This watch and ribbon belonged to my great grandfather and were just handed down to me and I'm just curious as to what they represent. Google Lens gave me a few perfunctory clues but I thought I'd ask here as well.

Specifically I'm curious as to what type of member (?) these would be given to. Thank you!

EDIT: Yes he himself was a mason. He didn't just pick these things up off the street. There are letters and other assorted trinkets and my dad used to talk about his membership in masonry back in the day. Interesting to see all the rather aggressive skepticism here though.

Thanks to those who gave me any sort of useful information!

Assuming you pay your dues of 200$ every year for 40 years and nothing else, no dinners, no donations, etc.

Freemasonry costs around $8000 dollars. Compare this value to other tangible objects. Are you getting your money's worth? I would say YES.

What are your favorite or unique car emblems or decals?

Any help would be appreciated.

Hey all,

I wanted to inquire because I reached out to my local lodge with my details through their official site and still haven't gotten a response via email or mobile and was wondering if there's a way I can speed up the contact? Thank you for your patience everyone

Hey Brothers! I’m traveling to Atlanta with my family August 6-10. Looks like I’m going to miss stated meetings, but I’d love suggestions on Masonic things to see/do while in town. Anyone have good recommendations?

Going to Oslo, Norway in October to do the Color Line Blues Cruise and would like to visit a lodge while there, if the timing works out. Currently going through proper grand lodge channels, but thought I would ask here if anybody is from Oslo or has visited a fantastic lodge themselves while traveling there. And even if timing doesn't work for a lodge visit, happy to grab a pint or a coffee with a brother.

Some reason I look a little strange in the photos, not sure why they came out like they did but anyway 😂

It was a great night and an awesome experience, I enjoyed the ritual thoroughly and knew my q&a perfectly.

I work as a driver so I'd like something to listen to.

I'm a bit over halfway through "The Craft," which is an interesting read.

Hey guys, I found a photo of an initiation contract from a French Masonic lodge. I noticed that there was some Hebrew writing and the star on it, and it made me wonder, is Freemasonry connected to the Jewish religion?
I’ll leave the photo here—let me know what you think.
That the photo comes from a french pianist and composer who was freemason and mysteriously died falling from the balcon of he’s friend house in Switzerland after left free masonry he’s name is “Stephane Blet” like is write on the picture

I was looking to join the lodge near and I just had a couple questions to the Hispanics as for I Hispanics too. I would love to join the main issue is family and what they’ll think.

I am recently turned 20 and I have been looking into freemasonry as for I align with their teachings and ideology. My questions to yall are

1. What made you get into freemasonry?
   
2. How are you enjoying it?
   
3. What did your family say and what did they think?
   
4. Did you think joining has improved your life? If so what is better.
   
5. I know that you can’t exactly invite somebody to be a mason but would you recommend it?

I know freemasonry runs pretty deep in Mexican history so I’m excited to hear you guys’ answers.

I have applied to become a mason and I have met two wonderful people (a third is pending because of availability from both sides) and had the most wonderful conversations with both of them. Both were extremely chill and helped me understand in depth if freemasonry would be a good fit for me, which I think it is since its intellectual side attracts me. I just wanted to share how happy I am to have met those people. I really hope I get accepted in due time.

I just learned that the modes of recognition are not kept secret in Australian Freemasonry. In my jurisdiction within the US, modes of recognition are the most important true secrets to be maintained. So then what do brothers in Australia promise to never reveal? Do they consider something else even more secretive, or do they forgo the whole secrecy thing altogether in their oaths? And how can my jurisdiction keep off cowans if the modes of recognition are shared publicly (dues card in good standing, I know, but.....)?

Now I wonder if there are things they keep secret that we don't over here. Must be tough to moderate.

Edit: Thank you for your comments, but everyone seems to be missing the point of my question. I am not asking about the nature of secrecy in Freemasonry. I am asking specifically what is intended to be kept secret in Australia? It's really an operative, not a speculative question, in a sense. I'm just curious about practices in other jurisdictions.

I’m selling this Vintage Hamilton Masonic Masterpiece watch. Number 23/500. Yes I still have the pins to put the band on the watch, I just took it off to look at the back better. If you are interested please send me your best offer. No box, no papers, and decent condition, and yes it works

I discovered a very angry brother on threads and I'm just wondering if this is what you consider an just and upright character.

Someone really should check on him to make sure he's okay.

Just because I'm playing this banger on repeat again in the moment.
For all those who didn't got a chance to watch and hear it.

Edit: shoutout brother armor. :)

The Work - London Freemasons

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAlsrxuY7qc

I came from the curb with a rough cut edge,
now i square my steps, take solemn pledge,
grip got weight, that's bond not flex,
truth in the lodge, not in text.

Apron clean, heart pure, that's code,
walk through pillars, heavy load.
Bro got light now we share that road,
three knocks deep, doors unfold.

Do the work, set that stone,
lay that mark, make it known.

Tools on deck, that's trowel, that gauge
measure my mind, not age,
chisel my flaws, engage, still on the square,
same stage, tracing board dreams, all signs align.
Plum line, straight, keep line, divine,
temple ain't brick. Its time,
east light rise, that's mine.

Bro to bro, that's grip, not talk,
faith, hope, charity,
Man walk the walk, level with kings.
Same chalk, light on path, no fork.

Do the work, hold your line.
Guard the gate, keep it fine.

Two pillars stand, one truth remains.
Built through loss, built through pain.
From dust to craft, from night to flame.
The works the work, rememer the name.

Cincinnati masonic center was sold, they had an online auction. Long story short, I bought a ton of hats, the ones with the ostrich feathers. well over 20. unsure what the value is, but reaching out to see if someone local is interested in buying some.

Does anyone have or know of a way to review the bylaws of WV's Grand Lodge bylaws. My family has a few members in state, but I'm in Ohio and need / want to review details for some issues at hand.

I'm guessing they are not published online but a link or even older bylaws would help immensely.

Im looking to become a Freemason and I’d love to join within these next few months. I will be traveling to Switzerland sometime in the next 5-6 months.

My question is…

1. What’ll happen with my initiation?
   
2. Can I visit the lodge over there?
   
3. Would I receive anything from the lodge? (I’d love anything to take home)
   
4. If I can visit what’ll be like?

My jurisdiction defines Masonic Education as any activity, properly framed, that teaches Brethren Masonic values and how to incorporate them into their lives. The most important words being 'properly framed;' because a program about cheese selection in the right hands can be more educational Masonically than a program about the use of grammar in Ritual in the wrong hands.

In that vein, if your jurisdiction has Lodge Education Officers and yours are looking for ideas for educational programs, encourage them to look at Aesop's Fables. Two that come to mind:

The Man and the Stone (JBR Collection): Aesop was sent one day by his master Xanthus to see what company were at the public bath. He saw that many who came stumbled, both going in and coming out, over a large Stone that lay at the entrance to the bath, and that only one person had the good sense to remove it. He returned and told his master that there was only one man at the bath. Xanthus accordingly went, and finding it full of people, demanded of Aesop why he had told him false. Aesop thereupon replied that only he who had removed the Stone could be considered a man, and that the rest were not worthy the name.

The Old Man and His Sons: (Perry 53): Among the folk of days gone by, there was a very elderly gentleman who had many sons. When he was about to reach the end of his life, the old man asked his sons to bring to him a bundle of slender rods, if there happened to be some lying about. One of his sons came and brought the bundle to his father. 'Now try, with all your might, my sons, to break these rods that have been bound together.' They were not able to do so. The father then said, 'Now try to break them one by one.' Each rod was easily broken. 'O my sons,' he said, 'if you are all of the same mind, then no one can do you any harm, no matter how great his power. But if your intentions differ from one another, then what happened to the single rods is what will happen to each of you!'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSBcbpJGWjA

For those who enjoy it, those who already know it but havent listend to it in a while, but also for those who had "mixed feelings" about The Work.

Much love. :)

And a last one to wind down the Masonic rap collection.
Another one from Brother Ap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt0lZ7qbHpU

Hi guys, so here is my question. EDIT (also this is just what I’ve experienced, and is in no way an attack just wanted to ask thought provoking questions):

I originally joined masonry in the United States. Now I am a member living abroad and a member in a foreign jurisdiction and still maintain my membership in the US. But I’ve noticed quite a bit of difference. In America at times it seems like lodges are hurting so bad form numbers they will vote for anyone with a pulse. But in my foreign lodge they don’t care if they are hurting for members they will spend time often a year or 2 getting to know someone before they give them a petition. Also in my American lodge we eat before the meeting and get it over with as quickly as possible so we can get home. Now, in my lodge overseas we eat after the meeting in fact we have an entire festive board after the meeting and often spend hours drinking and smoking cigars and enjoying each others presence. Also my American lodge people are very open about their affiliation. In my overseas lodge it’s very private. Why do y’all think it is? Has American masonry become watered down?