Joe:
I too have family who are masons, but i dont ask them much, because I know everthing is secret. I do think the IOOF,,,SHRINERS,,,MASONS & REBECCAHS are related. It is to my understanding, they were also verry political in the 1800, So my question is,,,do you think,, that the border states used the lodge to futher the confederate cause? Someone had to be in charge and organised. Some of the most educated people were masons.(the leaders)
Do you really think the masons couldnt be involved with war ragin along the border for years? We know the people who came to Missouri and kansas were seeking land and a new way of life, and they risk everthing to get it. If you were confederate, most likley lost it all. Werent the masons the master stone layers? all you have to do is look around the midwest to see that they had left their mark.
I think people of color were not allowed to be members, but today have their own lodge.