Edict Issued by the GM of Texas Freemasonry

[cemab4y]

Here is a directive from the GM of Masons in Texas:

-------- GRAND MASTER'S EDICT, WIDOWS SONS MASONIC MOTORCYCLE RIDERSASSOCIATION --------------------------------------------------------- January 6, 2011 To the Masons of Texas: Grand Master's Edict I have been advised that some Texas Masons presently belong to anorganization operating under the name of "Widows Sons Masonic MotorcycleRiders Association". At the 2007 Grand Annual Communication this organizationwas denied recognition as an organization to which Texas Masons could belong. Texas Masons are not permitted to belong to, or be identified with, theorganization known as "Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Riders Association"unless and until such organization is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Texas,and to do so constitutes a Masonic Disciplinary Violation. This Edict iseffective immediately. Acts contrary to this edict will result in MasonicDisciplinary action against the violator. This edict is issued to enforce the 2007 decision of the Grand Lodge ofTexas concerning the "Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Riders Association". Sincerely and fraternally, T. E. "Gene" Carnes Grand Master of Masons in Texas

[lanoo]

Has this association been connected with any unmasonic activities? Is the ban just because they ride motorcycles?

[maximus]

Feb 14, 2011 12:39:00 GMT 10 lanoo said:

Has this association been connected with any unmasonic activities? Is the ban just because they ride motorcycles?

The beef seems to be that they may stop in a bar to have a drink, wearing their colors which includes a S&C. The prudish Masonic powers-that-be don't want alcohol connected with Masonry, which I'm sure that Aussies find amusing. ;D

[Tamrin]

What a huge turnaround in attitude from the founding of the Premier Grand Lodge, which met in the Goose and Gridiron ale house, London (all its founding lodges once met in such houses). In America too we find early lodges meeting in taverns, as with St. Andrews Lodge, Boston, which met in The Green Dragon Tavern. Creating a distance from associations with the consumption of alcohol (within due bounds) is an unwarranted innovation to the customs and usages of pure and ancient masonry.

The Wowsers have taken control!

[maximus]

Yep. It all started with Prohibition (which was a dismal failure, the unintended consequences of which led to the rise of gangsterism, much as the so-called "War on Drugs" has).

[cemab4y]

There is a "backstory" to this edict. And alcohol consumption by the club's membership, is only a minor issue. The "Widow's sons" motorcycle club, has been operating for some years in Texas. The club has raised many thousands of dollars for Masonic/Appendant charities. There was some administrative slip-up in getting the proper permissions to operate.

The GM of Texas decided to close the club down. When asked "why?", he stated: "Because I can". Now if any Texas Mason decides to ride with the club, and display the club logo (a scantily clad woman, on a stripper pole), he will be subject to Masonic discipline.

[Smithee]

www.widowssons.com/

I can see why some would object to the image. She's not even a member!