|
Post by seekinglilmore on Sept 10, 2007 20:45:13 GMT
Greetings everyone. Over the past year I have began to read about Freemasonry and the great brotherhood/enviroment surrounding it. Recently I discovered that my grandfather is a mason as is my father-in-law.
I was sitting with my father in law the other night watching Discovery Channel after a long day of work. About that time, the show "The Secrets of Freemasonry" came on. I was curious if anyone has seen this,and if so, how accurate is it?
Back to my original question, what is the best way to approaching a mason about becoming one? I would love to carry on a tradition and be a part of this excellent brotherhood I hear about. I look foward to hearing from all of you, and hope to soon be able to share the bond of brotherhood with you.
|
|
|
Post by brandt on Sept 10, 2007 21:42:12 GMT
Bonsiour, With most Masonic organizations one need only approach a Mason that they know and ask to be a Mason. If you are considering the "mainstream" system there are a few things that you will need in order to qualify. 1) Must be male. 2) Must profess a belief in Deity. 3) Must come of your own free will and accord (meaning you have to ask). 4) have a check for the fees and dues.
Where in this beautiful world are you located?
Brandt
|
|
imakegarb
Member
One wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie
Posts: 3,573
|
Post by imakegarb on Sept 11, 2007 0:41:17 GMT
Co-Masonry and Femalecraft Masonry (the former accepts men and women, the latter only women) also are an option
|
|
|
Post by leonardo on Sept 11, 2007 6:54:32 GMT
Back to my original question, what is the best way to approaching a mason about becoming one? I would love to carry on a tradition and be a part of this excellent brotherhood I hear about. I look foward to hearing from all of you, and hope to soon be able to share the bond of brotherhood with you. These days you don't need to physically meet a Mason, the Internet has been wonderful in making them more easily available/approachable I would suggest you read up as much as you can on the varoius Masonic bodies within your area and simply approach whichever ones appeal to you for further consultation before making a final decession.
|
|
|
Post by penfold on Sept 11, 2007 10:09:36 GMT
Welcome to the forum, as brandt menioned to be able to fully answer your questio we need to know which country you are in as there are differences in the joining process between countries
|
|
|
Post by wayseer on Sept 11, 2007 13:35:31 GMT
Greetings and welcome to the forum.
If you go though the many previous post on this board many of your questions will be answered
As to - ... About that time, the show "The Secrets of Freemasonry" came on. I was curious if anyone has seen this,and if so, how accurate is it?
... that very much depends on to which particular parts you are referring.
Overall, given the status of those interviewed, I think the program was well done, though a tad over dramatarised. There is much Masonic argument concerning reference to the Roslyn Chapel but I think I would tend to side with the Masonic Historians who know more about the subject than anyone else.
You will also have to understand that not all Lodges practice the same rituals and those rituals can vary considerable but the 'message' is all the same. But the only way to find out how accurate the program was is to become a Brother. And the best way to gauge that decision is by the examples set by your grandfather and father in law. If you admire their qualities you might also admire what Freemasonry offers.
I wish you well in your deliberations.
|
|
|
Post by gogoplata on Sept 13, 2007 16:17:31 GMT
You've already taken the first step to becoming a brother.
I would recommend asking your Father-In-Law if he is still active in his local lodge. If not, I would call your local lodge. In what state/country are you located?
|
|
|
Post by thedixiemason on Sept 17, 2007 3:22:01 GMT
I would ask both of them. You will most likely need 2 signers anyway. I'm sure they would be more than happy to get and sign a petition for you.
|
|
|
Post by seekinglilmore on Sept 26, 2007 19:53:45 GMT
Sorry for the long delay in a reply. The recent schedule has kept me quite busy. Let's see if I can give everyone who replied to my original post an answer...
My father-in-law is no longer a member of his old lodge. They recently moved here in Tennessee and has only attended a few meetings.
How much would a fee cost?
I haven't approached a lodge physically because I am afraid if I do that I would be turned down for trying to enter the doors without membership (not sure if thats accurate). I think it would be best to ask my grandfather or the father-in-law.
Heres a big downside to my situation. My wife has researched freemasonry on the internet, and found nothing but all that false information people stick to the name of freemasonry. She seems to find these false articles true. Whats the best way to approaching her about me becoming one?
Also, am I less likely to be turned down if I were to have my grandfather and father-in-law to start what you all are calling "petitions"?
|
|
|
Post by billmcelligott on Sept 26, 2007 21:08:54 GMT
First I would say address your wifes concerns.
All true Masons will tell you God first , Family next then Freemasonry. So please dont join if your wife thinks there is something wrong. Is you Father in Law not your wifes Father? that would be the first thing I would suggest, sit down and talk about it.
Ask your wife to come here and look and see what true Freemasons do and say, there are a number of fprum on the net where you will get views from accross the globe. Then look at the anti propaganda then make her own mind up with a balanced amout of information.
Then when you both agree, just call your local Lodge and ask to talk. One thing you can guarantee is Freemasons love to talk.
|
|
|
Post by thedixiemason on Sept 26, 2007 21:53:59 GMT
Sorry for the long delay in a reply. The recent schedule has kept me quite busy. Let's see if I can give everyone who replied to my original post an answer... My father-in-law is no longer a member of his old lodge. They recently moved here in Tennessee and has only attended a few meetings. How much would a fee cost? I haven't approached a lodge physically because I am afraid if I do that I would be turned down for trying to enter the doors without membership (not sure if thats accurate). I think it would be best to ask my grandfather or the father-in-law. Heres a big downside to my situation. My wife has researched freemasonry on the internet, and found nothing but all that false information people stick to the name of freemasonry. She seems to find these false articles true. Whats the best way to approaching her about me becoming one? Also, am I less likely to be turned down if I were to have my grandfather and father-in-law to start what you all are calling "petitions"? I would advise talking to grandpa, and father-in-law first. Let her talk with them... they know what is true and what isn't and can speak to her as someone who knows.
|
|
|
Post by maat on Sept 26, 2007 22:44:18 GMT
All good advice above.
I would also point out that the anti-masonic sites are usually the product of fundamentalist thinking persons. ie God 'did' create the universe from Monday to Saturday! In 6 days and rested on the 7th.
In the 17th century, an Anglican clergyman, Bishop James Ussher, calculated from Biblical genealogies that God created the world on an October morning in 4004 B.C. Many fundamentalists today would hold this as an article of faith. For virtually all scientists, the figure is absurd.
Most religious, and non religious, people these days have a wider viewpoint.
Remind her of how the newspapers of the day can twist the facts to suit, that is what anti-masonic sites do.
Good luck, Maat
|
|
|
Post by thedixiemason on Sept 26, 2007 23:33:24 GMT
All good advice above. I would also point out that the anti-masonic sites are usually the product of fundamentalist thinking persons. ie God 'did' create the universe from Monday to Saturday! In 6 days and rested on the 7th. In the 17th century, an Anglican clergyman, Bishop James Ussher, calculated from Biblical genealogies that God created the world on an October morning in 4004 B.C. Many fundamentalists today would hold this as an article of faith. For virtually all scientists, the figure is absurd. Most religious, and non religious, people these days have a wider viewpoint. Remind her of how the newspapers of the day can twist the facts to suit, that is what anti-masonic sites do. Good luck, Maat But if you use the Gregorian calender it was September... ;D
|
|
|
Post by mike on Sept 27, 2007 9:41:42 GMT
How much would a fee cost? I haven't approached a lodge physically because I am afraid if I do that I would be turned down for trying to enter the doors without membership (not sure if thats accurate). I think it would be best to ask my grandfather or the father-in-law. Heres a big downside to my situation. My wife has researched freemasonry on the internet, and found nothing but all that false information people stick to the name of freemasonry. She seems to find these false articles true. Whats the best way to approaching her about me becoming one? Also, am I less likely to be turned down if I were to have my grandfather and father-in-law to start what you all are calling "petitions"? Where to start? I was going to try and answer your questions in order but they're a bit circular in nature. There is no damage to an application because you have enquired whether you have masonic relatives or not. You may have come across the phrase "2B1ASK1" while you've been loking on the Net. This is a light hearted way of explaining a serious rule in Freemasonry, you must ask to join, you will not be invited. Contact your folks but there is nothing to stop you from enquiring of your local Grand Lodge. Re your wife I would suggest these websites for her to look at: www.grandlodge-tn.org/ and www.masonicinfo.com/M
|
|
|
Post by cemab4y on Sept 28, 2007 10:42:58 GMT
If your interest in Freemasonry is sincere, and it sounds like it is, then I suggest that you visit: www.masonic-renewal.org/freemasonry_explained.htmSend me your location, and I will contact the lodge in your area. You will need to fill out a petition, and then submit it to the lodge secretary. The process is not complicated, but there is a procedure. I will be glad to assist you, and welcome you as a brother in the future.
|
|
|
Post by seekinglilmore on Sept 28, 2007 20:30:43 GMT
What is the home visit like? Is it usually up tight or very casual?
|
|
|
Post by leonardo on Sept 28, 2007 20:47:31 GMT
What is the home visit like? Is it usually up tight or very casual? Casual and friendly is what you can usually expect on home visits. They will be as eager to see you as you are to see them so just relax and enjoy the experience, be honest and open, basically just be yourself. It's you they'll want to see, not an imitation of someone you think will fit the bill
|
|
|
Post by uzi on Sept 29, 2007 0:43:40 GMT
Greetings everyone. Over the past year I have began to read about Freemasonry and the great brotherhood/enviroment surrounding it. Recently I discovered that my grandfather is a mason as is my father-in-law. I was sitting with my father in law the other night watching Discovery Channel after a long day of work. About that time, the show "The Secrets of Freemasonry" came on. I was curious if anyone has seen this,and if so, how accurate is it? Back to my original question, what is the best way to approaching a mason about becoming one? I would love to carry on a tradition and be a part of this excellent brotherhood I hear about. I look foward to hearing from all of you, and hope to soon be able to share the bond of brotherhood with you. I highly suggest you find a Lodge where most who attend are near your age --a lesson the Freemasons should take from the "Boy and Girl Scouts."
|
|
|
Post by cemab4y on Oct 17, 2007 7:53:05 GMT
Not all grand lodges require a home visit. I understand your wife's concern. I will be delighted to answer any questions you or your wife have about masonry. It will require you to be away from home during meetings, and activities. Masonry strongly supports families, and we have a number of co-educational groups where both spouses may participate. The White Shrine of Jerusalem, and the Order of the Eastern Star for examples.
If you want to proceed, just let me know.
|
|
|
Post by seekinglilmore on Oct 24, 2007 20:21:30 GMT
Greetings everyone. Over the past year I have began to read about Freemasonry and the great brotherhood/enviroment surrounding it. Recently I discovered that my grandfather is a mason as is my father-in-law. I was sitting with my father in law the other night watching Discovery Channel after a long day of work. About that time, the show "The Secrets of Freemasonry" came on. I was curious if anyone has seen this,and if so, how accurate is it? Back to my original question, what is the best way to approaching a mason about becoming one? I would love to carry on a tradition and be a part of this excellent brotherhood I hear about. I look foward to hearing from all of you, and hope to soon be able to share the bond of brotherhood with you. I highly suggest you find a Lodge where most who attend are near your age --a lesson the Freemasons should take from the "Boy and Girl Scouts." Are younger men who are interested in becoming a freemason looked down upon if younger men shouldn't be in the same lodge as an older member? Update on my status- I'm still really interested and have read books from the library on the Freemasons and it sparked my will to become one more. I haven't in the least bit forced it upon my significant other that I want to join. She is still rather "set" in her perception of the fraternity due to the uneducated voices of non-masons on the conspiracy websites. I suggested possibly reading the books I have , or as a few of you members on here mentioned, talking to you all about it. She doesn't seem very thrilled or anything to do either because she thinks that the books were written by Masons with a bias, and that they leave out the "secret bad stuff). What I have thought is I could have a nice sit down discussion with her, her father, and my grandfather about it. This way she will be able to hear views on the subject from those who are already members of the fraternity that she knows personally and trust. I hope I do not come off sounding like I would ever to anything to force her into giving me the "stamp of approval" to join. I will simply try to have this conversation with her, and if she still is unable to see the truth through the dark cloud the false websites have taught her, I will simply have to pass on the oppurtunity because I would never do anything behind her back or mis-lead her. Some previous points she has brought to my attention as to why she don't like the idea of the fraternity are as follows: A.) G.A.O.T.U.- She believes a few websites about this subject. Claiming something along the lines of "Gaotu is God. Unfortunately, Lucifer is also Gaotu".....It is something along those lines. I may be adding/leaving words out to that phrase. In a nutshell, she thinks that men go to the lodge to worship Lucifer. From my research, I have concluded ( please correct me if I'm wrong) that the Great Architect refers to the supreme being that each Freemason personally believes in...rather than a single God that they all believe in. B.) (edited out by Moderator) - This topic I'm completely oblivious to and lack understanding myself in this category because it the term was not available in any books I researched. After seeing some of the lies about the fraternity on the internet, I refuse to believe what any website says about Freemasons other than direct lodge webistes or member forums( such as this great place). Is there anyone who can shed a little light on what the term (Edited out by moderator) is? All I need is enough to have a structured conversation about it with her. C.) Getting "whacked"- I'll keep it short since I already wrote to many questions. Please, don't feel obligated to anser everything. She thinks that everytime her father goes to the lodge someone litterally "bust his head" with a type of club. I have no clue where she got that idea. I can't understand why anybody would want to voluntarily go to a place where they are hit in the head with a baseball bat everytime they walk in a door???
|
|