alphaman Tony Brown puts out a classic.
bglo /masons really need to peep this.
I was shocked at first but he has always thought outside of the box. :cool: www.tonybrown.com

Community Service & Programs
 

So what are some more of the community service & chapter/lodge programs that the Sisters & Brothers have during the upcoming year? Doesn't matter what houses you are a part of

Right On, SiSstar!
 

Star, You are so right on point. I don't understand why people choose to remain in the dark. I to have done some fairly extensive research myself. Give me a shout out when possible perhaps we should compare info. Some people think I should publish the info that I've found but I don't think that it is for everyone to know.

Queen Esther #9
Detroit, MI
AF&AM

Grand Chapter State of New York OES site has changed
 

Greetings all,

The Website for the Grand Chapter State of New York Order of Eastern Star has changed. http://nyoes.org//images/oes-web.jpg

Our new website is : http://www.nyoes.org


Michelle

The link doesn't work. :(

I am also a member of the Order of Eastern Star as of May 20, 2006 Laurel Creek Chapter No. 165. I am very new to this organization, but very proud to be a member of it. I am also interested in learning more information about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and the members here on greekchat!

I have been reading what many of you written, some I had to shake my head in disbelief, but this is one I had to comment on.... I am having problems with the term "it does say so many times in the bible" or "strictly forbidden in the bible" The Bible is a book of FAITH, it is not the absolute truth the ONE AND ONLY TRUTH. NO BOOK WRITTEN REVEALS AN ABSOLUTE TRUTH. The BIBLE is a book created by MAN and we all know man has flaws. MAN's interpretation of what ANOTHER MAN thinks what GOD said written down by yet ANOTHER MAN and in english of all languages. A lost in translation type of feel. THE ONE AND ONLY TRUTH IS YOUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. Each persons relationship is different.

If a person chooses to affiliate themselves with an XYZ or Masonic organization and also love's his/her GOD. We as children of GOD should not question it. The Bible, Torah, Qu'ran, Piby, etc. are great and spiritually powerful books of faith, but, there is ONLY ONE place where the ABSOLUTE TRUTH is written and that is in your HEART; guess what...only GOD can read it.

I rarely like answering a question with a question but with this one, I will

"what does the Masons give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?"

-What does joining a church give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?
-What does joining groups within the church (choir, etc) give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?
-What does going on church functions give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?
-What does listening to Gospel give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?
-What does falling in love or getting married give you that the BODY of CHRIST doesn't?



Peace, blessings and understanding of self in relationship to GOD to everyone.

Uh....

Anyway, I've always loved Tony Brown eversince I used to watch Tony Brown's Journal on PBS with my parents when I was little. I never saw him as "thinking outside of the box" as much as he was a voice of reason when many people were too busy getting riled up.

Hello, I am interested in learning more about OES. From what I've read so far you have to be directly related to an OES or Mason member. This puts me at a disadvantage because I am the first generation in my family to express interest in bglo and/or masonic orgs. Generally, in my case, is there a way around that. For example, I know a Mason personally...could be sponsor me since there would be no other way for me to get a blood relative sponsor?