Promotion

One of the enduring myths about Masonry is that Masons end up with all the plum jobs, are promoted quicker than everyone else, can speed and drink-drive with impunity etc ad nauseam.

This is very definitely a myth. Would that there were a lodge hotline to get out of the speeding ticket I acquired a couple of months ago (I was doing 38 on a dual carriage way in a non-residential area that had one very small 30 sign three miles back). It would come in handy.

As to promotion, I have actually found that being 'on the square' has probably held me back more than it has advanced me. As one of my (non-Masonic) friends said to me: "I'd get your money back from your Lodge if I were you. You haven't been promoted yet have you?"

He was joking, I think, but he had a point.

Joining the Masons is often seen as second only to reality TV as a quick and easy way to getting more than you would otherwise get and/or deserve through hard work and perseverence.

If you want to get on in life, work bloody hard and - more importantly - be seen to be working bloody hard. If you join the Masons you'll have to work doubly hard both at Masonry and at your job.

If, however, you want a challenge outside of everything you've ever experienced and want to make yourself into someone with a better memory, better public speaking skills, more confidence, more friends, a higher set of values and standards and a willingness to always put others ahead of you, then Freemasonry might be for you.

Don't get me wrong, I love being a Mason, I love memorising ritual and being able to deliver it without a single tut or prompt. Heaven for me would be one of the crusty old PMs with LGR saying that it was "Alright and nearly as good as when my mate Smudger Smith did the tools in 1954." - we know that they care really!

I think that's all from me. Toodle pip.

S&F

NF

P.S. If I'm rambling a little, I do apologise - I've just got in from a meeting and much port was consumed!

What's in a name?

Just a very short one for now.

I've just realised that, as I have chosen the name Newish Freemason, when I sign the bottom of my blogs I am signing as NF.

I wish to make it absolutely clear that I have no links with National Front or any other racist organisations. As any Masonic visitor to this little corner of the interweb will already realise, these people have beliefs and values that are completely un-Masonic.

We believe in Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth as our overarching principles. In essence then Fraternity, Charity and Honesty in our daily lives.

To me that means that race can never be an issue. I am free to dislike someone because of the sort of person that they are but not because of where they were born or what colour their skin happens to be. Equally, if I am honest in all my dealings with others I could not be as duplicitous and hypocritical as most racists turn out to be. As to Charity, surely the needy are needy whoever they might be. The poor will always be with us, therefore there will always be a need for us to help those less fortunate than ourselves. These are some of the reasons related to just one issue that make me proud to be a Freemason. Only my opinion you understand.

So, am I going to change the name of this blog? Am I bollocks. Just thought I'd let you know (if I've got any readers yet...).

NF

Beginnings

Greetings,

This is going to be my humble attempt at a blog about my Masonic life and experiences. I am a youngish and (as the title says) newish Master Freemason.

I am very proud of my membership of the Craft, however, I will not be revealing my identity as I am a serving member of Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

Therefore it behoves me to observe the concept of PERSEC (Google it if you don't already know) and also not to blog about any Defence related issues.

Additionally, the thoughts which I shall relate in the coming days/months (and if people like this years) are entirely my own and I do not speak for anyone else or any organisation.

Anyway, I hope that you enjoy what is coming and I would like to take this opportunity to point you in the direction of my blogging inspiration - that is Middlesex Fire. Unfortunately, he has taken a break from blogging at the moment, but I hope to take over where he left off for a bit.


S&F

NF