Freemasons For Dummies: Masonic Charges Withdrawn in Georgia Case

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Masonic Charges Withdrawn in Georgia Case

I have just received word that the charges against the Worshipful Master and Gate City Lodge No. 2 in Atlanta have indeed been officially withdrawn.

No word yet as to the civil case brought by Gate City against the Grand Lodge.

7 Comments:

Sarpaedon said...: That's good. But what's going to happen to the two lodges that brought the charges?; July 02, 2009 5:58 PM
D'Aratgh said...: That is fantastic what else can I say
David Naughton-Shires
Ireland; July 02, 2009 5:59 PM
drapetomaniac said...: The original lawsuit was to stop action against the lodge, so the court should find it moot. Unless the judge wants to start further action.

I think it was pointed out that the 501c3 status of the lodge is at risk if found to be a discriminatory agency. So, all of the points in prior posts apply to the internal workings of private organizations and fraternities - but have further risk if found to be racist (the Bob Jones University status is an interesting history to follow).

I am also interested to see what happens to those who brought the charges. Or if the Grand Lodge will in any way affirm racial equality in a statement.; July 02, 2009 7:00 PM
Mark Koltko-Rivera said...: Chris, I don't think that I'm exaggerating when I say that the work of you (and other Masonic bloggers) regarding this case helped to bring about this change in the situation. Turn over the rock in the sun, and the slime underneath dries up. Thank you for bringing this ugly matter to light.; July 03, 2009 1:51 PM
Nathan Brindle said...: I doubt the lodge is 501(c)(3). It is probably 501(c)(10) like most Masonic lodges (dues and donations to it are not tax-deductible).

Regardless, you still have a point with regard to its tax-exempt status. Worse, it may threaten the tax exemption of every lodge in the state, if the lodge's federal tax exemption is based on a blanket exemption granted to the Grand Lodge itself. This is why the Grand Lodge has a strong interest in putting the flames out before the small fire gets out of control and consumes the entire structure.; July 03, 2009 2:22 PM
drapetomaniac said...: You're right Nathan, reading the court papers it is the 501(c)(10).; July 04, 2009 10:48 AM
Mark Koltko-Rivera said...: Nathan, thanks for correcting me on the tax exemption issue. So does this mean the Grand Lodge is tax exempt?

Incidentally, it was good to chat with you at Masonic Week 2008. Hope to catch up sometime. Be well.; July 04, 2009 2:22 PM

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About Me

Name: Chris Hodapp

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Christopher L. Hodapp is the editor of the "Journal of The Masonic Society." He is the author of the best-selling "Freemasons For Dummies," and "Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C." He is the co-author with Alice Von Kannon of "The Templar Code For Dummies" and "Conspiracy Theories and Secret Societies For Dummies." He has appeared on the History and Discovery channels on the subject of Freemasonry, its role in the founding of the United States and the building of Washington D.C. Hodapp has spent more than twenty years editing, writing and directing as a commercial filmmaker. He has written for corporate and non-profit programs, and his voice has appeared in many television and radio commercials. His newest book, "Deciphering the Lost Symbol," is due in stores in December. Chris lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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