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Post by flashman1982 on Oct 9, 2007 19:23:03 GMT
Hello,
I am thinking of asking to become a member of my Grandfathers masonic lodge. My Grandfather recently deceased was a member of this Lodge and due to my keen intrest in History I was the only one in the family he really opened up to about Freemasonry and ever since I have had an intrest in Freemasonry.
I will need to contact the Lodge directly as it is a small one and I personally dont know anyone there but some will remember my Grandfather
My Father is not a mason so I am really looking for some advice on some questions I have as I dont really have anyone to talk to apart from a friend of mine who is thinking of joining also to another lodge his father is part of.
1. I am 25 years old, is that an acceptable age to Join?
2. I am scared of getting rejected , for what reasons would a lodge reject an applicant to join. Would a person be rejected simply because nobody knows them personally?
3. I like to debate and enjoy all areas of History, politics and hearing different peoples views, is this something that I can enjoy within a masonic Lodge?
4. Can anyone tell me roughly the Fee's that would be involved?
5. Since I dont know anyone in the lodge personally, should I sound out for a member who knew my Grandfather and approch him?
6. I am currently in a relationship, should I inform her of my desire to join the Freemasons before asking to become a member?
I hope somebody can point me in the right direction, Many thanks!
Christopher
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Post by billmcelligott on Oct 9, 2007 20:34:04 GMT
Hi Christopher there are many different Masonic groups so what I say can only be my opinions and that which I know from my United grand lodge of england membership. I will need to contact the Lodge directly as it is a small one and I personally dont know anyone there but some will remember my Grandfather Thats is certainly the first thing to do. If you can take a bet on anything, its that Freemasons love to talk about Freemasonry. So contact and just ask to go down and have a chat. Well you have hundreds now. yes No that is not a reason, criminal conviction is the only reason I know of. yes , there are some Lodges that is all they do research Freemasonry and its History, but you have this forum and thereis a wealth of knowledge here. i pay £80 a year membership and 4 x £16 for the meal at Festive Board [after meeting meal] yes of course, you may be surprised. I would say so yes, its a comiment of time and a bit of money she should know what your thinking of doing. if she does not like the idea get her to talk to me or anyone here. well I am sure others will chip in, hope it helps a bit.
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Post by leonardo on Oct 9, 2007 21:09:30 GMT
Hi Christopher, welcome to the forum.
Some great questions and I think Bill has responded to all of them sufficiently for you to decide if you wish to take this further. I can't offer any advice myself as I am not yet a Mason, I will be soon, however, God willing.
Good luck to you in however you decide to proceed.
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Post by mike on Oct 9, 2007 22:44:26 GMT
Hi Christopher, As usual with these questions it really helps to actually know where you're asking from because what is true here in the British Isles isn't neccessarily so in say Italy or France. It might also help if you identify your Grandfather's Lodge because one of us may have contact details to make things easier for you. I'd also like to just flesh out a couple of Bill's answers: 2. I am scared of getting rejected , for what reasons would a lodge reject an applicant to join. Would a person be rejected simply because nobody knows them personally? Aside from a serious Criminal Record there is also a requirement for belief in God (by whatever name) from most Grand Lodges, that's part of why your location is helpful in answering. 3. I like to debate and enjoy all areas of History, politics and hearing different peoples views, is this something that I can enjoy within a masonic Lodge? To be honest not in the majority of Lodges, for example in England, under the United Grand Lodge of England, the discussion of both Politics and Religion are not allowed in Lodge. 4. Can anyone tell me roughly the Fee's that would be involved? Again the fees vary depending on where you are. 6. I am currently in a relationship, should I inform her of my desire to join the Freemasons before asking to become a member? YES, it is very important that your other half knows all about it including the cost, committment etc. Mike
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Post by flashman1982 on Oct 9, 2007 23:16:40 GMT
Hi
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated!
I am from the top of Scotland in Caithness, so the area is quite a rural one.
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Post by mike on Oct 9, 2007 23:31:14 GMT
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Post by postscript on Jan 4, 2008 18:13:16 GMT
How did you get on, Christopher? I'm not a million miles from where you are (though not in Caithness) and have just got round to applying to join after years of fascination laced with ambivalence. By the way, you will find links to photos of the Thurso and Wick lodges and some history of the latter at www.caithness.org/community/masoniclodges .
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imakegarb
Member
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Posts: 3,573
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Post by imakegarb on Jan 4, 2008 18:53:51 GMT
Greetings Postscript!! Congratulations on your application and welcome to MFOL ;D
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