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Freemasons once counted Founding Fathers, ex-presidents and titans of industry among their members. But for many, the allure is gone from the once shadowy fraternity, and membership has fallen off.

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Like most organizations, personal agenda driven psycho con men rise to the leadership and alter the original purpose of the groups to serve themselves

Heh, before I transitioned, my grandmother kept trying to get me to join the Freemasons but the local chapter they went to just felt like it was an antique going through the motions more than a thriving social space. I just never felt like it was a space for me. Still don't.

I want to join a liberal only secret society that works to usher in the final end of the historical failure of the ideology of conservatism. And has cool secret gathering locations. And taco bars.

christianna_j Excellent piece. Considering the increase in secularism among Americans, I wonder if the exclusion of atheists & agnostics is contributing to their declining membership.

I just glanced through the article, but it seems to me like most of what the Freemasons offer can be found in most online social media sites.

Worst case of arrested adolescent ever.

Most Americans don't even know why the Freemasons came about or why they are there. HINT: Go back to the stone cutters unions of ancient Babylonia.

Our membership has been growing this decade. Sad about missing lodge during pandemic, yet thank God for Zoom!

They secretly supported the KKK for decades, the racism is so thick in their walls to this day that most of them can't even be honest about why their members are squirming away from their awkward elderly dinner theatre.

If they’re really serious open to women and start talks to integrate with the Black Lodges. If not then continue toward the ash heap of history.

LOL, “needed,” according to whom?

The new generation is less likely to join this type of groups. People now a days got twitter facebook etc serve the same purpose that these memberships provide.

Had just written this and had it in the wings before catching this story.

All sorts of crazy people slamming a charitable organization that would not consider their mean-ass attitudes for anything, let alone membership. Lol. The basement buddies are out and screaming about something they don’t understand, as usual.

Oh yeah...because we definitely 'need' more secret societies recruiting people to whatever ideology secretive old men are promoting.

I suppose you and KK Harris are set to attack the Knights of Columbus again for being a charity that gives all money raised to the needy. That’s the quick way to Communisim, topple all the good things in life and make everyone suffer together.

maybe dont base your whole organization off banning women and having weird religious tones, then you wouldn't be completely falling apart lol

The same reason all groups like them, the Legion, VFW, AMVETS, Moose etc are all declining Americans are too self centered to get involved in organizations that they need help out in order for something to get done

People are more interested in the 'Illuminati' than the Freemasons these days. ☹️

Good! Was a Mason for years. It's of little value anymore since it's been infiltrated by low level intellect.

Ask the Elks, Moose, Eagles, Odd Fellows, Kiwanians, Churches and so on.

That’s because they aren’t a secret anymore. Go to a book store & see all the books about them!!!

🙄 Like we need more of this exclusive men's club around

Oh sure, that is the last thing we need is more bigots getting together. Instead, get educated. Get out of your comfort zone and get to know people who don't look like you or talk like you.

Drop the religious tone & allow women, I would be open to a convo.

catfitz good riddance

My grandfather was a mason, but I'm a queer trans woman, so I doubt they would want me around 😅 I will just join a union or the SRA instead (when I can)

William Morgan's widow was joseph smiths plural wife

Going off the article's content bc I have zero personal knowledge of Masonic operations, as long as someone believes in only the one 'God' & avoids any important conversation issues, then a (probably white) man (but not a woman?) can benefit from nepotism & conservativism? Pass.

I was just thinking today how many small towns in American have old empty buildings with Masonic Temple still etched in stone.

Maybe if interest.

Freemasonry is great. There's no national authority. Each state runs itself with no real coordination with other states. You don't have to believe anything....just believe in God. Many lodges have a meal where they chat then a ritualized meeting ceremony. Good for lonely people.

Actually, Masonic groups have seen a resurgence in members over the past couple of decades. The reasons for the membership declines from the postwar peaks have more to do with the general decline of membership organizations. You might want to read Putnam's 'Bowling Alone'.

Because secret handshakes, ceremonies and alliances are painfully archaic.

NaytDX Perhaps members of the RightWing may still be attracted to a group of grown men playing 'i have a secret!' at this point? Code books, secret hand gestures and symbols every where... perfect lunatic conspiracy fodder. Reality matters much more now. Thank you, but no thank you.

Why would anyone want to avoid being around a bunch of insular assholes by joining a different group of insular assholes? Full disclosure: my father was a Freemason.

This is such a fascinating topic for me, the decline of community organization membership. Churches, Scouts, Freemasons, VFW, the gamut! Did you know that the Grand Army of the Republic was a veterans org of Civil War troops? They held quite massive political sway late 1800s!

npr bullchit

Both my grandpas were masons, I’d totally join if they had women 😂😭

Nope. Still active and thriving. You just don’t understand.

The first time that I met the Masons i was six years old. They were building a house. Kind people. I’ve interacted with them all of my life. However, the ones I’ve met lately at HEB and other places are not kind. They jump to conclusions. Can’t think for themselves.

Yeah, but there is no shortage of rich fucks and Good Old Boys conducting restraint of trade and crony capitalism. Take heart, Masons! Your legacy lives on.

Just another cult. NoQ TermLimits FactsMatter TruthMatters ScienceMatters FreedomFromReligion

Dad was a Mason and Past Master. Never understood the appeal but he loved it. Dad's Masonic funeral is hands down the weirdest event I ever experienced in my almost 7 decades

Maybe because they’ve been practicing Satanism? Between the 30th and 33rddegree it becomes Satanism. The pyramid is falling apart because the hand of God is on their throats.

Mark my words, this will all change now that the desert monolith has suddenly gone missing. (Everyone should have their very own conspiracy theory. This one is mine).

Okay

Super interesting, thanks!

'Needed'

Because they are Godless, and their time is up. Not relevant anymore in a spiritually awakened world.

‘Come connect spiritually and intellectually with not women’ losing its appeal to the modern man eh ? 🌞

K. Us bitches call that misogyny. (Yah. That just may have been my third get-out-of-jail-in terms-of-uncivil-texts over Thanks Giving 'holiday) CC hereandnowrobin, Yamiche Kelly in no way endorse my tweets. Much social distancing.

Maybe because of all the ridiculous hoops you have to jump thru for membership...not to mention their unpopular frequent political leanings. The Sons of Union Veterans of the ACW has seen drop offs for similar reasons...likely bc the latter bends their will to the SCV too much.

G...God....G..Geometry....Stop

I've been seeing 33 for the last 2.5 yrs., a lot...

There's another secretive small group in control now. Some of them where little hats.

Ever since Benjamin Gates found all their hidden treasure, what’s really the point anymore?

Good riddance. Satanic practitioners.

Yo hey folks this is not the time could you not

wow

Daughters membership has fallen as well, especially in urban areas.

anti-Marxismlist! On my opinion, the human society is running on these: 1 technology define theoretical economic aggregate 2 labour define gross economy 3 finance system define distribution of wealth from gross economy

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