Posted: 11/28/2015 1:06:12 AM EDT
| I have thought about becoming a mason on and off for years. My grandfather was a mason at our local lodge forever. He wanted me to join, but couldn't ask me to become one. He knew I had to ask and he waited until he died for me to ask. Now my son has joined, but here I still sit, undecided. So, somebody recruit me. Convince me to get off the fence and to make the decision already. It doesn't matter which side I fall on, I either need to join or not, but I really need to quit sitting on the fence. So, one way or the other, somebody help me out. |
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From the Utah petition for membership: In all ages, Freemasonry has insisted that men should come to its doors unsolicited and entirely of their own free will and accord.
Reach out to the lodges in your area (https://www.scgrandlodgeafm.org/lodges-a-z.html). Get to know the members. See what Freemasonry has done for them and how they in turn are better fathers, husbands, friends, and citizens. Make the decision that you want to improve yourself as they did (and continue to do). Ask for a petition to join. Start your journey. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. |
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Moose, I believe that through his actions and example your grandfather has already recruited you. He waited for you, as my father waited for me. And I for one, am ashamed to say that I deprived him of a chance to be a proud man. You can bet that if he wanted you to join, he thought of you as a good man.
Your son is a Master Mason, so he is obviously a good man in other men's opinion. I can't see how you could be much different. A diseased tree doesn't grow prime fruit. So I would say my questions for you are, do you want to become a better man? Do you want to stand among other good men? Are you willing to be an example of what a good man is? If my questions describe you already, then you are one of us. You just haven't done the paperwork. When I joined i found the long lost family that I didn't know were missing. It is, and always will be up to you Moose. |
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We do not recruit., no Mason should be actively recruiting. You must ask a Lodge for a petition for membership, if your son lives locally to you that would be an excellent path for you to follow. Or, you can visit the Grand Lodge of South Carolina's website to find a Lodge near you.
GL of South Carolina |
| Moose keep in mind that George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, both Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, Davey Crockett, Buzz Aldrin, Winston Churchill, Lewis & Clark, Charles Lindbergh, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Mark Twain weren't recruited. They asked to become Freemasons. As did your grandfather and your son. That is pretty good company I would say. |
| Ok, no disrespect, because I came to yall for advice, but I think yall are missing my point. Tightline came the closest to what I was asking. I said in my post that I knew the masons didn't recruit, and I understand that. I also know the basic principle of the masons, to make good men better. On one hand, I don't need someone else to make me better, but on the other hand, people of good character like to gather with other people of good character. However, without sounding greedy, I guess I'm asking what advantage is there for me to be a mason vs.not being a mason. I am not a greedy person, and I try to put others before myself. So it's not like I'm looking for a reward for all my labor, I just want to know that I'm going to be able to make a difference at the end of my journey. So as a mason, will I? |
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Freemasonry is a society of men bound by Brotherhood, united through the practice of sound moral and spiritual values and a love of family. We place an emphasis on the individual man by helping him strengthen his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook, and broadening his mental horizons.
We believe in the principles of personal responsibility and morality, encouraging each member to practice in his daily life the lessons taught through symbolic ceremonies within the lodge. One of the universal doctrines of Freemasonry is a belief in the “Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of G-d”. Each Freemason practices the three principle tenets of this gentle craft: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, while promoting a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood transcending all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others. He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. Masons serve all humankind through fraternal and charitable opportunities found within the Masonic Family. Every day Freemasons give millions of dollars funding research to cure vascular diseases, treat diabetics to keep their limbs and sight, heal burn victims, help crippled children walk, lead genetic research in cardiac arrhythmia and the prevention of SIDS, teach dyslexic children to read, treat diseases of the eye and assist our veterans at VA Hospitals. We all obligate ourselves aid and assist our fellow man. It's what we do. If you are this kind of man, then Freemasonry is for you. If you desire anything else in return, then it's not. |
| Thank you PSI. That sounds like some good, useful information. I have to think about how much time I commit to the masons and how much time will be taken from my family in the process. I joined the elks lodge because I was the scoutmaster for their troop and it was a requirement that an elk member be in charge of their programs. I attended meetings because I had to be an active member. However, I was dedicated to the kids in the troop and really wasn't interested in the lodge. I don't want to become a mason and then lose interest. That would make me feel like a failure and let people down. And I would rather not be a mason than to be a non active mason. |
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Moose, you are correct. Freemasonry does make a man better. The craft is primarily a charitable organization, and through that endeavor a man becomes a better man. There is no secret magic wand that does it. It is the work. My local lodge does things at the hometown level. Among other more mundane things we sponsor four children at the childrens home, scholarships, and assistance to masonic widows. Our Scottish Rite works to help children with dyslexia. The Shriners, as you probably know, have our hospitals.
There is more than enough work, and we all want to take on even more. We need help, and we need the help of good men. You can do good things on your own. But with Masons you are part of a team of like minded men. Men who not only look out for others, but each other as well. There are several positions on our team and they all have their role. You can make as much of a difference as you are willing to work to do. The difference a Mason can make is both measurable and immeasurable. Measurable in the difference one can see with their own eyes. And immeasurable in the difference that a man like your grandfather made most likely made in your, and probably the lives of others. And that is the kind of difference that is passed down through generations. I have put myself in the company of men who, like my great grandfather, father, father in law, uncles, and many others have my respect and admiration. In doing so I think differently about my actions. I consciously think about what I do, and the example I set. I do my best to fill the shoes that I have chosen to walk in. My only reward to date has been compliments on a son well raised. That is all, and it is enough. Once again it is up to you. You are welcome to knock on our door. |
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Not to seem mean OP but if you are having such a hard time deciding, maybe you aren't ready. There is a process and that process starts with a VERY big part of Freemasonry, you must come to us of your own free will. If you have experienced things in your life that make Freemasonry seem appealing, or something you are interested in learning about, go to your local lodge and ask for a petition. YOU are the only one that can make that decision. I don't mean all of this in a negative or belittling manner. It simply makes the entire journey so much more worthwhile, and rewarding when you decide on your own. It is indeed a wonderful journey that takes dedication and hard work on your part.
If you are ready and begin YOUR journey, this will all make so much more sense to you. Best regards. |