By its very design and construct Freemasonry in the United States is decentralized and unable to exert coordinated control or influence over its membership let alone the average citizen who is not Masonically affiliated. A much forwarded and well known conspiracy theory asserts that Masonry is controlled by a group or cabal of ‘high-level’ Masons who determines ‘policy’ and the direction of members ‘below’ them, thus controlling the greater society by proxy. While popular in nature this theory is difficult to prove or substantiate and a typical tact by theorist is to allegorically compare Masonry to other, familiar institutions that contain hierarchal structures such as the government or corporations.

Governments by nature desire to rule and set policy for their citizens and therefore have mechanisms and facilities in which to enact this effort. Congresses or Parliaments introduce and ratify laws which help control the behavior and actions of the populace. Chief Executives set policy and direct the immediate and long range goals of the nation. Any of these endeavors can have an instant or lasting impact upon the citizenry who may have little or no influence to dictate to their leaders once they are elected. In the United States it is typical for almost 90% of incumbent politicians-excluding the Presidency-to be reelected to their respective position and forming, in a sense, a de facto governing class.

Masonry however does not typically allow members to reside in its two most important positions, Worshipful Master and Grand Master, for two consecutive terms. This fact prevents the consolidation of power and forces new and proactive members to seek these positions and administer in turn.

Furthermore, Masonry does not have an established centralized governing body and has not in the United States since its founding. While individual states determine policy in their respective jurisdictions they are ultimately not accountable to a nationally overarching board or panel which can dictate to them. This system is further broken down by each jurisdiction having various districts within it and these districts encapsulating numerous lodges, all having a good deal of autonomy. This sovereignty is normally unimpeded as long as Masonic protocol and ritual is followed and the membership is permitted to rule and govern their respective lodge as they see fit.

The comparison to corporate structure is also lacking. Commercial enterprises by their very nature are endeavoring to reap profit and are constructed to maximize this effort. Normally corporations are governed by a President or Chief Executive Officer whose compensation is far and above the salary of the average employee. Chief Executives are appointed by Boards of Directors or Executive Councils and are charged with implementing the policy specified to them. These directives have an influence not only over the common worker employed by this corporation but also to the end consumer of the product being produced or service provided. Collusionary efforts on the part of several like companies can wreak havoc with market pricing and unduly effect the average citizen in their efforts to support themselves or families. The average worker has little or no immediate recourse in situations resulting from poor governance other than to locate other gainful employment or suffer through arbitrary processes.

Freemasonry, by its charter, is a not for profit institution and thereby prevents the avaristic acquisition of wealth and instead recommends charity and the assistance of others. The lodge’s respective leader, The Worshipful Master, is elected to single year term which helps prevent an individual from repeatedly holding this position and attempting to exert influence or control for an untoward amount of time. While holding this position he may not make motions, but has to rely upon the individual membership to help guide the lodge and determine its course of actions. This position offers no monetary remuneration for its efforts and in fact typically requires the reigning Master to allocate his own finances to fund certain lodge activities.

These corollaries are in effect for the state’s respective Grand Master and while there are additional honors associated with this position there are also numerous other responsibilities as well. While the Grand Master may determine certain policy, it is once again, incumbent upon the individual membership to ratify these directives and once done to fulfill them. This aspect of Masonry does not permit a ruling body to direct the unknowing or unwitting majority as the membership actually helps determine the course of the Masonic year and is responsible for its own actions.

In summation, the decentralized nature of Freemasonry, coupled with the charitable implementation of its finances, precludes a ‘secret’ or national ruling board which dictates the policies that the remaining Brethren follow, unbeknownst to them.


[edit on 17-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]

[edit on 17-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]

Originally posted by Throbber


Trust me, i'm something of an expert when it comes to the methods of which one can use to deflect attempts at such crude methods of persuasion.

What crude methods of persuasion are you speaking of?

Edit: Remember, just because someone you know may or may not be a freemason, that doesn't mean he's immune to intellectual maneuvouring.

It is also wise to remember that just because someone can be manipulated does not make it so.

[edit on 17-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]

Funny, such decentralization is already acknowledged by 'anti-masons' and the conspiracy theory community.

If I remember correctly, such de-centralization is one of the arguments for the existence of a 'hidden' or secret compartment within Masonry.

Not so funny however, is that this idea is never going to be acknowledged by the Masons in this forum, and hence, discussion of such a Secret Society (hence : Secret Society Forum ) is constantly subdued.

Interesting... that a component that could help the existence of a secret society within Masonry, is actually being used as an argument against it?

Originally posted by NewWorldOver
Funny, such decentralization is already acknowledged by 'anti-masons' and the conspiracy theory community.

If I remember correctly, such de-centralization is one of the arguments for the existence of a 'hidden' or secret compartment within Masonry.

How does a hidden or secret compartment control a decentralized orginization? By having control of every jursidiction? This would then make it organized and definetly not decentralized.

Not so funny however, is that this idea is never going to be acknowledged by the Masons in this forum, and hence, discussion of such a Secret Society (hence : Secret Society Forum ) is constantly subdued.

Your arguement that compartmentalization in Masonry was never denied, it can happen, we (Masons) only stated that it is not happening.

Interesting... that a component that could help the existence of a secret society within Masonry, is actually being used as an argument against it?

How can a characteristic that does not promote uniformity and homogeny aid a cabal of individuals who wish to manipulate and control a much larger group then themselves? It would behoove them to have direct and certain control to exert their influence.

Originally posted by ConspiracyNut23


Excellent post AM! You have brilliantly articulated what I have been trying to communicate for a while now. Here's one more star from me for your collection.

Thank you CN, I am just trying to emulate yourself with your concise and lucid topics.

A few questions...

What is the relation of the UGLE vis-a-vis United States Masonry? Why is UGLE recognition so important?

This I can not answer as I am not at all familiar with English Freemasonry, this question is best direct at one of the Brothers who lives on the other side of the pond.

Is there a national governing body in the US? Or is there simply one Grand Lodge per state, independent of one another? Any South/North jurisdictions?

No, there is not a national governing body, however George Washington was once offered this position and declined. This emulated his previous act in declining the Kingship of the United States. Each state and the District of Columbia have thei own respective Grand Lodges and are completely autonomous. The are also no North/South jurisdictions in Blue Lodge Masonry.

I've read that in the past that Masonry was involved in attempting to reinstate the House of Stuart on the royal throne. Is there any truth to this theory? And, if so, how was this accomplished without a centralized source of power?

This is interesting to me and I would like to hear more of it, but once again, I am far from an authority on Eurpoean Masonry. This might make a great thread CN, perhaps something you can construct.

[edit on 18-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]