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Member |
You will never be "invited" to join the fraternity. There is no recruitment (in most states). Masonry does not seek men, men seek masonry. You must make the decision on your own, and then seek a petition(application) to join a lodge. Please email me directly, if you desire more information. Charles E. Martin |
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Member |
I will be delighted to share anything you wish to know about the Masonic lodge and Freemasonry in general. We are NOT a secret society, by any means. Most states have official masonic licens plates (I pushed legislation through my state assembly to get masonic license plates in KY). There are thousands of excellent books, and tons of information all over the internet. I highly recommend "Freemasonry for Dummies" by Hodapp. Available from Amazon.com Every Grand lodge (each 50 states, plus DC) has a web site. The Grand lodge of New York has an excellent site see: www.nymasons.org Please contact me directly, and I will gladly answer any questions, and send you some additional web sites. BTW- Our first soldier, George Washington was a Mason, out first sailor, John Paul Jones was a mason, our first marine, Samuel Nicholas, was a mason. Many of our finest military leaders have been masons: General John(Black Jack) Pershing, General John LeJeune (enlisted in the Marine Corps as a private, rose to commandant of the corps), General Douglas MacArthur, Audie Murphy, Admiral Chester Nimitz, General "Hap" Arnold, the list is endless. We are re-organizing a traveling military lodge here at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. See www.dcmetronet.com/landseaandairlodge1iraq |
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Member |
There was a Sufi order known as The Builders which is related to the origin of Freemasonry, at least in doxography.
This therefore makes the order grounded in Egyptian roots, as the Builders were said to be able to read the hieroglyphs. I also believe that there is relations to Zoroastrianism, the Mithraic faith and other elements of Greco-Roman traditions. One also cannot get far from the medieval Templars without tripping over the Cistercians and the Grail legend. Here's a good book to learn a bit of this latter element of the history and creation of the legend: Templars and the Grail. This coming Sunday is Pentecost, the day when the Holy Grail appeared to the Knights of the Round Table. The Knights pledged to search for it for a year and a day, or longer if need be, in order to see the Grail more clearly than it appeared on that day. It behooves one to confess their sins before departing on such a Quest. I'll be leaving that day for my own quests to Europe. Wherever you are on that day and in the year to come, and wherever you are in your life's quests, I wish you safety, health, and happiness in service to your fellow humans and to the good stewardship of the world. Best wishes! -Peter Corless. |
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Member |
There is a lot of info on the web. Some details the trek to Master Mason literally verbatim...so much for secret work. The other orders are not really available verbatim. Suffice it to say that Masonry will make you a better human being. Its tenets are honorable and spell out a way of life that should be there if you are a Mason or not. Unfortunately, we tend to wander from the straight and narrow. Masonry tries to kepp us on a path of giving a charitable hand to our brethren and , indeed, to all mankind. I am a Past Master, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Royal Arch Mason, Cryptic Mason and a Knight Tenplar. I must also mention that a good number in our Lodge are Marines including myself. Semper Fidelis Sir Knight Marshall J. Biesen 1DEVILDOG1 |
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"Cannon Cockers, The Grunts 911 call" "Has Been 1"  |
Hi Rob, "Popular request"  Borrrriiiing   Steve |
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New Member |
 This is my first visit here to the forums and found it strange that this topic was here but, My father and I were having a discusion about a ring I had seen in an advertizment and when I showed it to him.He began telling me How that symbol on the ring was the symbol for Freemasons and that his father in cuba was a freemason and that till the day he left cuba in 1965 he was a lvl 13 mason. The conversation was really short when I asked him if he sought out the freemasons when he arrived in the US he just noded his head and no and then it really did seam as if he wanted to end any further questions about the freemason's. Now not because he's my father, but this man was from the realy old school and wasn't one that ever cared for, you know "talking out his assp". Now I say that because I remember when I watched for the first time "Tomb Raiser" and thought cool movie but what a bunch of bologna about some secret organiztion as described like Uluminade, I mentioned that to him about this organization. And his very first question to me was were I had heard that name. Long after that we never spoke of it again but I did my own reading and the freemasons go back much farther then George Washinton, even if only an idea the name freemason goes back in history to the times of christ. And allthough I'm not inclined to believe the redric about the actions the freemasons have done, but I honestly do believe however that as it members progress up the "management structure" that like our own form of government more knowledge about the organiztions history and the actual knowledge and history of past events are revaled to them. I beleive the organization to be one that is a harvestor of world knowledge of actual events both good and bad, both known and secret. And they take from this knowledge and teach there members. I'm very sure that there is alot more to this and my intentions are not negative but very positive in fact I find this an organization of high interest |
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THE ROBOCOP |
 I was wondering where all the "interested parties" went.... Then, I figured that most are just watching and waiting. |
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THE ROBOCOP |
It sounds like to me that you need to find a Mason in your local community and start asking questions. To be one, you must ask one |
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Member |
Lately I have found my interest in the masons has dramatically increased. I have many questions, however my main concern is how much of my already busy life it will consume to become one. I feel my plate is full (I don't watch TV much).
Could I get some questions answered here? |
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Member |
You will NOT be invited to join Freemasonry. There is no recruiting (in most states). A man must make the decision on his own to join the fraternity. "Masonry does not seek men, Men seek Masonry". There are several excellent books for the non-mason who wishes to learn more. I highly recommend "Freemasonry for Dummies" by Hodapp. Available from amazon.com Every Grand Lodge (one in each 50 states, plus DC) has a web site. The Grand Lodge of New York is one of the best. Please see www.nymasons.org I will be glad to answer any questions that you may have. All the best, Charles E. Martin Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. |
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Member |
Is it possible to join the masons and then become inactive (so to speak), not necessarily quit? Is it very time consuming? Or expensive? How does the rank/level thing work: is it time in? work done? donations made? funds raised? What's with the circular things on people's cars? Is there an entry fee or membership dues? How different are the various lodges? Why are the windows sealed? I am sure I can come up with more, but that is all for now. |
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Member |
I will be delighted to answer any questions that you have about Freemasonry. You have posed a real tickler! As far as time, that varies with the individual. I joined Freemasonry when I was in college, and spent very little time with the fraternity. The initiation ceremonies take about 3 hours each, and there are three: Entered Apprentice (1st degree) Fellow Craft(2d degree) and Master Mason (3rd degree). I took my degrees in three evenings. Some states have a one-day class, where you can complete the entire process on one Saturday morning. You arrive at the lodge at 0630am for breakfast, and then proceed with the degree work. By 5pm Saturday afternooon, you are a Master Mason.
Once you complete the process, how much time you spend with Freemasonry is up to you. Most lodges have business meetings twice a month. You go to the lodge at 7pm, sometimes there is a meal. You open the meeting, pay the bills, greet visitors. Some lodges have a program. There might be a speaker who will talk about the FBI, or AIDS, or some topic of interest. Then the lodge will close, you have a cup of coffee, and then go home. Some lodges meet at noon, so that retired people and shift workers can participate. There are over 100 (one hundred) appendant bodies of Freemasonry. You may choose to join one or more of these. Myself, I belong to the Scottish Rite (southern Jurisdiction). The Scottish Rite has meetings, and programs similar to Craft Masonry. I belong to the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (the Shriners). The shrine is a "fun army" of masonry. Although not a masonic organization, membership in a masonic lodge is pre-requisite for joining. The Shrine has dances, parties, all kind of activities for the member AND HIS LADY. The shrine has alcoholic beverages (most masonic lodges do not), the shrine has gaming, poker, etc. (most masonic lodges do not) , and the Shrine has the greatest philanthopy in the world, the Shriners hospitals for crippled children and burned children. I have helped transport children to the hospitals for treatment. It is a real miracle to see what goes on in our hospitals. ALL treatment is FREE!! I transported a child, who had spina bifida (spinal cord not closed at birth). This child had 20 operations before he was two years old. His father pumps gas, and had no medical insurance. The shriners hospitals provides all the treatment for FREE. Here in Iraq, we have a Masonic Square and Compasses Club, and we are collecting soap/personal care items for free distribution to the troops. We are also collecting sporting goods and recreational equipment for the Gym and Rec Hall. Lodges all over the USA and overseas are supporting our efforts. You can spend as much time as you like in Masonry, and the appendant bodies. Think of Masonry as a "cafeteria" where you can select which activity you like, and devote as much time as you like. Please feel free to contact me, if you have additional questions. I love to talk about Masonry.
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THE ROBOCOP |
Please do ask questions. If they can be answered, someone will. |
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Member |
Are there qualifications associated with the classes? Education, physical, etc?
Are the meetings mandatory? Pay the bills - huh?! Visitors - like who?! Are they masons too?
Do I get to choose, and how would I know their differences?
I know of the Shriners. Always liked the little buggies in parades. I love to do what I can for those who need it.
I had no idea it was so open to picking and choosing. I was under the impression there were levels to being a mason, not just the 3 you mentioned. Is that a different order? Someone who posted here mentioned a level 31 or something - what is that about? I have seen cars with more than just three circular emblems on them, what do they stand for? Degrees, level, etc? |
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THE ROBOCOP |
If you have any more questions...please ask away. |
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Member |
I am delighted to answer your questions! I will do the best I can.
Yes, you can join the fraternity, and then not be very active. When I was in college, I did not spend much time with Masonry. Once I was established in my career, and had more free time, I became more involved. Fact is, we have many "dues payers" who join the fraternity, and then do not attend meetings, or participate. My home lodge in Kentucky has about 600 members, but they are lucky if 20(twenty) members show up for a business meeting. Masonry is like any other club, in that you can join, pay your dues, and then not go to meetings, there is no "mandatory" number of meetings you must attend per year, or any thing like that. See my other posting. The amount of time you choose to devote to the craft, and the appendant bodies is entirely up to you. When I lived in Saudi Arabia, I was very active. Leisure and recreational activities are sparse in Saudi, and the lodges have all kinds of activities. I really cherished Freemasonry during the time I was in Saudi. The cost is variable. We are NOT a rich man's club. Many people of modest income participate in our organization. Dues vary from state to state and from lodge to lodge. If you are in an old lodge, which already owns their building, and they are not paying a mortgage, then dues are less. If you belong to a younger lodge, which is trying to retire a mortgage, your dues will be a bit higher. My home lodge in Kentucky has dues of $55.00 per year (this includes the local lodge and the annual assessment for the Grand Lodge of Kentucky). We have fund-raisers and spaghetti dinners, and pancake breakfasts, to help meet operating expenses, and this holds down the dues costs, and also are great fun as well. Of course, when you choose to join some of the other 100 appendant bodies, you will have to pay dues to each organization you join. More memberships, more costs. There is no "rank" in Masonry, in the traditional sense. Masons meet "on the level" each man valued for his own individuality and worth. You will often see PHd's and men of influence in their communities, setting up chairs and tables, being directed by someone who is a factory worker or college student, and doing it gladly. You petition(apply) to a lodge, and then if you are accepted, you join as an Entered Apprentice, then a Fellow Craft, and then a Master Mason. There are no higher level or ranks in Masonry than that of a Master Mason. If you choose to expand your knowledge of Masonry, and participate more deeply, you may choose to go on to the "higher degrees" of Masonry. The Scottish Rite has 29 additional degrees. (I have completed these, and now I am a 32d degree Mason). Many Masons choose to identify their vehicles by getting a plastic self-adhesive medallion and placing it on their vehicle. In Kentucky, and most states, you can get a Masonic license plate from the Dept of motor vehicles. Here in Iraq, I have a medallion on my desert buggy. As explained previously, each petitioner will be charged dues on an annual basis, most lodges have an entry fee, to cover the costs of joining the lodge. When you complete the ceremony for Master Mason, newly made masons are often presented with a Holy Bible, and/or other books on Masonry. The entry fee for new candidates also covers the first years dues, and a subscription to a Masonic journal or magazine, depending on the state. As far as differences, that question has no precise answer. I have attended lodges in 11 states and two foreign countries (France and Saudi Arabia). I am setting up a lodge in Iraq. The fraternity is the same wonderful, marvelous, fantastic organization anywhere I go. There are some minor differences in the ritual work, and ceremonies, but these are very small. Once you are mason anywhere, you are welcome in lodges all over the world. Masonry is NOT a secret organization. We identify ourselves with rings, belt buckles,etc. Many states have an official masonic license plate. Our buildings are clearly marked, most lodges and grand lodges have internet websites. (see www.nymasons.org one of the best). Masonry is a PRIVATE organization. What goes on in the meetings is private, and kept between the members. Like a family or a business, or a sports team, the planning sessions are kept only for those who have a "need to know", and are members of the family/business/sports team. Meeting rooms are private, and the windows are blocked/sealed/painted for privacy only. Keep the questions coming! I am enjoying this.
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THE ROBOCOP |
Are there qualifications associated with the classes? Education, physical, etc?
The only requirement is that you are of good report and well-recommended. There are no physical exams (if that's what you mean). Are the meetings mandatory? Pay the bills - huh?! Visitors - like who?! Are they masons too? The meetings are not mandatory, but well worth the time. Paying the bills is an inner lodge working...you don't have to worry about it unless you are an officer of the lodge. Visitors are other Masons who may come from anywhere in the world to visit the lodge. There are Masons and lodges in every continent in the world...even Antartica! Do I get to choose, and how would I know their differences? Well...it's not that simple. You start at the beginning, like everyone else. Once you are a Master Mason, then you branch out. By the time you become a Master Mason, you will have enough knowledge to decide where you want to go from there. I had no idea it was so open to picking and choosing. I was under the impression there were levels to being a mason, not just the 3 you mentioned. Is that a different order? Someone who posted here mentioned a level 31 or something - what is that about? I have seen cars with more than just three circular emblems on them, what do they stand for? Degrees, level, etc?[/QUOTE] Yes, there are many more things beyond beign a 3rd Degree Master Mason...but these things you can only find out once you are on the inside....The emblems on the cars stand for may of these 'levels' and compartments of Masonry...but again, you can only find out from the inside out. |
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Member |
Wow, sounds good.
Not expensive is a good thing, but what do you mean by 'more memberships'?
How often does one NOT get accepted? What kind of thing disqualifies a person? Yes, degrees, that is what I was wondering about when I asked about 'levels'. How does one advance in degree? Is it hard?
I understand the difference. Kind of like DoD classified info - need-to-know. I get it.
I too am enjoying this. Thanks!! |
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Member |
Good report and well recommended? Can you elaborate? If they don't even know me, how would I be 'recommended'? Report? As in credit report? Or police report? Interesting.
Yes, there are many more things beyond beign a 3rd Degree Master Mason...but these things you can only find out once you are on the inside....The emblems on the cars stand for may of these 'levels' and compartments of Masonry...but again, you can only find out from the inside out.[/QUOTE] Ohhhhhh, I get it (kind of). How long can these levels take to advance? Is it a personal thing or is there a time requirements? What is the highest? Is it based on which lodge you join? |
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THE ROBOCOP |
Good report and well recommended? Can you elaborate? If they don't even know me, how would I be 'recommended'? Report? As in credit report? Or police report? Interesting.
You must receive the 'recommendation' of someone to receive a petition to join. Then, an investigative committee is sent out to meet with you, interview you, etc. Then, the committee makes their recommendation as well. Ohhhhhh, I get it (kind of). How long can these levels take to advance? Is it a personal thing or is there a time requirements? What is the highest? Is it based on which lodge you join?[/QUOTE] Yes, it is a personal thing. To learn what is necessary may take you a month or a year...it depends on how much time you put intoit. The highest person in any lodge is the Master of the Lodge... but all Masons meet 'on the level'... no one is more or less important than any other. |
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Member |
Wow. A committee meets with me. At my home? Some other mutual meeting place? How would I even get started in the process? If I see a car with the 'badges' on it, do I stop them and ask to be one? Do I find a local lodge and get in contact with the POC? What kind of thing disqualifies a person? Political affiliation? Religion? Income? I looked at the petition from the NY Mason website, what kind of references are they looking for; masons, or friends and family? Do the forms vary based on the lodge? The questions seemed easy to answer truthfully.
I meant, is there a highest degree possible, in other words, is the 32nd degree the highest degree possible? Is it based on your path after reaching Master Mason? One cannot pass the Master of the Lodge? If not, why? |
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Member |
Nice site! Is there a general site that links ALL masons and lodges? |
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THE ROBOCOP |
Wow. A committee meets with me. At my home? Some other mutual meeting place?
Yes, they meet you at your home...at least, that's the way we do it in my lodge. How would I even get started in the process? If I see a car with the 'badges' on it, do I stop them and ask to be one? Do I find a local lodge and get in contact with the POC? It may surprise you to know that you may already know many Masons. I would say that the best place to start is by looking around to the people you know to see if any of them are wearing Masonic rings or emblems (jewelry or on their cars). Then ask them. If not, you should look around for your closest local Masonic Lodge and find anyone who you can meet with in person. What kind of thing disqualifies a person? Political affiliation? Religion? Income? Not strictly. I looked at the petition from the NY Mason website, what kind of references are they looking for; masons, or friends and family? Preferably Masons...but co-workers and friends who can speak of your ethics and character will do just fine. Do the forms vary based on the lodge? The questions seemed easy to answer truthfully. The petitions are very basic, and should be fairly straight-forward. I meant, is there a highest degree possible, in other words, is the 32nd degree the highest degree possible? Is it based on your path after reaching Master Mason? One cannot pass the Master of the Lodge? If not, why?[/QUOTE] When you speak of 'degrees' there are many factors involved; including but not limited to your path you choose after you reach Master Mason. It is a very individualized path that would be too lengthy and probably inappropriate for me to explain in an open forum. These are matters that are very personal to a man and involve many secrets of our society. But it is a journey that will change you forever. |
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Member |
Yahoo - Freemasonry
I think this answered my question regarding the degrees I was asking about. Is your degree and title 'hush, hush'? What degree are you? Can I ask how long it has taken you to get there? Excerpt from the link: "If he does, however, he has the choice of advancing through about 100 different rites, encompassing some 1,000 higher degrees, throughout the world. In the United States, the two most popular rites are the Scottish and the York. The Scottish Rite awards 30 higher degrees, from Secret Master (Fourth Degree) to Sovereign Grand Inspector General (Thirty-third Degree). The York Rite awards ten degrees, from Mark Master to Order of Knights Templar, the latter being similar to a Thirty-third Degree Scottish Rite Mason." Is this fairly accurate? |
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Gone, snake 6-3-6 |
Bros., I am an observer in California.
The Crusading Templars were hit pretty hard in France, quashing further Crusades. What do you think modern Masons must do, to ease the coming time of rebirth or disaster? You have not finked out the inflationary, actually ILLEGAL long-term power deals, and so, the ones in California ALONE are enough to knock out the world's funds, running five years. But ALL are unwise, and nuclear power may not be funded, nor may military aid to ISRAEL, in the wake of 9/11/2001. What are YOU doing, to warn the US and the world, of various come-uppance, to be expected 2008-2013, as a direct result of your EARLIER configurations, leading to your modern dilletantes and apparent disjunction from the Bush Crusades, yet you are connected, ubiquitously? Can you put the modern Crusade in perspective? Stuff like: Ancient Judea WAS in the area of the West Bank until 126 AD helps, to notice! Your fashioners of old include the very unstable Guy the King and the Master who sold out the Defenders of Jerusalem in pique, to be ransomed unusually, then killed, later. Seems to me modern masons get to go against the Halliburton war, or rue the Intifadas, to come. |
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THE ROBOCOP |
No...some of this is not 'hush-hush'. Personally, I am a Master Mason and the Junior Warden of my lodge. It took me approximately 3 months to reach the Master Mason level (one month per degree). As the Junior Warden at my lodge, I have some duties to perform in the forms and ceremonies of the lodge. As for the Scottish and/or York Rites, I do not know and will probably not know for sure until I make my decision to choose either one of those paths. It will probably be another 2 or 3 years before I'm ready for that. |
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I agree, Masonary is not a secret organization.
It is a organization with some secrets and very few of them, I might add. Just like any of our families and the business that some of us work for. Nothing out of line. Any thing that is written down in print is not considered "secret", plain and simple. That is considered public knowledge. |
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Member |
Why so long before choosing a path? Personal choice or lodge requirement? Are those the only two rites available? Are there various paths within each rite - there seems to be a lot of variety out there, are they ALL covered under these two? |
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THE ROBOCOP |
It's more of a personal choice. Just like dmuhler said, there are many organizations out there...and a member can choose one or none. As for me, I am first going through the "chairs" or officer posts within my lodge. I mentioned earlier that I'm currently the Junior Warden of the lodge....I sitll have some ways to go before I make it to Master of the Lodge. Perhaps after that I will consider going further...it all depends on what's going on in life. |
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