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Originally Posted by PrinceHall
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.
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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.