Mason's and Mormon's?
mus...@my-deja.com
Christ of Later Day Saints (the Mormons) and I
have been recently looking into the Freemasons.
It sounds like to me that the LDS church and the
Freemasons have a lot in common. Such as
handshakes and sacred ceremonies. I have also
noticed that Freemason's call each
other "Brother", which is very common in the LDS
church. I was wondering if anyone could comment
on this or give the opinion of the Freemasons on
the LDS. I also heard a rumor that Joseph Smith
(the founder of the LDS church) was a mason.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
SSG Russo
of the JHVH Witness religion was as Mason--Charles Russel.
I find it interesting to note the JW's are so vehimently anti-Freemasonry for
having been founded by a known Mason, and have many practices rooted in
Masonic custom.
Bro. Jason C. Russo
Blandford #3
VA District 29
A.F. & A.M.
Jason C. Russo
Blandford #3
A.F.&A.M.
Bill Maddox
review it.
http://www.mindspring.com/~pcgraham/MasonicMoroni-Articles.htm
mus...@my-deja.com wrote:
> I was wondering if anyone could comment
> on this or give the opinion of the Freemasons on
> the LDS.
Freemasonry (the organization) does not have opinions on religions.
Various Freemasons (members of the organization) can have many
differing opinions.
> I also heard a rumor that Joseph Smith
> (the founder of the LDS church) was a mason.
Here is an article I got off the boards:
TO: ALL
FROM: TERRY CHATEAU (RFCD43A)
SUBJECT: DOWN LOADS
This is the Article I promised to post, I presented this to
the Masters and Wardens of the 16th Masonic Distric, Florida
Mormonism and Freemasonry
By Terry Chateau
INTRODUCTION:
Mormonism and Freemasonry are so intimately interwoven and
interrelated that the two can never be dissociated.
Mormonism was born in the throes of the holocaust provoked
by the Anti-Masonic Morgan affair of 1826. What I shall
attempt to cover is the period from the beginning of
Mormonism is the 1820's, with its early Masonic ties, thru
the social and political upheaval, in New York State tied
into the so-called Morgan Affair, the establishment and
Marriage of Freemasonry and Mormonism in Nauvoo Illinois;
the assassination of Joseph Smith by members ofthe Masonic
Fraternity, the subsequent exodus to Utah by Brigham Young,
the rejection of Mormonism by Utah Freemasonry, and finally
the coming of universal Freemasonry toUtah.
The seeker of light on the subject of the interface between
Masonry and Mormonism quickly becomes frustrated. The so
called "literature" pertaining to this subject is generally
biased, prejudiced, unscholarly but most alarming is that
written by individuals without the requisite background of
each of the two organizations.
THE SMITHS CHARACTER & MASONRY:
The Joseph Smith family was known and acknowledged to have
been a close knit one, where strong individual affection and
loyalty existed between each of the members. It was a
Masonic family which lived by and practiced the estimable
and admirable tenets of Freemasonry.
The father, Joseph Smith Sr. was a documented member of the
craft in upstate New York. He was raised to the degree of
Master Mason May 7, 1818 in Ontario Lodge #23 of
Canandaigua, New York.
An older son, Hyrum Smith was a member of Mount Moriah
Lodge #112 at Palmyra New York. Numerous attempts have been
made to prove that Joseph smith and his family where
depraved, degenerate and disreputable persons. These
Documented facts, namely, the Masonic membership of Joseph
Smith Sr. in the Lodge in Canandaigua, and Hyrum's
membership in Palmyra's Lodge, are of the most significant
importance. Being the elite institution it was recognized by
the public to be at that time, and their active membership
in two ofthe Masonic Lodges of the area is convincing
evidence of the stature and high esteem the members of the
family enjoyed in the eyes and opinions of those who knew
them best.
PART 2 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONARY
CHURCH ESTABLISHMENT & THE MORGAN TIE-IN:
As touched on previously, the founding of Mormonism. or The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, took place
under the strikingly peculiar circumstances associated with
the turbulent, tenuous atmosphere then gripping west central
and up-state New York. This community unrest was primarily
due to the vicious anti-Masonic furor which was triggered by
the controversial disappearance of William Morgan.
A booklet attributed to the vanished William Morgan
appeared in Batavia New York in October of 1826 titled
"Illustrations of Masonry" by one of the Fraternity who has
devoted thirty years to the subject.
The Morgan booklet was extensively printed and distributed
causing a torrential flood of publicity related to the
practices and ceremonies of the craft. This booklet of lies,
insinuations and half truths was avidly and devouringly read
by a people eager to believe the worst about anything they
did not understand especially a so called "secret society".
During this time Joseph Smith Jr. Received and recorded a
series of visitations by the Angel Moroni, found and
translated the golden plates into what is now known as the
Book of Mormon. During the third week of March 1830, The
Book of Mormon was offered for sale at Palmyra New York.
Critics of The Book of Mormon quickly attempted to
attribute the mentioning of secret societies in the volume
to the influence of the notorious publicity stemming from
the Morgan affair.
A number of incidents are recounted in the Book of Mormon
concerning secret societies and evil practices indulged in
by this type organization.
Understandably, but mistakenly, the general public
semantically considered Freemasonry to be the epitome of a
secret society and consequently related Mormonism and
Freemasonry at the same wellspring.
The inaccurate writings of numerous prejudiced and
emotional authors helped to further confuse the issue.
Hundreds of pieces of literature began to appear very
quickly with the common theme claiming that the contents of
the recently translated Mormon scripture had been influenced
by the Morgan excitement.
The rise of sentiment for the anti-masonic party and all
the publicity from stage presentations mocking the craft
was further fueled by the public claims that Joseph Smith
Jr.
had used Masonic work to produce the Book of Mormon.
The public lumped them into the same basket and with the
Masonic background of the Smith's, Mormonism and Freemasonry
became so interwoven in the publics mind as to be one and
the same.
PART 3 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONRY
SIDE NOTE ON MORGANS WIFE:
If the death of William Morgan was the fuel that sparked
the great anti-Masonic movement then the actions of his wife
was the breath that fanned the flames.
This celebrated woman who, like Niobe, was all tears and
affliction whose hand was ever held forth to receive
contributions from the sympathetic Anti-Masons, who vowed
eternal widowhood, pains and penance - remarried!!!
On November 23rd, 1830 Lucindia Morgan married George W.
Harris a mason and converted to Mormonism and moved to
Nauvoo !!!
NAUVOO AND MASONRY:
Much of the historical account dealing with the
introduction of Freemasonry among the Mormons in Illinois
and Iowa was and has been intentionally omitted and or
distorted by both the Masons and the Mormons. Let us start
with the marriage of Mormonism and Freemasonry.
On April 6th 1840 the present Grand Lodge of Illinois was
formed by the Mormon Patriach-Judge and General James Adams.
An interesting side note is that the Mormon Church was
founded on April 6th 1830, The Nauvoo Temple was dedicated
on April 6th and the Mormon Church teaches that the birth of
Christ actually was April 6th (thought they celebrate it on
December 25th)
The early years of the Grand Lodge were fraught with great
difficulty and not all Lodges within the state joined it
until the middle of the 1840's. Under the Grand Mastership
of a complex and colorful individual, named Abraham Jonas
and a Deputy Grand Master equally "remarkable" named James
Adams, the new Grand Lodge engaged in some unusual
transactions with the Mormons of Nauvoo. The motives and
thinking of the men concerned in these unusual transactions
have been a standing puzzle to Masonic scholars throughout
the years. It is certainly one of the mostdevious and
controversial performances in which American Freemasonry has
ever engaged.
It is my personal, considered opinion that it took an
inordinate amount of persuasion on the part of the two
self-serving opportunistic partisan politicians, Deputy
Grand Master Adams and Grand Master Jonas, to induce Joseph
Smith to sanction the introduction of Freemasonry in Nauvoo.
They planned on treating it as an elitist group open only to
the selected few but Joseph Smith insisted that it be open
to every holder of the Mormon Priesthood, who had the
interest to petition for admittance into Masonry. The sole
exception would be the petitioner who had exceptionally
negative qualities, known and acknowledged as such. In other
words Joseph Smith insisted that Nauvoo Lodge be an
all-inclusive lodge.
PART 4 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONARY
Nauvoo had three lodges and Iowa had two; the five
collectively being identified as the "Mormon Lodges". Nauvoo
compiled a total membership of 1550 Masons. A conservative
estimate of the membership of the other four lodges suggests
that the total of the five lodges may have exceed 2,000
Masons.
The minutes of Nauvoo Lodge for Tuesday March 15, 1842
Shows Grand Master Abraham Jonas (Illinois Grand Master)
opened the Lodge in the 3rd degree of Masonry" and conducted
a public installation of Nauvoo Lodge "at the grove near the
Temple" the minutes then go on to show that Both Joseph
Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon "were duly initiated Entered
Apprentice Masons" during the day. The record for Wednesday,
March 16 ceremonies again lists the two candidates and shows
that they were made fellowcraft and Masons at sight.
The first five Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith,
Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo
Snow were all made Masons in Nauvoo Lodge. Also practically
every member of the Hiearchy was or became a Mason shortly
after the Prophet was raised to the sublime degree of
Master Mason.
With the marked and well known exception of the justly
famous Lodge of Nine Sisters at Paris, France, with its
almost incredible roster of French immortals, it is
extremely doubtful if any Lodge in the history of
Freemasonry has met, let alone exceeded, the record of
Nauvoo Lodge in the number of members whose memory is
perpetuated in ageless bronze or masterful portraiture.
After Freemasonry was introduced to Nauvoo the Lodge met in
the upper room of Joseph Smith's general store while the new
Masonic hall was being built. This was dedicated by Hyrum
Smith April 5th 1844 and used by the church and community
for many community activities.
It is worth noting that in the restoration of Nauvoo the
Mormon Church has restored the building and calls it "The
Cultural Hall-Masonic Hall".
An interesting side note on the influence that Masonry had
in the life of the Mormons is the fact that the weather vane
placed on the Nauvoo temple depicted and angel in his
priestly robes with the Book of Mormon in one hand and a
trumpet in the other. The angel is wearing a cap on his head
and above him are a square and compass.
THE DEATH OF THE SMITHS:
Religious antagonism and physical conflict increased and
finally came to a head with the bloody murders of Joseph and
his brother Hyrum when they were shot to death June 27th
1844.
Joseph Smith was a Mason in good standing of Nauvoo Lodge
while Hyrum was the incumbent Worshipful Master of the
Lodge.
PART 5 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONARY
On the morning of June 27, 1844 the citizens of Warsaw held
a meeting and adopted a resolution to proceed to Nauvoo and
exterminate the city and its people!
In pursuance to the resolution Col. Levi Williams called
together his regiment of militia and marched for Carthage
where the Smiths had surrendered themselves upon the pledge
of the governor for their safety..
They were met on the road with an order from the Governor
disbanding the regiment.
Colonel Williams read the order and called for volunteers.
Capt. Mark Aldrich spoke in favor and Capt. Thomas C. Sharp
advised the troops to march to Carthage.
Capt. Jacob C. Davis who was then State Senator refrained
from speaking but went with the mob and was present at the
assination.
About 150 of the rank and file blacked their faces with mud
and gunpowder.
Arrangements were made for the guards at the jail to charge
their guns with blanks which they would fire at the
disguised men when they assailed the jail.
This plan was carried out and the Smiths and their
visitors, John Taylor and Willard Richards threw themselves
against the door to prevent the mob from entering.
Shots were fired thru the door Killing Hyrum instantly
and wounding Taylor.
Joseph Smith fired his pistol, which had been smuggled to
him, wounding four of his assassins. Having exhausted his
weapon, and the mob still trying to break down the door, he
attempted to escape by jumping from the window but was
stunned by the two story fall when he hit the ground.
Someone picked him up and placed him against a well curb.
Joseph recognizing Masons in the mob cried out "Oh Lord, My
God---" with his words being cut of by a volley of musket
balls.
In order to show their approval of the murders Warsaw
Lodge, at their next meeting, elected Mark Aldrich as
Worshipful Master and received the petitions of Levi
Williams, Thomas C. Sharp and Jacob Davis. All who were
under indictment of the murder.
Warsaw Lodge eventually lost its charter but no because of
its support for the murders.
EXODUS TO THE WEST:
When the first Mormon pioneer company entered the Salt Lake
Valley on July 24th, 1847, under Brigham Youngs leadership,
a significant body of Masons entered with him. As of that
date the full Mormon Hierarchy was comprised of Masons.
PART 6 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONARY
A review of the 143 men entering the valley at this time
shows how wide spread Masonry had become among the Mormons.
Three of the group were black slaves, 16 were young men not
yet of age which leaves 124 who might possibly have been of
the Craft. Of these there were 10 whose age was not known,
who with 38 others are not known to have been masons. This
means that 76 of the possible 124 left or 61% were
documented members of the Craft.
Brigham Young Knowing both Mormonism and Freemasonry in
depth fully realized that nothing constructive or positive
could result from a series of continuing exchanges over the
years judiciously instituted the inflexible policy that the
Mormon Church had nothing to say publicly regarding
Freemasonry.
This position has been steadfastly and discretely adhered
to for almost a century and a half, with very few
exceptions. There is ample evidence that Brigham Young took
his Masonry seriously and gave studious attention to its
meaning and significance. This is evidenced in the many
photos and paintings showing Brigham Young wearing his
Masonic pins. It should be acknowledged that the vast
majority of the Mormon Masons took their Masonic Obligations
most seriously and deeply to heart.
Great numbers were devoted and dedicated Masons who truly
loved the Order. Freemasonry among Mormons was not merely a
fraternity nor a shallow and trivial fraternal experience;
it was what it really is - a genuine brotherhood. Their
lodge meetings were serious convocations entirely devoid of
jovial lightheartedness and the strenuous, physical
horseplay which characterized most frontier lodges. Their
time and attention were fully occupied with the heavy
demands of degree work.
The Mormons knew who the principals were in the killing of
Hyrum and Joseph. They were also well informed as to who the
individual Masons were who participated in the murders.
Significantly, the Mormons also knew and realized the vital
distinction between individual Masons acting solely on their
own initiative and the fact that the Masonic Order has in no
sense participated as an organization.
Brigham Young was especially cognizant of the fact that
every organization has regrettable examples of members who
are unable to measure up to the tenets and admonitions of
the association.
The above factors are but some of the numerous reasons
which prompted Brigham young to declare a ban of silence on
the Mormon experience with Freemasonry
SYMBLOISM COMMON TO BOTH MORMONS AND MASONS AND WHY.
In this day when men seek the roots of Masonry and frown
on the old theory of it having it's start in King Solomons
Temple they might find it strange that one of the worlds
major religions that was once scorned by some Masons is a
PART 7 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONRY
major supporter of this Idea.
The rituals and symbolism of the Mormon church are
claimed, by revelation, to come from the rituals of King
Solomons temple and indeed a study of the Holy Scriptures
brings many of these symbols to light and give support for
the beginnings of our Craft.
The Beehive is an emblem of Industry and recommends the
practice of that virtue.
Joseph Smith adopted the Beehive as the church and
community symbol and Brigham Young added it to his personal
seal.
In Utah Brigham Young erected a large home surmounted by a
guilded beehive. This came to be known as the Beehive house,
also being the home of, at one time, 13 of his wives
I guess it might even have resembled one.
Several of the Temples display the beehive prominently on
both their interiors and exteriors.
It is the sole heraldic device on the shield of the State
Seal and Flag as well as the Seals of the University of Utah
and Brigham Young University. Three beehives are the sole
adornments of the tabernacle podium and the immense beehive
atop the Old Hotel Utah overlooks the valley. The word
beehive and Desert are used in the area business's so
extensively that the native-born scarcely notes them. Even
the sidewalks are adorned with a tile pattern of the honey
comb.
On the Temple itself you will see inscribed several
symbolic items, along with the beehive you will find the
Sun, Moon, Stars (Shaped like the O.E.S. star), The all
seeing eye and the clasped Hands. Across the street on the
Relief Society building is prominently display a sheaf of
Wheat.
This close resemblance to our craft was used by Utah
Freemasonry for years as one of the reasons to bar Mormons
for becoming Masons.
UNIVERSAL MASONRY VERSUS UTAH MASONRY:
Freemasonry supposedly came to Utah on January 16, 1872
when the Grand Lodge of Utah was organized.
This was an openly proclaimed and vigorously active
anti-mormon organization.
It is not necessary to go into detail but simply state that
shortly thereafter this uncivil, un-masonic organization
issued the untrue and dishonest assertion that the Mormon
Temple Ceremony had been "taken" "borrowed" or "stolen" from
the Masonic Lodge.
Such alleged claims were published by the grand Lodge and
kept alive in every manner possible until January 31, 1984
on that date the Grand Lodge of Utah repealed its long
standing anti-mormon resolution.
PART 8 - MORMONISM & FREEMASONARY
As originally formulated, the false claim was made that the
Mormon Temple Ceremony was so Masonic in structure that the
Mormon Church was actually practising clandestine Masonry.
It is essentially on this alleged charge of being
clandestine that the Grand Lodge of Utah publicly assumed
and announced it's anti-Mormon stance.
This repealing action tacitly invalidated and repudiated
the claim that the Grand Lodge had fostered for decades and
at long last Utah Masonry came into line with the true
spirit and meaning of Universal Masonry and joined truly the
international order of Freemasonry as a related jurisdiction
wherein true Masonry was finally acknowledged and practised.
Freemasonry and Mormonism; the former and ancient
proponent of Brotherhood; the latter offering the potential
of Christian Brotherhood. To an Idealist like me you would
believe that each organization would reach to the other in a
joint endeavor to be the guidepost of mankind.
By its action of January 31, 1984, the Grand Lodge of
Utah with the support of universal Freemasonry stretched
forth the hand of fellowship to end the long standing
contention it had imposed and started a new era of light in
Utah.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Brothers I am sorry that this has not been laid out to take
full advantage of the *P* pages but I have never tried
uploading a file like this before and I am just getting used
to the prodigy utility package.
The above represents about 5 years of research on my part
and with much help from Brother Merv Hogan and Brother Olds
both of whom Masonary owes much to for their love, care,
concern and dedication to the craft
Peace
Terry
--
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I am now using SpamCop to filter my e-mail. Let me know of any
problems.
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G. A. Cook
Forum, Brs. Thomas and Swick's articles as indicated, and the August 1996
Philalethes Magazine..
I do not think the appelation of brother is indicative of similarities.
Baptists also address one another by brother.
Usually the similarities considered are in Masonic ritual and the LDS Temple
Endowment, though these are much less given the changes which have occurred in
the Endowment.
Yes, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Heber Kimball and others were Masons.
As to opinions of Freemason regarding LDS, the only problem I've ever seen was
here in Utah, and that has largely passed. An LDS brother currently serves as
master of his lodge, Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection (AASR), sits
on an Imperial Shrine Committee, and is Chief Rabban of El Kalah Shrine Masons.
Another LDS brother was just elected JW in that lodge, and another will be
appointed Jr. Steward.
The past LCDR of Scottish Rite (SJ) is also LDS.
Glen Cook
Coo...@aol.com
KLSNOW2
on Sight". Several others of the church leadership joined Masonry. It was
right after that that the Mormon Temple ceremonies were incorporated in Church
practices. The Mormon Temple ceremonies are very similar (in some cases
identical) to the ceremonies of Freemasons. The LDS Temple in Nauvoo even had a
Square and Compass on it, (BTW, that Temple is in the process of being rebuilt)
If you had been through the endowment ceremonies when you were a church member
and in the future you go through Lodge, you will be amazed at the similarities.
Another example, public one at that, is to watch a building cornerstone laying
by the Freemasons (always a public event) and then watch a Mormon building
cornerstone laying ceromony, they are very very similar. In my opinion, too
similar, to say that Joseph Smith wasn't influenced by the work of Freemasons.
The official LDS Church line is that Joseph Smith restored the solemn
ceremonies of Freemasonry to their fullness. Whatever that means.
BTW, I am NOT anti-mormon. I know for a fact that the LDS church does not
prohibit its members from becoming Freemasons, my curiosity lead to some
research.
Regards, KLS
Rick Irving
The Mormon's are not unique.. I wonder how many churches
find their origin in people who were of, or became,
Free Mason's.
It would be interesting to list the supposed connections..
Anyone who can add to this list, post it back in with the additions,
or subtractions... :)
We have:
LDS
Apostolic
JW
WICCA
Rosicrucians (This may be a chicken or egg thing, here )
Martinists
And, some people would even claim the origin's of Christianity
can
be found among the Mason's..
The Gospel of St. Thomas, partially heretic, certainly links
JC with Masonry, via Joseph.
Ed King
<snip>
> I was wondering if anyone could comment
> on this or give the opinion of the Freemasons on
http://www.masonicinfo.com/mormons.htm
Regards,
Ed King
http://www.masonicinfo.com -- Anti-Masonry: Points of View
Internet newsgroup posting. Copyright 2000. All rights reserved.
Jack Hickey
>I used to be a member of the Church of Jesus
>Christ of Later Day Saints (the Mormons) and I
>have been recently looking into the Freemasons.
I *also* used to be a Mormon, and I have been a Master Mason for
(almost) four years. Best wishes to you.
>It sounds like to me that the LDS church and the
>Freemasons have a lot in common.
There are similarities on the surface, certainly.
>Such as handshakes and sacred ceremonies.
I don't think of the Masonic ritual as "sacred" in the same sense as
the Endowment.
> I was wondering if anyone could comment
>on this or give the opinion of the Freemasons on
>the LDS.
Freemasonry, as an organization, HAS no opinion on the LDS Church.
As an individual Mason, and a former Mormon, my opinion is that
they're really nice people.
>I also heard a rumor that Joseph Smith
>(the founder of the LDS church) was a mason.
He was, as was Brigham Young and several of the other original
Apostles.
Jack Hickey, MM
Senior Warden
Chairman, Masonic Awareness Committee
Isaiah Thomas Lodge (No number)
Eureka Royal Arch Chapter
Hiram Council, R&SM
SK,Worcester County Commandery No. 5
Worcester MA
www.masslodges.org
Ed King
> I am not certain concerning Masonry and the LDS, but I do know that the founder
> of the JHVH Witness religion was as Mason--Charles Russel.
I would certainly appreciate your PROOF of this knowledge you have.
If you can refute anything I've written about Russell at
http://www.masonicinfo.com/famousnon.htm , I'll be happy to give you credit for
it and correct my error immediately.
> I find it interesting to note the JW's are so vehimently anti-Freemasonry for
> having been founded by a known Mason, and have many practices rooted in
> Masonic custom.
I'm afraid, Bro. Russo, that on this - as some other matters you've been
vehemently arguing about here - that your ASSUMPTIONS are based on your personal
beliefs only, bereft of fact.
This is not to say that Jehovah's Witnesses are not anti-Masonic. They are - but
they are also anti-all other organizations as well. I don't believe they single
out Freemasonry any more than a bunch of other groups they're against, believing
that all their efforts must be devoted towards the church and that any
organization which exists outside of it shouldn't be tolerated.
Fraternally,
Charles CHASSON
SSG Russo <ssgr...@aol.comnojunk> a écrit dans le message :
20001114082548...@ng-cp1.aol.com...
> I am not certain concerning Masonry and the LDS, but I do know that the founder
> of the JHVH Witness religion was as Mason--Charles Russel.
And I do know that charles Russell was not a mason. This
a stupid affirmation of Springmeier. Russell has says in a
Wt of 1895, that his followers must not be mason.
>
> I find it interesting to note the JW's are so vehimently anti-Freemasonry for
> having been founded by a known Mason, and have many practices rooted in
> Masonic custom.
The problem is that since the beginning, Russell was not agree for a
christian to be a mason
Bye
Charles
G. A. Cook
>ceremonies of Freemasonry to their fullness.
Do you have a citation for this?
Glen Cook
Coo...@aol.com
SSG Russo
My father converted to JW when I was young, and was forced to attend their
meetings and slide presentations--many of which contained the history of the
founder Charles Russel.
The Royal Arch symbol does adorn his tombstone as you have so noted. However,
some things of note compel me to believe he was indeed a Mason.
Some of the practices of JW's would conform to a misguided attempt to apply
Masonic principles as a Religion which would be introduced by their founder,
Charles Russel. Though his teachings and religious beliefs split between the
JW's and Russelites--the organization changed and evolved to what it is today.
Calling each other Brother. Resolving issues within their congregations so as
not to bring civil discredit upon their religion. The fraternal nature of the
religion--to the extreme excess of excluding all other family and relations.
The relief practices of distressed fellow JW's.
The JW's anti-Masonry genre' is not a Russelite teaching, but rather the
cultish aspect later introduced of barring everything not controlled by their
society.
So...no, the JW's do not admit that Charles Russel was indeed a Mason. His
tombstone does have the symbol of Royal Arch Masons, and some interesting
masonic practices have been distorted in a religious sense within the JW cult.
From what I have seen, experienced, and escaped from leads me to believe that
he indeed was a Mason--though I doubt he was active in any Lodge after the
founding of his religion.
JASON C. RUSSO
JD 01 Blandford #3
VA District 29
A.F. & A.M.
Jason C. Russo
Blandford #3
A.F.&A.M.
Ed King
> Greetings,
>
> My father converted to JW when I was young, and was forced to attend their
> meetings and slide presentations--many of which contained the history of the
> founder Charles Russel.
OK.
> The Royal Arch symbol does adorn his tombstone as you have so noted. However,
> some things of note compel me to believe he was indeed a Mason.
Well, there are a LOT of things that people do which might lead others to
believe that they're Masons. Just the fact that someone behaves in a 'Masonic
way', however, doesn't mean they've petitioned and been regularly initiated.
> Some of the practices of JW's would conform to a misguided attempt to apply
> Masonic principles as a Religion which would be introduced by their founder,
> Charles Russel. Though his teachings and religious beliefs split between the
> JW's and Russelites--the organization changed and evolved to what it is today.
Again, without the name of a lodge or some definite PROOF, this is nothing but
speculation and certainly should not be passed off as fact - as you did in your
initial message on this subject.
> Calling each other Brother. Resolving issues within their congregations so as
> not to bring civil discredit upon their religion. The fraternal nature of the
> religion--to the extreme excess of excluding all other family and relations.
> The relief practices of distressed fellow JW's.
And there are many things which could be pointed to which would indicate just
the opposite. The way he treated his own family, for example. Speculation really
isn't becoming in this area.
> The JW's anti-Masonry genre' is not a Russelite teaching, but rather the
> cultish aspect later introduced of barring everything not controlled by their
> society.
On the other hand, Russell himself spoke about/against Freemasonry. Have you
read my web page as suggested?
> So...no, the JW's do not admit that Charles Russel was indeed a Mason. His
> tombstone does have the symbol of Royal Arch Masons, and some interesting
> masonic practices have been distorted in a religious sense within the JW cult.
His tombstone does NOT "have the symbol" of Royal Arch Masons. His tombstone is
in an odd, approximate keystone shape but there's NOTHING on it to indicate any
Masonic connection. For a comparison of a tombstone which has BOTH a symbol of
Royal Arch Masons AND is in the shape of a keystone, see
http://www.masonicinfo.com/gravestones.htm
> From what I have seen, experienced, and escaped from leads me to believe that
> he indeed was a Mason--though I doubt he was active in any Lodge after the
> founding of his religion.
Jason, you're certainly free to believe that the moon is made of green cheese if
you want. However, stating that someone is a Mason when you have no proof
whatsoever is one of the things that has gotten the organization so many
detractors over the centuries. The charge that "you're trying to grab glory you
don't deserve" is EASILY leveled when someone such as yourself makes
unsubstantiated claims and there's no one around to provide corrections.
Heck, next you'll be telling us about Jefferson being a Mason or something....
Come on, Jason: there's no reason to make up stories about Masons or Masonry. Do
some research and get yourself educated on the organization before making wild
statements (PARTICULARLY in such inflammatory areas as this one!!!).
Ted Morgen
looking for a system of worship, you will not find what
you are looking for in Freemasonry. Individual Masons
are "Free" to worship anyway they wish. In the same,
if you take 10 members of Freemasonry you could find
10 separate opinions about the LDS church or, perhaps
none at all.
Yes, Joseph Smith was a Freemason, as are many
members of the LDS church. Hope this answers your
questions.
Ted Morgenthaler, KYCH, Central City Colorado
<mus...@my-deja.com> wrote in message news:8ur263$kke$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> I used to be a member of the Church of Jesus
> Christ of Later Day Saints (the Mormons) and I
> have been recently looking into the Freemasons.
> It sounds like to me that the LDS church and the
> Freemasons have a lot in common. Such as
> handshakes and sacred ceremonies. I have also
> noticed that Freemason's call each
> other "Brother", which is very common in the LDS
> church. I was wondering if anyone could comment
> on this or give the opinion of the Freemasons on
> the LDS. I also heard a rumor that Joseph Smith
> (the founder of the LDS church) was a mason.
>
>
Ted Morgen
The founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Charles Taze Russell was not a
Mason.
This has been brought up before and there no evidence he was ever a member.
He did in fact insist that Jehovah's Witnesses not take part in any other
activity including Freemasonry. The group was founded in 1872 in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and were originally known by the name of
Russellites. The current legal governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses is the
WatchTower Bible & Tract Society, now located in Brooklyn N.Y. Careful if
you contact them though, you may be in for a long session.
I studied with one of their elders for 7 months before he gave up on me.
During that time, I found no vehemence toward Freemasonry or Freemasons.
They do prefer that their congregation spend their time with their families
and their Kingdom Halls.
Regards,
S&F,
Ted Morgenthaler, KYCH, Central City Colorado
>
"SSG Russo" <ssgr...@aol.comnojunk> wrote in message
news:20001114082548...@ng-cp1.aol.com...
> I am not certain concerning Masonry and the LDS, but I do know that the
founder
> of the JHVH Witness religion was as Mason--Charles Russel.
>
> I find it interesting to note the JW's are so vehimently anti-Freemasonry
for
> having been founded by a known Mason, and have many practices rooted in
> Masonic custom.
>
> Bro. Jason C. Russo
> Blandford #3
> VA District 29
> A.F. & A.M.
>
> >I used to be a member of the Church of Jesus
> >Christ of Later Day Saints (the Mormons) and I
> >have been recently looking into the Freemasons.
> >It sounds like to me that the LDS church and the
> >Freemasons have a lot in common. Such as
> >handshakes and sacred ceremonies. I have also
> >noticed that Freemason's call each
> >other "Brother", which is very common in the LDS
> >church. I was wondering if anyone could comment
> >on this or give the opinion of the Freemasons on
> >the LDS. I also heard a rumor that Joseph Smith
> >(the founder of the LDS church) was a mason.
> >
> >
> >Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> >Before you buy.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
resl...@earthlink.net
ssgr...@aol.comnojunk (SSG Russo) wrote:
> I am not certain concerning Masonry and the LDS, but I do know that
the founder
> of the JHVH Witness religion was as Mason--Charles Russel.
Charles Taze Russell was not Mason, nor was he the founder of
the "Jehovah's Witnesses". He knew nothing of such an organization, and
preached against such an organization until the day he died.
Russell did help organize many groups of Bible Students all over the
world; and he was instrumental in the formation of the Watch Tower
Bible & Tract Society. The organization of Jehovah's Witnesses was
formed after Russell's death.
Ronald Day
Restoration Light
http://reslight.addr.com/l-russell.html
http://reslight.addr.com/l-jws.html
resl...@earthlink.net
ssgr...@aol.comnojunk (SSG Russo) wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> My father converted to JW when I was young, and was forced to attend
their
> meetings and slide presentations--many of which contained the history
of the
> founder Charles Russel.
>
> The Royal Arch symbol does adorn his tombstone as you have so noted.
The only symbol that adorns his tombstone are some wheat symbols and
some ornaments on each side of his picture. Are these a Royal Arch
Symbol?
http://www.freeminds.org/history/pyr_1.jpg
> However,
> some things of note compel me to believe he was indeed a Mason.
>
> Some of the practices of JW's would conform to a misguided attempt to
apply
> Masonic principles as a Religion which would be introduced by their
founder,
> Charles Russel. Though his teachings and religious beliefs split
between the
> JW's and Russelites--the organization changed and evolved to what it
is today.
>
> Calling each other Brother.
Almost all Christian groups call each other "brother". This is silly.
> Resolving issues within their congregations so as
> not to bring civil discredit upon their religion.
I am not sure what this is about; I don't know that Russell ever said
such. The Bible does say that problems between members in the ecclesia
should be settled within ecclesia itself rather to be brought to civil
courts. (1 Corinthians 6:1-7) Perhaps Paul was also a member of the
Freemasons?
> The fraternal nature of the
> religion--to the extreme excess of excluding all other family and
relations.
This attribute should be attributed to Rutherford, who formed
the "Jehovah's Witnesses" organization after Russell's death. Russell
never claimed to be a founder of any religion at all.
http://www.nsbible.org/pastor_not_founder.htm
Ronald Day
Restoration Light
http://reslight.addr.com
David E. Eaton, Sr.
<snippage>
> I was wondering if anyone could comment on this or give the opinion of the
> Freemasons on the LDS.
A distinction, if you don't mind. Freemasonry has no opinion one way or
another on either LDS or any other Religion. The opinions you get are
solely those of individual people who happen to be Masons.
With that said, let me further say that the members of the Mormon church are
like members of any other Religion. You have "the Good, the Bad and the
Ugly" as you do in all Religions. While I can't comment on any Mormons that
may fall under either "the Bad" or "the Ugly" headings (because I haven't
meet any as yet), I can say that some of my best friends are Mormons. They
have a strong sense of God and Family. Some of them are Masons as well.
> I also heard a rumor that Joseph Smith (the founder of the LDS church)
> was a mason.
I believe I have read somewhere that he was a Mason.
--
Regards,
David E. Eaton, Sr., MM
Burlington Lodge #32, F&AM
Grand Lodge of New Jersey
j ruble
IMHBCO, it takes a lot more "work" to be a good Morman than it does to be a
good "Baptist", and I am a Southern Baptist.
I don't agree with them on a lot of points, but, I respect their beliefs (as
I do all other sincere beliefs).
SCOTTY
"David E. Eaton, Sr." <jme...@starpower.net> wrote in message
news:8v6bah$162$1...@bob.news.rcn.net...
Theo Paijmans
written by another, a deacon who meant it to be fiction.
Smith was also murdered by the Masons, if we are to believe Michael Anthony
Hoffman.
Ed King
> Like hell Smith was a Mason before he stole the book of Mormon... yes, as it was
> written by another, a deacon who meant it to be fiction.
Uh-huh. And since the Book of Mormon was made public in 1830 and Smith became a
Mason in 1842, I presume that you think 1842 came before 1830??? Gee whiz: we had
another poster here not too long ago who thought that D-Day occurred a month or
two because it did. You aren't any relation to him, are you?
> Smith was also murdered by the Masons, if we are to believe Michael Anthony
> Hoffman.
Oh, now *there's* a credible source if I ever saw one!!! WOW! You've really got
your 'facts' down pat, haven't you? <ROFL>
Charles CHASSON
<resl...@earthlink.net> a écrit dans le message : 8v3kf1$lr5$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> In article <20001114082548...@ng-cp1.aol.com>,
A link in french, for Russell:
http://www.chez.com/tjrecherches/fm1.htm
Bye
Charles
Paul C. Graham
This was a fairly common belief of the early church leadership(Late
Nauvoo and early Utah period), but is certainly not believed today.
For some early views, follow this URL:
http://www.mindspring.com/~pcgraham/MasonicMoroni-Quotes.htm
Heber C. Kimball's remarks are the best example of this view.
Paul C. Graham
MM, 32*, RAM, R&SM, KT, &c.
Joe Steve Swick III
___Theo Paijmans___
Like hell Smith was a Mason before he stole the book of Mormon...
That is incorrect. Joseph Smith was raised to the sublime degree in 1842,
and the Book of Mormon was published in 1830. However, it is true that
Joseph Smith's brother Hyrum was raised in 1826, towards the beginning of
the Morgan Affair.
___Theo Paijmans___
yes, [the Book of Mormon] was written by another, a deacon who meant it to
be fiction.
-----
As one who has read "deacon" Solomon Spaulding's manuscript, I am confident
that it is NOT the Book of Mormon. Those who believe in a naturalistic
explanation of the Book of Mormon, and believe in a single source for its
origin, will have to look elsewhere.
I don't mind intelligent scholarly criticism of the text, but what you have
presented here is little more than wishful thinking about the origin of the
Book of Mormon.
___Theo Paijmans___
Smith was also murdered by the Masons, if we are to believe Michael Anthony
Hoffman.
-----
While there were Masons in the mob that murdered Joseph Smith, it is
exaggeration to say that "Smith was murdered by the Masons."
Kindest,
Joe Steve Swick III
Mormon and Freemason
MasonTruth
>From: ssgr...@aol.comnojunk (SSG Russo)
>Date: 11/15/00 7:57 PM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <20001115225746...@ng-ck1.aol.com>
Dear Brother Russo,
I agree with you 110%. My wife's family are J.W's and while I am not throwing
stones at them they refuse to admit he was a Mason. Hs tomb does have the
symbol you describe on it and much of what they do could be taken from our
books...
S & F,
MasonTruth
Bro. Manny Blanco (J.W.)
Moreno Valley Lodge # 804
Moreno Valley, CA
"Behold how good and pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity."