of course this is only my opinion, but I feel that the drinking should be kept out of the Masonic functions. I am young enough to understand their point of view with allowing drinking, however, this was abolished during prohibition and was replaced with juice at "Table Lodge". As we all know, we are to be dutiful citizens, and follow the laws of our country. There are other bodies which allow alcoholic beverages to be sold and consumed on their property, (masonic bodies included) however it was taken out of the "Blue Lodge" functions and never brought back. Again, in my opinion, if the younger crowd wishes for alcohol to be a factor in joining the fraternity, most likely you will not find them attending or advancing in their work. I have experienced this first hand with our lodge, those who join both the "Blue Lodge" and other fraternal organizations, ie (B.P.O.E.,MOOSE,GROTTO,TALL CEDARS) allow drinking, you see those individuals at the organizations "bar" but not in the meetings. I am in favor of keeping the alcohol out, just because I wouldn't want to pad the number of members (which would then add to the amount given to Grand Lodge) for those who don't attend.
Shawn T. Zell PM #232
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