A "Chartered Bethel" is a Masonic Term Relating to Their Many Organizations

cameo-d

This organization is truly International in scope. At present there are Bethels in the United States, Canada, Australia, the Philippines and Brazil with other countries expressing interest.

The International Order of Job's Daughters is operated in a democratic manner, similar to Masonic lodges as well as other Masonic Family organizations. In Bethels, adult co-workers known as the Bethel Guardian Council (consisting of a Bethel Guardian, Associate Bethel Guardian, and others) supervise each Bethel and are appointed yearly - with special consideration given to recommendations from the members of the Bethel.

http://www.iojd.org/AboutUs/MasonicHeritage.htm

thetrueone

There are many closely related ties to the Freemasons, that many JWS do not realize or have taken notice.

- Masonic Halls - Kingdom Halls

- Pyramidology is associated with the Freemason beliefs.

Noting that both Kingdom Halls and Masonic Halls are never constructed as a typically designed church.

- The Head Masonic Grand Lodge of England has a voted leadership self described as a Governing Body, similar to the JWS.

- The Knights Templar symbol was place on early Watchtower magazines

It has to be acknowledged that the Freemason organization had some idealogical influence toward C T Russell,

even today the lasting members of the IBSA still use Freemason Halls to give special talks.

These are just some, there are more undeniable similarities to be sure.

journey-on

I have never found the Freemason connection to be a turn off like so many others do. So what? There is an outer circle (the rank and file). These are the busy bees going about the mundane duties of the work. Then there is an inner circle (higher ranking authority figures such as COs and DOs and perhaps Branch Overseers). These are the administrators and organizers...the paper pushers. And then there is a mystery circle. They are the ones that hold the keys.

Liberty93

To be ANYTHING like the Masons would be a major step up for the WTBTS. Granted, the Masons in America aren't really a mystery cult anymore, but just a social club. However, to get in, you still have to be an honorable, free, well-attested person.

Joey Jo-Jo

Russel, though not listed as a freemason, as others have point out he used the knights templar symbols on the left and right hand side of the zion's watchtower, and he was buried under a pyramid next to a masonic hall. He would had know that masonic has a separate creed from christianity e.g. burial ceremony so this gives me impression that Russel was a very liberal christian all the way to 1917 when he kicked the bucket.