I did this a few years ago, it may be a good time to do it again with some of the recent questions here about how things may be done differently in a PHA lodge.

I am not an expert, but I have been a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason for 20 years.

I will answer your questions to the best of my ability, and any other PHA masons should feel free to offer their input as well.

Let's dispel any myths, discuss any differences or rumors you may have heard.

I am a new master mason, raised in May. I had the privilege of being asked to give the charge to our newest group of candidates. I am not great at memory work, but was honored. Due to some health and work circumstances, I was not able to fully memorize it. Instead of doing it very, very poorly. I spoke with the SW and recited it. It gave me comfort to do that and joy in imparting the lessons. After it was over, a more seasoned mason congratulated me on "reading". I initially felt very bad about the backhanded compliment, but it only made me want to fully memorize it next time and do it better.

I've always thought it was the former since that is the general social rule ("When in Rome...."). I was recently visiting a lodge of a jurisdiction where the signs are slightly different. After the meeting, a brother attempted to "whisper good counsel" to me and tell me that since the signs are owned by the Grand Lodge, out-of-jurisdiction visitors have no right to them and thus I should use the signs as they were taught to me in my home lodge. Suffice it to say, I was surprised.

How do you handle this? When traveling, do you imitate local brethren or do you make the signs you are used to at home? Are there any specific Masonic laws or traditions that dictate or explain this?

One of my Brothers just hit 30 years in masonry. He is only missing these 4 pins. I am trying to help him. Please let me know if you can help.

I’m considering joining a Prince Hall lodge. I’ve been told that God and family come before Freemasonry, and that I can take my obligations upon the Qur’an.
My main concern is whether any Masonic oath, ritual, or obligation could require me to compromise my Islamic beliefs, particularly worshipping Allah alone, telling the truth, and upholding justice.

Specifically, could Masonic secrecy ever require me to conceal another brother’s serious wrongdoing or withhold truthful testimony?

I’d appreciate direct answers based on actual obligations, governing rules, or firsthand experience rather than general assurances. I’m not asking anyone to reveal ritual secrets.

Thank you all for your time. And again; I’m asking respectfully from a place of not knowing.

Taking my lady to Nashville this weekend for her birthday. Any brothers from there? Do you have any good recommendations when it comes to food or lounges?

Some of you need to remember that discretion is not merely a principle we speak about, it is a standard we are expected to uphold.

It is concerning to see members of our fraternity treating public forums as extensions of the lodge, freely discussing matters that deserve far greater judgment and restraint. Just because something can be disclosed does not mean it should be.

An inquirer is welcome to seek knowledge, but there is a proper way to approach the fraternity. Encourage them to knock on the door, meet the brethren, and experience the institution for themselves. We should not feel compelled to satisfy every stranger’s curiosity in a public comment section.

Enthusiasm, too, must be tempered by discipline. Our excitement about the fraternity should never come at the expense of discretion. Not every insight needs to be shared, not every question requires an answer, and not every experience needs an audience.
There is a reason discretion has endured as a principle within Freemasonry. We should be mindful that our words reflect not only ourselves, but the fraternity we represent.

A little more restraint. A little more judgment. And considerably more discretion.
Not everything that can be revealed ought to be revealed. Some things are meant to be experienced, not advertised, especially with our fraternity do not let enthusiasm take over.