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A Mormon Mason: New grand master is the first in a century who is LDS
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FratKirk | 10:59 p.m. March 30, 2008
Fredd, I appreciate your curiosity. Read more from both sides of the fence, and
I think you'll be surprised at what you'll learn. Going at something
with a set point of view keeps a person from learning. I like what Brigham
Young said when he stated that truth is truth, no matter the source. Lovers of
truth are open to ideas and realize that they don't know it all -- nobody
does. Incidentally, Wikipedia states, "Freemasonry is a fraternal
organization that arose from obscure origins (theorised to be anywhere from the
time of the building of King Solomon's Temple to the mid-1600s)." I
don't think anybody knows when it originated due to a lack of records.
Maybe the truth was burned when the great library at Alexandria was destroyed.
Knights Templar now and then | 11:14 p.m. March 30, 2008
A few of the comments related to Knights Templar are extremely in-accurate.
Today there exists an organization among the Masons of "The Knights
Templar". That current organization is NOT the same as the Templar Knights
of 800 years ago. Some comments of every Mormon Mason should be a Knights
Templar have to do with the Christian nature of that current organization.
The earlier Templar Knights formed with the influence of St. Bernhard were one of the most powerful and influential organizations the world has ever known. Throw out some of the nonsense spouted by recent movies like Dan Brown's. He greedily destorts the truth and promotes things he knows are not true to gain money.
That organization had a poweful influcence in shaping this world and freedom as we know it. From the freedom of Scottland, England and France to the later foundation and freedom of the US. They did not disappear on Friday the 13th of October 1307 as some suppose. They absolutely did evolve into the Masonic order as well as melding into other knightly organizations. The Masons do a great deal of good in the world in our day. Previously it was much greater.
The earlier Templar Knights formed with the influence of St. Bernhard were one of the most powerful and influential organizations the world has ever known. Throw out some of the nonsense spouted by recent movies like Dan Brown's. He greedily destorts the truth and promotes things he knows are not true to gain money.
That organization had a poweful influcence in shaping this world and freedom as we know it. From the freedom of Scottland, England and France to the later foundation and freedom of the US. They did not disappear on Friday the 13th of October 1307 as some suppose. They absolutely did evolve into the Masonic order as well as melding into other knightly organizations. The Masons do a great deal of good in the world in our day. Previously it was much greater.
Comments continue below
Honor | 11:10 p.m. March 30, 2008
Many who post here are those who have made promises they have broken. They try
to rationalize the fact they have not been honorable and have broken the
promises they have made even to themselves. In an effort to feel better about
themselves they seek to make those (Mormons, Masons etc) who are doing good
works among their fellow beings appear to be dishonorable like unto themselves.
Where are their good works? Where is the Honor in what they are doing? It is
said contention is of the devil. It appears these people have chosen to contend
with others. For what reasons. To destroy the good works of others? Great
article!
Eric | 12:15 a.m. March 31, 2008
It seems to me that if the Masons date back to the builders of the temple of
Solomon, some similarities in rituals would be expected....
Anonymous | 1:17 a.m. March 31, 2008
Most Worshipful Brother Cook: I for one welcome your installation as Grand
Master of Masons in Utah and hope that your knowledgeable leadership will
prevent the repetition of times when a Mason could not even attend the funeral
of his own brother, because he was a Mason. Your LDS rules are very harsh. I
would hope that your understanding, guidance, and enlightenment can strengthen
the bonds of friendship and brotherly love upon which this fraternity truly
supports and depends. Fraternally, Michael F. Lintner, PGM, NV
Texas Pat | 7:26 a.m. March 31, 2008
Like the inspired virsion of the bible, The Prophet took what he had been given
and made it better.
Congrats to Br. Cook. Props to DesNews.
Congrats to Br. Cook. Props to DesNews.
Convert | 8:45 a.m. March 31, 2008
I am an adult convert to both of these organizations. I think it also needs to
be mentioned here that part of the reason for joining any organization is for
that sense of belonging. I served in the military and have that same bond with
my masonic brothers. I also have a bond with my quorum members, but it is
different. In truth, when I have been asked I respond that a masonic lodge
meeting is what a proper and good quorum meeting should be. I have read and
agree with the admonition of Paul, if it is good it is of God. Who cares if
they are similar or not.
Iain England | 9:12 a.m. March 31, 2008
Much as I admire civil service in the community I cannot see that this secret
society that puts looking after your own above that of the commmunity is
anything other than a secret society that despite efforts of honest men is open
to abuse of that secrecy by less than the best of members . Securing business
deals based on signs that allow only access to allegience to fraternally
companions not truth.
Kjaerbye | 9:09 a.m. March 31, 2008
As a Mormon Youth I joined Demolay - and a large number of Military men Navy and
Marines were Masons, so I was asked to become one. I was not active in the LDS
church after age 18, however later on as I went through the LDS Temple; I
noticed a lot of similar things. Symbolism does date back to the Temple in
Israel before it was destroyed around 70 A.D. I can say that both Temples Mason
and LDS do not Display the Hebrew Menorah. In the Hebrew Temple the Menorah was
displayed lit before one entered the Hollies of Hollies. If you look at the One
Dollar bill, you can see the Masonic symbol of the �Seeing
Eye� and the Temple, which was added and the Great SEAL in
the 1940�s. Some of our First Presidents of the United
States were Masons.
Hawaii Native | 9:26 a.m. March 31, 2008
Having grown up attending the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and being
a Grand Officer in Hawaii, when I moved to Utah I was sad to find that there
were no Rainbow Assemblies here. My Eastern Star sponsor encouraged me to join
Job's Daughters so I could continue in the Masonic service, however I was
black balled because I was LDS. Interesting because I was introduced to the LDS
church by a member of my Rainbow Assembly in Hawaii.
Glad to know the strife between Masons and LDS is leavingt.
Glad to know the strife between Masons and LDS is leavingt.
Dan Brown | 10:29 a.m. March 31, 2008
What ever happened to the novel that Dan Brown (author of The Da Vinci Code) was
writing about the Masons? The title was supposed to be Solomon's Key or
something like that. There was also supposed to be some connection with the LDS
church and its temple ceremonies in the book, I believe. I was looking forward
to reading this book.
Friend of Bro Cook | 11:41 a.m. March 31, 2008
All I know about Masons I learned from Disney and from Glen Cook. Bro Cook said
that his brothers took care of him at times of crisis and that he looks out for
them and their families too.
Sounds to me like a good organization. My congratulations to Bro Cook. Also, recognition that he will serve his brothers well, as he is exceptionally smart, dedicated, reliable, and full of thought, action, and consideration.
From this article, and from conversations with Glen Cook, I fully believe that there is no reason that either Membership in these organizations would be mutually exclusive.
Do good, be kind, serve, love.
Those are good tenets. If your faith or fraternity encourages these things, then it is not too rotten. To those who discourage Masonic activity because they take time; I'd say that there are worse extracurricular activities out there. American Idol and Survivor don't help my neighbor. Glen Cook does.
Sounds to me like a good organization. My congratulations to Bro Cook. Also, recognition that he will serve his brothers well, as he is exceptionally smart, dedicated, reliable, and full of thought, action, and consideration.
From this article, and from conversations with Glen Cook, I fully believe that there is no reason that either Membership in these organizations would be mutually exclusive.
Do good, be kind, serve, love.
Those are good tenets. If your faith or fraternity encourages these things, then it is not too rotten. To those who discourage Masonic activity because they take time; I'd say that there are worse extracurricular activities out there. American Idol and Survivor don't help my neighbor. Glen Cook does.
magnus | 12:18 p.m. March 31, 2008
Re: Friend of Bro. Cook
Thank you Brother, Thank you.
Why would a person seek to discourage activity in an organization that stands for good and teaches people to be kind, serve, and love.
If I have something that I think would benefit a persons life is it better for me attack what they are currently doing and call them a fool or is it better to show them the better way and hope they will follow?
I'd say there is to much of the former going on here and not enough of the latter.
Thank you Brother, Thank you.
Why would a person seek to discourage activity in an organization that stands for good and teaches people to be kind, serve, and love.
If I have something that I think would benefit a persons life is it better for me attack what they are currently doing and call them a fool or is it better to show them the better way and hope they will follow?
I'd say there is to much of the former going on here and not enough of the latter.
Truth | 12:31 p.m. March 31, 2008
1. Joseph once said that once you have joined the church you have left middle
ground FOREVER. You will always be for or against from that point on.
2. It's interesting that those that are critical of the LDS church resort to the same
3. Jesus did teach some things in secret to the Apostles and told others whom he healed to tell no one how it happened (read the Gospels).
4. Our ability to understand is related to our willingness to understand.
Like Mormon Boy, I stand with the Prophet Joseph.
2. It's interesting that those that are critical of the LDS church resort to the same
3. Jesus did teach some things in secret to the Apostles and told others whom he healed to tell no one how it happened (read the Gospels).
4. Our ability to understand is related to our willingness to understand.
Like Mormon Boy, I stand with the Prophet Joseph.
Frank | 12:37 p.m. March 31, 2008
I'm hopeful that the Masons could provide a place where caring people of
all faiths come together to serve their communities.
Best line in article | 2:37 p.m. March 31, 2008
"I think sometimes we spend too much time worrying about issues that
don't really matter to our salvation."
Boom.
I wonder what Nicolas Cages character (in National Treasure) would think about this?
Boom.
I wonder what Nicolas Cages character (in National Treasure) would think about this?
CougarKeith | 3:13 p.m. March 31, 2008
Re:Educate Yourselves; Good Job, Excellent Comment! Anyway, Truth is truth no
matter how you slice it, that is why The LDS Church still hasn't been
destroyed, nor the Masons.
Joebob | 3:52 p.m. March 31, 2008
I think that if anyone wants to join a club of any kind, it should probably be
Masonry. Masonry is probably the most worthwhile club you could join if you
want to join something. But who seriously has the time for such a thing. I
know I don't. Masonry has a lot to offer anyone who has interest in a
club. As far as "mysteries" and "rituals" go, I get all of
that that I need in the LDS temple, so I see no need for joining masonry to get
any more ritual, especially ritual that has no eternal meaning. So, in summary,
I think that there is no sin in Masonry, but it is only for people that want to
be part of a club and who want to serve in charitable causes through that club.
Family | 4:28 p.m. March 31, 2008
Our LDS family has benefited greatly from the Shriner's Hospital for
Children. Thank you, we are deeply grateful and my son has many things that he
would otherwise have gone without. May God bless you! I present this as a public
note of appreciation.
To "Honor" | 5:05 p.m. March 31, 2008
Do you "honor" all commitments that you have made? Be honest inside.
(This includes non-religious commitments like in friendships, family and work).
I didn't honor the commitments I made in a Masonic ceremony because I
didn't know that's what I was making! If I had I wouldn't have
made it. If someone asked you to make a commitment at work that you didn't
know what it involved and then they sprung things on you all the sudden (such as
travel), you most likely wouldn't keep them either.
Yippee Skippee | 5:41 p.m. March 31, 2008
yet another organization for the Mormons to assimilate and ruin. First Boy
Scouts and now this.
Matt | 6:55 p.m. March 31, 2008
Masonry is a "club"? How is that different than a Church? Isn't a
Church just a club for people who share the same beliefs about god? Mason.
Mormon. Methodist. Muslim. M&M Yacht Club. Michigan Men's Glee Club.
Doesn't seem like a difference to me.
Lee | 5:24 a.m. April 1, 2008
I have always wondered about these "secret combinations" mentioned in
the Book of Mormon.This could be the original interpretation pertaining to
Masons.I know most would dis-agree,but to me, this is the original meaning.
WC | 2:21 p.m. April 1, 2008
I�m happy to report that the LDS doctrine and practices
correlate highly with the doctrines and ceremonies of Catholics, Baptists and
other Christian sects. Entire chapters of Isaiah are reiterated in the Book of
Mormon to inspire the LDS people to good works. Truth is our ultimate
inspiration; be it found in the science taught in our universities, religion as
taught in our churches, or in the rituals of the temple/lodge. Obviously, God
loves good men and women in all walks of life; and He does His part to inspire
all to good works and has inspired great institutions such as the Masons and
their Lodge according to the needs of His children and our community. To the
Deseret Morning News: thanks for this timely article.
Wife of a Mason & a Mormon | 4:56 p.m. April 1, 2008
My husband belongs to both the church and the masons. I think it is a great
organization. The church taught him a lot on his mission but I know that since
he has joined the Masons he has become a better man, a better friend and a
better husband because he has REALLY applied the church's teachings because
they are so similar to the Masonic teachings. I also belong to one of the
woman's groups. We support our husbands just like we do in the church. We
have also gained a lot of life long friends from these organizations.
I believe that if the Masons fit into your lifestyle and you really want to know what it is about and learn more then...ask one! Don't let ONE person deter you! Find out for yourself. That is what the church teaches...find it for yourself!
I believe that if the Masons fit into your lifestyle and you really want to know what it is about and learn more then...ask one! Don't let ONE person deter you! Find out for yourself. That is what the church teaches...find it for yourself!
You can't find out for | 8:51 p.m. April 1, 2008
yourself until you go to a Masonic/or LDS temple ceremony. Then, if you go and
don't like it you are not "honoring" your covnents.
Sounds like a theocracy to me! (And it's not for me)
Sounds like a theocracy to me! (And it's not for me)
Mormon Past Master of a St. Loui | 7:42 a.m. April 2, 2008
I have been around Masonry all of my life, its in the Family. I have been Deeply
Religious since my Youth, I Studied the Mormon Church after a car wreck in 1987
and I have been L.D.S. since 1991.
I Recognise A Truth When I See One, and I Know That The Church IS True and That The Masons Are A Good Fraternal Organization Teaching Brotherly Love Relief and Truth. The Masonic Fraternity as Others Have Said Is A Place Where All Men Of Good Moral Character, Of Any Race, Color, Or Religion, As Long As They Believe In The One Living And True GOD, Can And Do Interact And Exchange Ideas Peacefully, And The Appendant Organizations like The Eastern Star Include The Women. There Are Other Appendant Organizations For The Boys And Girls Like The Demolay for Boys And The Jobs Daughters And The Rainbow For Girls That Teach Excellent Truths Needed To Make Young People Morally Strong
I Recognise A Truth When I See One, and I Know That The Church IS True and That The Masons Are A Good Fraternal Organization Teaching Brotherly Love Relief and Truth. The Masonic Fraternity as Others Have Said Is A Place Where All Men Of Good Moral Character, Of Any Race, Color, Or Religion, As Long As They Believe In The One Living And True GOD, Can And Do Interact And Exchange Ideas Peacefully, And The Appendant Organizations like The Eastern Star Include The Women. There Are Other Appendant Organizations For The Boys And Girls Like The Demolay for Boys And The Jobs Daughters And The Rainbow For Girls That Teach Excellent Truths Needed To Make Young People Morally Strong
Wife of a Mason & a Mormon | 12:40 p.m. April 2, 2008
What meant by figuring it out for yourself is ask the questions and find the
answers. You don't need to go to a ceremony to understand them! I still
don't understand alot of the church's teachings or the Masonic
teachings but I still ask the questions and seek the answers!
Glen Cook | 10:18 a.m. April 4, 2008
It would be more correct to say I am the first Grand Master of Masons in Utah
who has acknowledged his membership in the LDS Church.
I am actually emphasizing brotherly love, Relief, and truth, which are tenets of the Fraternity.
I am actually emphasizing brotherly love, Relief, and truth, which are tenets of the Fraternity.
Anonymous | 7:46 p.m. April 5, 2008
To Glen,
Thank goodness someone is FINALLY emphasizing brotherly love, relief, and truth!
Man, everybody has been ignoring those for decades! I mean, where are the clubs and associations and churches that are dedicated to brotherly love, relief, and truth? Can't hardly find one these days, right?!
Thank goodness someone is FINALLY emphasizing brotherly love, relief, and truth!
Man, everybody has been ignoring those for decades! I mean, where are the clubs and associations and churches that are dedicated to brotherly love, relief, and truth? Can't hardly find one these days, right?!
Mike Gates | 3:21 a.m. April 6, 2008
As the current Master of my Masonic Lodge in Oregon, I have found this thread to
be very instructive on several levels. I should point out that I have served as
a temple ordinance worker and in many church stewardships, including high Priest
Group Leader and as a member of a Bishopric.
My own Masonic experience pre-dates my conversion into the LDS church. The most cogent comments above have been those that made it clear there are two paths, one secular and one religious, that share a few pieces of information.
During an interview with a reporter, President Hinckley was asked what role the church played. His reply is oft repeated but went something like this - "To make bad men good and good men better."
The disparity between Masonry and the LDS experience is stark in that there is an effort at the time of admittance into Masonry to only take on half of that equation - "..make good men better." While no one is barred from the chapel door of the church, it is intended that only men of good repute are accepted into Masonry. (Of course, some men fail in the attempt.)
My own Masonic experience pre-dates my conversion into the LDS church. The most cogent comments above have been those that made it clear there are two paths, one secular and one religious, that share a few pieces of information.
During an interview with a reporter, President Hinckley was asked what role the church played. His reply is oft repeated but went something like this - "To make bad men good and good men better."
The disparity between Masonry and the LDS experience is stark in that there is an effort at the time of admittance into Masonry to only take on half of that equation - "..make good men better." While no one is barred from the chapel door of the church, it is intended that only men of good repute are accepted into Masonry. (Of course, some men fail in the attempt.)
Missori Mason | 6:20 a.m. April 7, 2008
Many RLDS live in the Kansas City area and I have always found them to be very
good people worthy of respect. After over 30 years membership in the Masons
(plus Shriners, etc.) plus several years in DeMolay as a teenager, I believe
that both the RLDS plus the Masonic based organizations are important to our
country because of their good results for our society. The various Masonic
groups together spend over two million dollars EACH DAY on Masonic charities
like Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Scottish Rite Hospitals for
Children, speech clinics, etc. We treat children for free no matter what their
race or religion may be. Masonic Lodges in Missouri encourage that each Mason
first spend his time and money supporting his family, church, and job before
being active in Masonic organizations. We also encourge lodges to support
Non-Masonic charities and activities in their community. Missouri Masonry has
always welcomed RLDS as members because they are very good people with high
morals, values, and ethics. Any discussion about Masonic history prior to about
1700 involves a high ammount of speculation because of the lack of written
records prior to that time period.
Liz | 3:04 p.m. April 15, 2008
The Masonic bodies are not clubs, they are fraternal organizations to exemplify
brotherly love, relief and truth. Why argue over rituals, display the wonderful
element of love.
Interesting | 4:52 p.m. April 15, 2008
It is interesting that LDS people are quick to counter anything said about them.
But, when you ask them real questions about their thinking they are quick to
find a way out. Of course the current LDS temple ceremony does not look a lot
like the Free Mason ceremony. This is because of all of the changes that the
church and it's leaders have made over the years on the "Perfect"
word which their founder said was the true word of God.
R. Renner | 6:49 p.m. May 2, 2009
Congratulations, Bro. Glen, I'm a LDS and a Freemasonry, no problem to be
twe things, is very good be Mormon and be Mason! Master Mason...
Anonymous | 10:18 a.m. Oct. 23, 2009
Have been a Mormon for 46yrs. and a Master Mason 32deg. for over 30yrs.
Seattle Mason | 11:55 p.m. Dec. 1, 2009
As an active member and Past Master of the Blue Lodge, and as the lone active
member of the LDS Church in the 3 Wards that share our Chapel here in Seattle, I
am very excited that a member of the Church, in this day and age, has had the
honor of raising to the rank of Most Worshipful Grand Master, particularly in
the Grand Lodge of the State of Utah.
It is my view that Masonry is a great conduit to fulfill the council of the Brethren to be active in our communities. Outstanding !!!
It is my view that Masonry is a great conduit to fulfill the council of the Brethren to be active in our communities. Outstanding !!!
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Freemasonry teaches both Deism (the universality of God) and brotherly love. Therefore parallels for almost ANY religious belief or practice can be found within the parameters of Freemasonry. If Kaballah works for you, then fine. But you will be very hard pressed to find a consensus among historians to agree with your declaration that Freemasonry in fact came from Kaballah