I left Freemasonry in 2016, and I am happy to discuss the subject.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: AMPTAH
Ok. How does a mason get paid his "wages" for being a "Master Mason" ?

There are no physical wages in a modern Masonic lodge, except for the Treasurer and Secretary who receive a small annual stipend, it is a metaphorical use of the term for when Operative Masons received actual wages for labor performed.

"To pay their wages, if any be due..."

In other words, you're telling me that Masons no longer get paid with

"corn, wine, and oil" ?

originally posted by: network dude

originally posted by: CreationBro
a reply to: GoatWizard

What is the name of the architect

Steve.

Yes?

a reply to: KSigMason

Thank you for the reply Ksig , however i like the details from a member , I see the same discussions over and over about how high the degrees go and such but let's get down to Masonic brass tacks here if we may , does the entered apprentice upon iniation have his psyche "centered" or is that at fellowcraft , when you have been raised is that when your self ego has been completely purged or the start of the work , details please Masons , or am I completely off here , thank you everyone

a reply to: UpLateWakingUp
FYI, I am a Mason.

originally posted by: AMPTAH
"corn, wine, and oil" ?

No, they are only metaphorically used in Masonry as wages. The only time you will physically see corn, wine and oil used in Masonry is at the placing of a cornerstone or a cornerstone rededication.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: AMPTAH
"corn, wine, and oil" ?

No, they are only metaphorically used in Masonry as wages. The only time you will physically see corn, wine and oil used in Masonry is at the placing of a cornerstone or a cornerstone rededication.

I understand that the "corn, wine, and oil" are symbols for something else. The question I really wanted answered was whether this "something else" is actually received by Master Masons in today's practice of the lodge as part of his "wages."

originally posted by: AMPTAH
I understand that the "corn, wine, and oil" are symbols for something else. The question I really wanted answered was whether this "something else" is actually received by Master Masons in today's practice of the lodge as part of his "wages."

Again, you don't get anything for being a Master Mason. Zip.

The symbols are used allegorically to teach lessons of charity and brotherly affection for all people. Corn, wine and oil are used to remind "...wherefore do you carry corn, wine, and oil in your processions, but to remind you that in the pilgrimage of human life you are to impart a portion of your bread to feed the hungry, to send a cup of your wine to cheer the sorrowful, and to pour the healing oil of your consolation into the wounds which sickness hath made in the bodies..."

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Hey man, I'm a jerk and presume way too much and I'm crazy skeptical about so much in life. My only question is why? What do you think you gain by being part of this group that you wouldn't have gained without it. I read the right books. I'm not completely in the dark. So why? What does it give you?

a reply to: TheAlleghenyGentleman

I joined this forum just so I could reply to this post. I agree with what AugustusMasonicus, network dude and KSigMason have said. I too, am a Freemason, and have been for about 4 years.

Someone once told me that Masonry is not a secret society, but a society with secrets. The secrets exist for several reasons, much like the explanations for symbols and allegories signify multiple things all at once. First, the grips and words are secret, because over the years, Masonry has endured many enemies and it's one way to identify fellow brothers. Second, the secrets exist because if someone cannot keep the secrets safe, then we probably don't want to reveal anything of personal importance to that person. And most importantly, the secrets are revealed slowly over time, so the candidate/Brother has a chance to absorb the spirituality of the Craft a little at a time. If it's consumed all at once, then it has less of a spiritual impact. I could study the subject of Freemasonry day and night for the rest of my life and still never comprehend everything it has to offer.

TheAlleghenyGentleman asks what does it give to a person? Each person is an individual, but for me, being an active and passive participant in the lectures that follow the degree rituals is a truly enlightening experience when delivered by a gifted orator. The information delivered is so dense and well laid-out that it takes years to fully appreciate its beauty. For me, after hearing the lectures in the Blue lodge and the appendant bodies, a spiritual awakening really took place within my body. I wasn't performing miracles or speaking in tongues or any such nonsense, but I had a new sense of purpose in life--to better humbly serve my fellow man the best way I could.

A distinguished member of or Lodge was in the hospital for quite some time, and I called him to cheer him up. He was so appreciative that I took time to reach out and see how he was doing. I know he would do the same for me. As a Mason, you are never alone in the city, state our country you live in. Not only do we hold each other up, but we do as much as we can for the community.

We donate time and money for scholarships, youth groups, schools, food pantries, shelters, etc. We really do strive to be better men in everything we do.

I could go on and on, but this post is already long enough.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus

originally posted by: AMPTAH
I understand that the "corn, wine, and oil" are symbols for something else. The question I really wanted answered was whether this "something else" is actually received by Master Masons in today's practice of the lodge as part of his "wages."

Again, you don't get anything for being a Master Mason. Zip.

So then, if a mason does not receive these wages of "corn, wine, and oil", how then does he acquire the three forms of wealth as symbolized on the masonic pillars of "beauty, strength, and wisdom" ?

a reply to: levensok

That's a good answer but it still seems foreign to me. I am aware and always have been without a group dynamic or need to find enlightenment though others. I apologize but your response seems needy and needful. I've never understood that. You seem to have a need for purposefulness and the joy that it brings you. I don't understand that either. That seems self-aggrandizing. I've read Siddhartha, I've read the Magis, I've read the master and margarita. Why, why do YOU need this. Life is a personal experience. What is it that you can't find or that you need that this group provides. It is a popular group. Why my friend? I'm content without it. What esoteric knowledge do you receive that empowers you so?

originally posted by: TheAlleghenyGentleman
Hey man, I'm a jerk and presume way too much and I'm crazy skeptical about so much in life. My only question is why? What do you think you gain by being part of this group that you wouldn't have gained without it. I read the right books. I'm not completely in the dark. So why? What does it give you?

You ever try moving a boulder by yourself? I mean I suppose you could but it's easier with help. I do charitable things on my own but they are easier and have more impact when we do them as a group.

Plus on a personal level I like the guys in my lodge, I have become friends with many of them through my membership.

originally posted by: AMPTAH
So then, if a mason does not receive these wages of "corn, wine, and oil", how then does he acquire the three forms of wealth as symbolized on the masonic pillars of "beauty, strength, and wisdom" ?

You don't because acquiring those as an individual is not part of Masonic ritual or teachings.

Not a Mason here but I've read plenty over the years. The disconnect is that most people are like, "What's in it for me?" It is difficult to wrap their minds around the fact that some are willing to do for others without reciprocation.

a reply to: intrepid

There's plenty in it for us, pal. Like hanging out with Baphomet or being able to use the express lane with 11 items.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Good answer.

Charity and beer

originally posted by: TheAlleghenyGentleman
Charity and beer

You got it reversed.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Check out my charity

Charity

a reply to: TheAlleghenyGentleman

I caught that thread, so much awesome.

originally posted by: intrepid
Not a Mason here but I've read plenty over the years. The disconnect is that most people are like, "What's in it for me?" It is difficult to wrap their minds around the fact that some are willing to do for others without reciprocation.

You don't need Freemasonry to "do for others without reciprocation" as you put it.

People do this naturally all the time, with friends, family, co-workers, and when they want to do more there's the Church or other religious organization. Then there are many charitable organizations that one can sign up, even form your own, which is tax free etc..the paths to giving are many. But, in every other case, there's no "mystery" or "secrets", nor "oaths" required to perform this charitable work.

So, Freemasonry must be promising something more, than just the opportunity to give, there must be "something in it for me", or I see no reason to join Masons rather than any other group.