Sinfonia and Masonry

[Mystic Cat32]

Brothers,
I was wondering if anyone out there was a Mason as well as a Sinfonian. I just received my bid into the Blue Lodge and will begin the process towards becoming a Freemason. I've heard from people on the National Listserv that there's actually a lot of brothers who are also Masons. I know that Mongiovi talks a lot about the parallels in Masonry with the brotherhood at National Headquarters during chapter retreats. Brother Burrell(Mills&Burrell) was actually a Mason himself. Fraternally Yours in Phi Mu and Alpha, Mystic Cat32

[AngelPhiSig]

Go Masons! I was a Rainbow for a while when I was younger and so was my mom!!

[MysticCat]

I'm not a Mason, bro, but I too understand that many of our brothers are. I know that Jervis Underwood's Centennial History has a little bit about possible Masonic influence in the early days of the Sinfonia.

Actually, I think that you will find that Masonic influence was common in the founding of many if not most fraternities. Freemasonry was the main "pattern" the founders and ritualists of the various fraternities had to work from. You might find this site to be of interest:

University and College Greek Letter Fraternities - History, Background, and Ritual

Best of luck!

Fraternally in FMA
The other Mystic Cat

[Bro. Jones]

Well, Im not a Freemason, of course Freemasons have played a large role in not only Phi Mu Alpha, but also most all fraternities (Im in a few, so i know). It is evident in a lot of shields, possibly grips, knocks, or whatever secret things a fraternity might have. Bro. Mongiovi was at our school giving a ritual workshop, and I was shocked as to learn how many things in Phi Mu Alpha were tied with the Freemasons. That man has a lot of knowledge.

[bro_strawter]

Well said Frat, well said.

[Boodleboy322]

Brothers,

Along the same lines of Secret Socities, has anyone ever heard T. Jervis Underwood's talk about the origins of the Mystic Cat (not the title of the publication)?

Boodleboy322

[MysticCat]

I haven't heard Bro. Underwood talk about it, though I have read what he has to say in his Centennial History.

Here's another good resource on the subject:

Fraternal Education: The Mystic Cat.

[lovelyfire322]

my boyfriend is a PMA and would LOVE to become a Freemason but he doesn't know how to do that. How does he do that?

[oldblue]

He first has to find a Freemason that he knows. If he does not know one he should then look for one. Explain to him that he is interested in becoming a mason. That is the first step. The Brother will take it to the next approiate level. Any other questions just hit me up.