Punk Masons

[patgund]

Frat boys: Masons drum up members among Hub rockers

"Stodgy lodges, traditional initiations and secret handshakes would seem to be the antithesis of punk rock.

But a diverse group of Hub rockers are embracing centuries-old fraternal ideals to become the new face of the Freemasons in Boston.

“It’s not a religion, and it’s definitely not a cult,” said J.R. Roach, drummer for Sam Black Church and bassist for The Men, who also is master of the Masons’ Cambridge Amicable Lodge. “Everything is supposed to be dignified. There’s no hazing. We’re all brothers. It’s a movement for guys trying to find a deeper meaning in their lives.”

A new breed of Freemasons has surfaced locally, filling seats occupied for decades by community leaders, politicians and executives. Some join because their fathers or grandfathers were Masons. Others come for the male camaraderie or the intellectual challenge. And some simply want to get out of the house and go somewhere other than a rock club."

Comments

[firedrake-mor.livejournal.com]

Interesting. There was an article in the L. A. Times not too long ago on the same subject -- the resurgence of Masonic membership among younger men, and it cited the same groups -- musicians, and the "trendy."

[phoenixsinger.livejournal.com]

As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star (kind of like the Masons' Ladies Club), I find this really encouraging. We couldn't exist without the Masons, ipso facto. So the more the merrier. And me? Welcome musicians? Never! (sarcaric, excired grin). Now, "the trendy" is another thing--I don't exactly consdier this a fad--but who knows?

[kd5mdk.livejournal.com]

In the bowling alley last week I saw some guys in T-shirts with "Texas Masons" on the back, and appropriate symbology on the front. Talk about a change from the past.