Hello, I have a problem I live in PA and have contacted the PA Grand Lodge a little over a month ago, and inquired about joining. I gave them the required information and they said they would pass my information on to the Lodge nearest to me.

Now that it's been over a month, i'm a little concerned that maybe I slipped through the cracks? Or does it take a few months for them to get into contact with me? The only information the Lady at the PA Grand Lodge asked of me was my address/name/phone number.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you all for your time.

I will be glad to help you. First thing I want you to do is read this link:

http://www.masonicinfo.com/approaching.htm

It is about approaching a lodge, and being persistent. Please do not give up, the process is not complicated, but there is a procedure, so please work with me.

Second: Please send me the following information:

Name
Postal address
city state,zip
home phone/cell phone
email address
Your age
Have you ever petitioned a lodge of Masons in the past? (Sounds like you have not, but this is for the record)

Once I have this information, I will contact the lodge nearest your residence, and start the process. The secretary at the PA Grand Lodge is probably working on it, but it is always best to start at the local level.

I suggest you visit the part of this board labelled "So you want to be a mason", which has a lot of good information.

Also visit:

http://www.masonic-renewal.org/freemasonry_explained.htm

for more information.

I am more than glad to work with you, in getting a petition in, and helping you in the quest for light. I have assisted a couple of men through this board, who are now masons.

I lived in Philadelphia for a while, and visited lodges there, also I was involved with LuLu Shrine for a short while.

Welcome to Masonry,

PS. Please email me directly at cemab4y@hotmail.com for more help.

chitown,
I've recently petitioned the lodge in my town. I called the lodge, and there was a recording with the phone number of the man to call.He told me to meet him at his job to pick up the petition. Well, the man I talked to wasn't at work that day, but another mason was. He gave me the petition but did not know how much I had to pay for the initial process. I never heard anything back, so I dropped back by the mans workplace a few days later to see if he was there.He took my check, and said "we would like to meet with you on this date, and get to know you and answer any questions you may have about becoming a Mason".I don't know if they just forgot to get back with me, or if it was a test to see how serious I was about becoming a Mason. My advice, follow-up.

I am very excited about doing this. My father, and grandfather were both 32nd degrees masons of the scottish rite, and both past masters. My dad ( who just recently passed away) never tried to get me join, but he would talk about masonry when I would ask.The man I talked to when I got my petition told me he knows that my dad reall wanted me to join in the worst way, but mason don't recruit people, they wait to be asked.

quote:

Originally posted by Chitown86:
Hello, I have a problem I live in PA and have contacted the PA Grand Lodge a little over a month ago, and inquired about joining. I gave them the required information and they said they would pass my information on to the Lodge nearest to me.

Now that it's been over a month, i'm a little concerned that maybe I slipped through the cracks? Or does it take a few months for them to get into contact with me? The only information the Lady at the PA Grand Lodge asked of me was my address/name/phone number.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you all for your time.

Dear Friend: Freemasonry is a unique institution that has members who are deeply loyal to it. We however do not recruit and petitioners come to us on their own free will and accord. Your best friend, father, grandfather, uncle or cousin won't ask you to join. You might even make another inquiry, but not get a return call. Don't be alarmed, it may be a test. Be patient and keep trying and a door should be open for your reception. Best of luck and let us all know how you make out.

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

Here is a very important link:

http://www.masonicinfo.com/approaching.htm

DO NOT GIVE UP! If you keep after the lodge, they will come through for you. Some lodges have a rule, that the petitioner must make his request known repeatedly.

If you are persistent, like it says on this link, you will be find yourself on the way to being a mason.

quote:

Originally posted by Chitown86:
Hello, I have a problem I live in PA and have contacted the PA Grand Lodge a little over a month ago, and inquired about joining. I gave them the required information and they said they would pass my information on to the Lodge nearest to me.

Now that it's been over a month, i'm a little concerned that maybe I slipped through the cracks? Or does it take a few months for them to get into contact with me? The only information the Lady at the PA Grand Lodge asked of me was my address/name/phone number.

Any help will be greatly appreciated, thank you all for your time.

Look in your Yellow Pages and find the lodge nearest to your home. Call the secretary (It will be his phone number you see) and tell him you want to join. He will give you some names and phone numbers of members that you need to meet. They will sponsor you if they believe that you are sincere in your petition to join

I want to thank all of you for your help in this, especially cemab4y whom assisted me greatly!

I have a meeting set up for tomarrow morning, so it's one step closer, again thank you all very much for your time,
Anything you recommend me asking in particular?

quote:

Originally posted by Chitown86:
I want to thank all of you for your help in this, especially cemab4y whom assisted me greatly!

I have a meeting set up for tomarrow morning, so it's one step closer, again thank you all very much for your time,
Anything you recommend me asking in particular?

Yes, "When can I expect to hear from you or the lodge because several Past Masters I have spoken to told me to ask you that question." Wait and see what answer you get. I will stop there. Good luck.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM (Past Master)
Freemason
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Hot Topics Moderator

Have patience and keep knocking. The door will be opened for you.. I promise.