Rather than trying to find yet another way to reiterate the often-overlooked fact that Masonry is NOT a religion, I found a page at Masonicinfo.com that's an excerpt from Bro. John J. Robinson's A Pilgrim's Path from a chapter entitled, "Is Freemasonry a Religion?" It is by far the best answer we've ever heard to the most common question asked by non-Masons about the Fraternity. Here's a link to the article: Is Freemasonry a Religion?

From the Wikipedia entry on "Lutheranism:"

This is John Calvin's thoughts on some preachers complaining that they get no honor from the common folk:

“Thus we learn how foolish and ridiculous it is for people to complain that they receive no honour, when in fact there is nothing about them that is worth honouring, but rather they expose themselves to contempt by their ignorance, the example of their impure lives, their lightmindedness and other faults. The only way to win respect is by outstanding virtues which will protect us against contempt.” (Calvin)

Lodge of Sorrow

Also known as: Masonic Funeral Service

Distinguished from: Lodge of Rememberance

A Lodge of Sorrow is called when a Brother has passed away. It is the duty of the Brother receiving the news to relay it to the Secretary, Senior Warden, Senior Deacon, or Chaplain. The Memorial Committee confirms the time, date, location and particulars of the funeral service and relays the information to the Attendance Committee, who calls all the Brethren to notify them.

Here are some comments made by various men of the cloth regarding Masonry. Some were Masons when they said these things. Some were not. Thanks to the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and the Yukon for the article.

Why am I a Freemason?

This article is a bit controversial as it deals directly with a particular set of religious beliefs and the people who hold them. The reason I'm including it here is that I believe that Bro. Gary Leazer hit the nail on the head when he wrote this. It cuts to the crux of modern Anti-Masonry.

Again I post another Bible Reading from the Daily Manna from the 'Net. This one is from the Holy Gospel According to Saint Matthew. It is alluded to in the Entered Apprentice Explanatory Lecture (a.k.a. the Walkaround Lecture).

As a Masonic Lodge, we aren't in the business of dispensing theology or even religious philosophy as we aren't a religion. But as I was reading today's Bible Verse from the Daily Manna from the 'Net, I couldn't help but think that if we, as Masons, applied this bit of New Testament wisdom, we would indeed improve our Lodges and our lives drastically.

The Masonic Information Center published a "Short Talk Bulletin" circa 1997 dealing with the allegations that the five-pointed star and other symbols used in Masonry are diabolical in nature. I think it's an EXCELLENT essay.

Here's the link: http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/SRpublications/symbols.htm

Brother William Frederick Unrath passed to that Undiscovered Country on February 1, 6008 A.L.

He was born in Milwaukee, WI on June 27, 5916 A.L. He was Initiated an Entered Apprentice at Excelsior Lodge on April 3, 5940 A.L. He was Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on May 8, 5940 A.L. And he was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 12, 5940 A.L.

Please keep his family and his Brethren in your prayers.