Assuming you have wandered into the "Freemasons In The Military" forum out of interest (and not looking for a conflict), what is it that has attracted you to Freemasonry?

I ask out of both curiousity and to help those members who may also be curious and interested in growing the craft/fraternity.

I would prefer that those Masons who follow this thread (assuming it gets off the ground) to not be too quick to correct any perceived misconceptions of any non-Masons unless they are so far off base or are attempting to be offensive or slander the craft.

Everyone has to have a reason for joining a group. Ideally, someone would have multiple reasons. I would like to see some of them expressed here. I will add my reasons once I can see that this thread has legs.

And as I am making the rules on this, the poster should feel free to be as descriptive or brief as they like.

Also, interest should not be confused with intent. Even if you do not foresee yourself as a Mason in the near future... what is it about Freemasonry that has brought you this far?

Hmmmmmm,

What interests me about the Freemason?

When I was younger I had always thought it would be "Neat" to be a Freemason and get to where the cool ring and do secret handshakes.

When I got older I have to be honest that when I first thought about the Mason's it was purly selfish reasons. Econmic presperity/contacts and maybe even carreer enhancing.

After reading almost every post in this forum I see that the only thing missing in my own works is the organization or brotherhood to share in the workload of the betterment of all mankind. I am a U.S. Navy Corpsmen and very proud of the heritage of that Corps. I have been all over the Globe both in war efforts and humanitarian assistance and I have come to a conclusion. It does not matter what religion or race you are there are good people and bad, those that want to help and those that wish only to hinder, those that seek to build new and beautiful futures and those who only wish to tear it all down because of the past.

Everything I have read here including the links to other informative sites both for and against the Mason's have expanded my knowledge and for that I am grateful. It is my personal belief that the Mason's are of good order and morale character. There love for their fellow man is honest and true. They look to build strong homes, comunities, nations one man at a time and I admire that.

I would like to thank all the Mason's that have posted on this board for the great amount information you have shared.

Very Respectfully, HM1(FMF) Doyle J. McClellan Jr.(RT)R

As the individual who originally suggested the establishment of this board, I am deeply grateful for your statements. I hope that the information you have learned here, has been helpful to you, it sure sounds like it has.

So where do you go from here? You must realize by now that you will not be invited to join the Craft. Masonry stresses Free Will and Accord. You must make the decision on your own. "Masonry does not seek men, Men seek Masonry".

The US Navy and Masonry have a long and illustrious history together. John Paul Jones, the founder of the US Navy was a Freemason. Stephen Decatur, William "Bull" Halsey, Chester Nimitz, and many other distiguished Naval officers and CPO's have worn the Mason's apron with pride.

I have been privileged to be a Mason for 25 years. The only thing I regret about my Masonic career, is that I was not a Mason when I was on active duty in the Air Force.

If you decide, of your own free will and accord, to seek the light of the Craft, we will help you.

The first for me is belonging to one of the oldest fraternaties in the world, and being among like-minded people who I would have no problem calling "Brothers." (I do like the idea of belonging to a group that is sort of a mystery). I like the idea of "close-knitness." I do look forward to undertaking this adventure.

For me it is quite simple what attracted me to masonry...I commented on another board that it was around 1994 in California, but thinking back I'd have to say it goes back much further. It was those men I respected most in my life and there character and howthey carried themselves that made me want to be like them. From my Great Grand Father Poppa Dudley who I later found out was a Master with Great Light, seeing my uncle John wear his ring and asking him what it all ment and he never told me...my high school football coach Mr Brooks, My dad, and former Marine Corps Sgt. R. Bradshaw. These are just some of the people that have made a positive impact on my life and people that I model myself after. Those men lead me to do research on my own to find out more about masonry itself and what it does for mankind. All these factors keep me seeking light and requesting petitions through worthy brothers. I am not a Mason today only because time has not been on my side. I am not discouraged because of it and I will continue until I am raised to the degree of MM and beyond.

I know this thread is old in internet years, but I just found this section of the forum, so bear with me.

I always thought the Freemasons were a secret society, and of course, anything secret means people look into it harder. I get bored easily and read about random subjects. One day I happened to do some reading about the Freemasons and learned about the symbol with the compass and square. That stuck in the back of my head until I was going past a building in town and saw the symbol.

Imagine my surprise when I realize a building I've gone past a thousand times is blatantly displaying the Freemason symbol. I was excited for a couple of hours, then the newness of my 'discovery' wore off.

Just a few weeks ago I happened to be exploring more of the military.com forums, I stick to the Navy section almost exclusively, and I found this section. Now imagine how much more surprised I was to discover an ancient fraternity had discovered the web!

Now of course I realize that it's not very secret at all.

Knowing that it's not secret has made it more attractive to me for a number of reasons.

The first is that a large number of respected men in history have Freemasons, and to join in a fraternity with them would be an honor.


Second, many of the most highly respected men in my community are Freemasons. Whether they're Freemasons because they're such good people, or they're good people because they're Freemasons doesn't matter much to me. It would be a like honor to be in a brotherhood with them.

Third, I'll be leaving for the military in a few months, and I'll have to make all those friends again. Having a brotherhood to which I belong no matter where in the world I go would be wonderful.

Fourth, there's still an element of the unknown about the Freemasons. There's a lot of information available on the internet, but I can't help but feel like there's so much I don't know. (Yes, the reason I have that feeling is because there IS a lot I don't know. )

If I thought about it more, I'm sure I could find a few more reasons.

Family tradition.

In honor of my fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc, who came before me.

quote:

Originally posted by Mjolnir13B:
Assuming you have wandered into the "Freemasons In The Military" forum out of interest (and not looking for a conflict), what is it that has attracted you to Freemasonry?

I ask out of both curiousity and to help those members who may also be curious and interested in growing the craft/fraternity.

I would prefer that those Masons who follow this thread (assuming it gets off the ground) to not be too quick to correct any perceived misconceptions of any non-Masons unless they are so far off base or are attempting to be offensive or slander the craft.

Everyone has to have a reason for joining a group. Ideally, someone would have multiple reasons. I would like to see some of them expressed here. I will add my reasons once I can see that this thread has legs.

And as I am making the rules on this, the poster should feel free to be as descriptive or brief as they like.

Also, interest should not be confused with intent. Even if you do not foresee yourself as a Mason in the near future... what is it about Freemasonry that has brought you this far?

Great thread. So, what do the non-Masons have to say? Just curious.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator
Military.Com

In my opinion, Freemasonry has preserved many ancient philosophies rather like insects in amber. As many Freemasons themselves have pointed out, it has forgotten a few things too, but half a loaf is usually better than none at all.

To the extent that Freemasonry allows a glimpse of ancient philosophies like the Theraputae, Pythagoreans, Essenes and Templars, it interests me.

Growing up in a family that wore rings that had G's on them and sticker's in the car windows I never gave it much thought. Grandpa always had Shrine Circus tickets for us kids, I just figured he had an inside connection, because g'pa was a cool cat! Then mom said, "we're going to the lodge tonight for Uncle Robins....can't remember the name" But it was a ceremony that family was allowed to be at. So that's that's when the idea and mystery seed got planted. That was YEEEEars ago. My oldest brother became a FM a few years ago, he's still active in Dalghrem VA. He has rekindled my interest, when the time is right and I have some ducks in a row I do have sincere intentions of becoming a FM. The local lodge, I believe it would be classified as a service lodge?...is right down the road, a neighbor is a FM in that same lodge as my Uncle. What little I do know, for those interested is to read the information available for general public. Because I too thought it would be cool to become a ringknocker for personal gain. But it's much more than that.
Thanks for this entire forum, I just came acrossed it tonight. And if any FM out in the Dalgrem area know my Brother, tell him I'll want grandpa's ring once I get to my proper degree...lol
He was given grandpa's ring for Christmas...he cried like a little baby.

quote:

Originally posted by FT2SSEhrhart:
Growing up in a family that wore rings that had G's on them and sticker's in the car windows I never gave it much thought. Grandpa always had Shrine Circus tickets for us kids, I just figured he had an inside connection, because g'pa was a cool cat! Then mom said, "we're going to the lodge tonight for Uncle Robins....can't remember the name" But it was a ceremony that family was allowed to be at. So that's that's when the idea and mystery seed got planted. That was YEEEEars ago. My oldest brother became a FM a few years ago, he's still active in Dalghrem VA. He has rekindled my interest, when the time is right and I have some ducks in a row I do have sincere intentions of becoming a FM. The local lodge, I believe it would be classified as a service lodge?...is right down the road, a neighbor is a FM in that same lodge as my Uncle. What little I do know, for those interested is to read the information available for general public. Because I too thought it would be cool to become a ringknocker for personal gain. But it's much more than that.
Thanks for this entire forum, I just came acrossed it tonight. And if any FM out in the Dalgrem area know my Brother, tell him I'll want grandpa's ring once I get to my proper degree...lol
He was given grandpa's ring for Christmas...he cried like a little baby.

Great story. After you get your ring, let us know how you felt and how you reacted. FYI - I am wearing my father's Masonic ring given to me the day of his Masonic memorial by my cousin a Past Master who presided over dad's funeral. There is nothing wrong with being emotional for the right reasons. We were all emotional that cold winter day in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

Thank you for those words. Right now I'm just getting some higher priorities in place. With a temporary living arrangement and some past issues for an attorney, let's just say first things first. I'm not sure what kind of reaction I'd get during the interview of my currently living arrangements. HAHa, but since my neighbor wears a ring and it would be that lodge...blah blah..you can probably fill in the blanks...because I'm not sure how much I should already know and not know about the FM..wouldn't want to slip online. Thanks again!

Simply, it was the "funny guys in hats" that gave me pause and sparked my interest in the Masons.

Anything that has to do with giving children a greater chance at life has me interested. I am a militray spouse, and I have assumed the mantle of full time parent and full time business owner, but have yet to reacquire the friendship and brotherhood I had in my youth.

I am actively associating with a Mason, and have yet to decide whether to apply. As in all my life's decisions...taking due time to ensure it's the right decision for me.

Some excellent responses on this board! I am delighted to see them. I was attracted to the fraternity, because men I respected, including both my grandfathers were masons.

I have my Grampaw's ring, I wrote an article for the Scottish Rite Journal.

I thoroughly enjoy the Scottish Rite, and the Shrine. My ex-wife enjoyed the Shrine functions very much. My current wife is very interested in joining the Eastern Star, once I return from Afghanistan.

The reason I peek in, from time to time, is that I can trace FreeMasons in my own family back 6 generations. My father being the last.

Since my family's conversion to Catholicism (prior to my birth), my father and 2 of his three sons have joined the Knights of Columbus. As a Knight, I have worked WITH the Masons on many projects, and we have shared dinners together.

I look forward to the day when Rome will update it's out-of-date letters from past Papal seats, and once again allow Catholic Gentlemen to be members. I fear this may never happen, though, due to the amount of money the Knights donate to Rome, and the Papal City.

quote:

Originally posted by fmfdoc451:

I look forward to the day when Rome will update it's out-of-date letters from past Papal seats, and once again allow Catholic Gentlemen to be members. I fear this may never happen, though, due to the amount of money the Knights donate to Rome, and the Papal City.

Freemasonry allows Catholic gentlemen into our ranks. I am an example of such a Mason who is also Catholic. Not to touch on a controversial subject, but Catholicism has biases against various groups to include Freemasonry as noted in Canon's Law, but I don't concern myself with the politics of any religion. The next group that the Catholic hiarchy is biases against is women because with their shrinking population of Priests, women are forbidden to become pastors aka "Priests" of a Catholic Parish. I don't believe a religon should be biases against any group for mankind are imperfect creatures and all entitled to own individual beliefs unencumbered by any outside religious denomination. These are my personal views on this subject and this is what this forum is all about. Thanks for raising the subject.
Sincerely,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

The reason that I have an interest in Masonry, is that the church that I belong to was associated in it's founding with Masonry. I have talked to Masons about petitioning to join, but my wife, will have nothing to do with it. My wife's family dates to the early founding of the LDS church, she is a Smith, her grandparents were children of polygamist families. My in-laws just about disowned me when they found out that I was investigating Free and Accepted Masonry. I have found that there appears to be no conflict between Masonry and the LDS church, except that both require large amounts of time of the practitioners...
Respectfully, SUNLINER81

Thanks for your views regarding the LDS and Freemasonry. On a side note, I know many of the Mormon faith aka Church of LDS, and all that I have met are the nicest, most sincerely and wonderful individuals that I have had to pleasure to meet. I know that the Catholic church has issues with Freemasonry, but I haven't reported myself to the hiarchy of the church for they have no business with what I do on my personal time. I also live by the saying: "It is better to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission." The day I have to ask my church for permission on what outside groups I belong to is the day I know that I am affiliated with the wrong church and faith. My .02 cents.

Sincerely,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

quote:

Originally posted by TerryTCT:
Thanks for your views regarding the LDS and Freemasonry. On a side note, I know many of the Mormon faith aka Church of LDS, and all that I have met are the nicest, most sincerely and wonderful individuals that I have had to pleasure to meet. I know that the Catholic church has issues with Freemasonry, but I haven't reported myself to the hiarchy of the church for they have no business with what I do on my personal time. I also live by the saying: "It is better to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission." The day I have to ask my church for permission on what outside groups I belong to is the day I know that I am affiliated with the wrong church and faith. My .02 cents.

Sincerely,
/s/
Terry, PM
Indiana Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

As far as I know, the LDS church has no position one way or the other on the subject, you are left to the dictates of your own conscience as to what associations you choose, it is some of the members that have, for lack of a better term, "feelings" in the matter. Most Masons that I've had the pleasure of meeting, have no knowledge or any "feelings" in the matter. The Masons, as far as I know, want your wife to support you in the endeavor, mine won't...
I am earnestly seeking an understanding of the "feelings" of both groups on the subject...
Respectfully, SUNLINER81

Many of my heroes were masons, the brotherhood, and philanthropy. I never knew untill recently that I didn't have to be invited. I have found a lodge near my home that I want to join when I get all my finances settled.