tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post2781639286271704050..comments2024-03-26T12:05:58.591-04:00Comments on Freemasons For Dummies: Freemasonry as WallpaperChristopher Hodapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-71742700121796958972017-09-22T21:21:30.455-04:002017-09-22T21:21:30.455-04:00The City of London, in contrast with the much larg...The City of London, in contrast with the much larger county of London, is controlled by the ancient guilds -- Goldsmiths, Fish Mongers, Skinners, Merchant Tailors, and so on. The Lord Mayor and other officials are chosen from those who have received the Freedom of the City at Guildhall and then may if they wish join one or more of the guilds. An American like myself who has been given the Freedom is in the peculiar situation of being able to vote while most Londoners cannot. Many of the guilds adopt a particular church which they use on occasion. Some of the guilds have close associations with a Masonic lodge. The Masons guild has been the subject of considerable Masonic research because of its involvement with the transition from operative. Although more people now live in the City than formerly, it still is dominated by offices and institutions, so there are few residents to provide congregations. The protocol is elaborate -- the phrase to be at sixes and sevens comes from an ancient quarrel between two of the guilds that was settled by alternatives between being six or seven in processions. There are guilds in other European cities with church ties, but none have the tremendous wealth and power that the London ones do. Women now can receive the Freedom and indeed the wife of the present Grand Master of English Masons, HRH The Duchess of Kent, is a member of the Worshipful Company of Musicians.Bro. Paul Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06435030965629467739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-53023931098334665602017-09-22T18:44:56.493-04:002017-09-22T18:44:56.493-04:00This one is, actually, a Wren church. Also a "...This one is, actually, a Wren church. Also a "Guild Church," which I had not encountered as a term before. From what I can gather (anyone is welcome to correct me), it's sort of a self-described "church for hire" for the neighborhood, and has been for many years. it seems to have an Anglican parish and a Catholic one sharing the space, and possibly others.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-74255561734436178932017-09-22T13:44:02.163-04:002017-09-22T13:44:02.163-04:00London has a great many redundant churches that ar...London has a great many redundant churches that are compelled to take in laundry, so to speak. Superb buildings, some of Wren design or inspiration, but without congregations that can sustain them. This will not be the last time that renting out space will prove a disaster.Bro. Paul Richhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06435030965629467739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-61059909066042424542017-09-22T11:32:48.703-04:002017-09-22T11:32:48.703-04:00Chris, to think, you shared the more subtle "...Chris, to think, you shared the more subtle "looks" of her show. I'm sure the church was quite put off by the whole thing. I don't dare try to comprehend the psychology of many new fashion designer, artist, or other creator, feeling as if they have to be more "edgy", as you say, than their predecessors in order to garner attention - but you have to admit, it worked for her - to the detriment of her profession in general, or not.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08033039871802017493noreply@blogger.com