Masonic members

[Pilgrim]

In the General section there was talk of Belly Masons. At least 2 members of this forum are Masons. How many do we have out there and what Lodge do you belong to.


Me: 25 years at May Flower in Middleboro

 

[dwarven1]

To my knowlege, Pilgrim, we have at least 6 Masons on the board... inlcuding one from the Phillipines.

17 years at Franklin Lodge, Grafton, MA - Past Master twice and currently Secretary.

Ross

 

[Pilgrim]

Thanks for the reply, Worshipful !

I remember Hiram Abif but not any others that were 'obvious'.

I served 4 years as Treasurer and 15 years as a Trustee.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Blue Hill Lodge AF & AM in Canton, MA here since 1981. Asked and sponsored by late Police Chief, who was Master of the Lodge at the time.

I just warm a seat on the sidelines!

 

[JonJ]

15 years at Plymouth Lodge. 2 time PM and currently Marshal.
Jon

 

[MidKnight]

I'm not a Mason, but I'd like to chime in here.

I found out my Grandfather was/is a Mason last time I visited. I've known NOTHING about the Masons. Here's the odd thing... I knew my grandfather was a Shriner, but was unaware they were a Masonic group. He's 90 now and not active in the group anymore. Next time I go visit, I planned on talking to him about this because I'm interested in it.

My question for you guys is, how does one become a Mason and what are the duties involved?

If this is something that is better suited to asking a family member, please tell me and I'll wait until next time I see my grandfather.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Len-2A Training]

Some of our PMs here are better versed in answering this question do so.

In the meantime here's a website to take a look at and get some of your questions answered.

http://www.askafreemason.org/

 

[Lynne]

Am I correct in stating that the female version of the Masons is the Eastern Star group?

 

[Len-2A Training]

Am I correct in stating that the female version of the Masons is the Eastern Star group?

Yes. However to join, there has to be a familial connection with Masonry. I don't recall how far back counts, as neither my Wife or I have had any interest in joining the organization.

 

[Lynne]

Am I correct in stating that the female version of the Masons is the Eastern Star group?

Yes. However to join, there has to be a familial connection with Masonry. I don't recall how far back counts, as neither my Wife or I have had any interest in joining the organization.

Would an Uncle who was past Master and still involved count?

 

[Martlet]

Philanthropic Lodge, Marblehead

 

[Len-2A Training]

Am I correct in stating that the female version of the Masons is the Eastern Star group?

Yes. However to join, there has to be a familial connection with Masonry. I don't recall how far back counts, as neither my Wife or I have had any interest in joining the organization.

Would an Uncle who was past Master and still involved count?

Lynne, it looks like you qualify. Check out the following webpage and click on the membership link for info you need.

http://www.easternstar.org/oes/frame.html

 

[Lynne]

Thanks Len.

 

[JonJ]

I'm not a Mason, but I'd like to chime in here.

I found out my Grandfather was/is a Mason last time I visited. I've known NOTHING about the Masons. Here's the odd thing... I knew my grandfather was a Shriner, but was unaware they were a Masonic group. He's 90 now and not active in the group anymore. Next time I go visit, I planned on talking to him about this because I'm interested in it.

My question for you guys is, how does one become a Mason and what are the duties involved?

If this is something that is better suited to asking a family member, please tell me and I'll wait until next time I see my grandfather.

Thanks in advance.

Well asking how to become a Mason is the first step in becoming one. You have just started the process and now it's up to you to complete it!
I'd ask your Grandfather about it and tell him you want to join. You will need a sponsor and if he's a member of a local Lodge (maybe the one you want to join) he will sponsor you. He will more than likely be very proud to do that. If he's not a member of the Lodge that you want to join, he may know someone that is and that person will sponsor you.
If niether happens, tell us where you are, we'll find the Lodge local to you and we will contact someone there to get in touch with you to get the ball rolling.
Try this link for lots of info: http://www.glmasons-mass.org/
Anymore Q's just ask!

Edited to add link

 

[Cledus J. Crabb]

Raised along with my father at Satuit Lodge (Scituate) Jan of 97. My uncle was Master at the time. My other uncle coached me through the ritual for all three degrees.
Sat on the sidelines for one meeting, got in line pretty much right off been around the chairs, skipping the East, did Sr. Deacon two more years ( the Middle Chamber is my personal favorite) and just finished up as Jr. Warden.
Did a stint as "Rainbow Dad" before we lost our charter and closed our chapter.
Maybe I'll do WM when work commitments relax a bit.
Perhaps a visit to a centrally located Lodge would be something to think about.
Oh.......and in case anyone's interested, it was the best thing I ever did.
Fraternally,
TACJC

 

[JonJ]

Who's your uncle, Cledus?

 

[Cledus J. Crabb]

Worshipful John "Bub" Brown

 

[MidKnight]

JonJ,

Thanks for that response.

Unfortunately my grandfather lives down near Harrisburg PA. He's 90 (still gets around and is pretty sharp tho) and lives in a retirement village so he's not active anymore. Next time I see him I'll sit down and talk to him about it. From what I know, he asked my dad once if he wanted to be a mason. My father had no interest. Grandad never brought it up again.

One final question (I think):

What's the average age of a Mason? I'm 24 and have always assumed that the Masons were more around my fathers age (he was a rotarian, I've always wanted to join a charity/community help group). I'm not saying an age difference is a deal breaker, but I'm just wondering.

Again, thanks!!

 

[Nickle]

I checked, the Masons actually don't want me, due to my religious beliefs (Atheist), but there may be a way around that.

Seems that the problem is oaths. Well, I don't have that problem, since I'm a decent Atheist, and respect others, even will swear "so help me God". I'm smart enough to figure out that it's easier than the dumb assed refusal that some Atheists make. They're also the ones that are claiming "seperation of church and state" about everything. Shame on them. I get along with others, and respect their beliefs.

 

[JonJ]

Cledus, I know your uncle John but didn't know his nickname was "Bub". I know quite a few guys from Satuit Lodge.

Mid, I don't know the exact average age but it's definately "older". You'll find some Lodges can be populated with older guys and some other Lodges that actively pursue new members have a "younger" side to them.
The more active Lodges have a wide range of ages.

Nick, that is a problem. You must believe in a Supreme Being. What that Supreme Being is, is up to you however.

 

[Pilgrim]

The only age requirement is at least 21. We have a mix of ages but I'd say the average 'active' member age is somewhere in the 40's.... many in the 20's and thirties...many more in the 50's and 60's +.

The response about a supreme being is correct. The way it was explained to me was that this is necessary to validate your oath. If you swear upon your supreme being, you probably mean what you say.

I claim no organized religion but I do believe that something got everything in the universe going, so to me there has to be a supreme being.. who or what it is I don't know but I'm ready to recognize him/it. The Bible on the alter is as good a representation of that being as any. I have no problem swearing on the Bible as an affirmation of my faith in that Being.

I don't know if that makes me an atheist or not but it was sufficient for me to join.

 

[Nickle]

Sounds like a TRUE Atheist has no REAL problem, though the whiny ones that want everybody to be Atheist would not be welcome. I can live with that.

Hell, I've ALWAYS said that folks should have their own beliefs. I don't want someone else's crammed down my throat, so, I don't cram my beliefs down other folk's throats.

 

[dwarven1]

The only age requirement is at least 21. We have a mix of ages but I'd say the average 'active' member age is somewhere in the 40's.... many in the 20's and thirties...many more in the 50's and 60's +.

Pilgrim, the age requirement in MA is now 18. We raised a guy last year right after he turned 18; his dad is a PM.

Midknight, we have members in our lodge who range from 19 to 91... mostly we have guys from about late 20's to late 40's who are the active ones and show up for all the meetings. But don't let that throw you! Masons are one of the friendliest bunch I've ever met, and most don't care how old/young you are.

What town do you live in?

Ross

 

[JonJ]

Masons are one of the friendliest bunch I've ever met, and most don't care how old/young you are.


Ross

+1 A real Brotherhood

 

[Lynne]

I hate it when I don't pay attention....I just realized that there already was a thread for you guys in Off Topic (thanks Darius), so I deleted the other one.

I'm too damn busy trying to fix my media player and not doing my job in here. [roll]

Continue.....

 

[Martlet]

Sounds like a TRUE Atheist has no REAL problem, though the whiny ones that want everybody to be Atheist would not be welcome. I can live with that.

Hell, I've ALWAYS said that folks should have their own beliefs. I don't want someone else's crammed down my throat, so, I don't cram my beliefs down other folk's throats.

A true Atheist would have a real problem becoming a Mason.


You must believe in a Supreme Being. An Atheist can not become a Mason.

 

[Nickle]

A true Atheist would have a real problem becoming a Mason.


You must believe in a Supreme Being. An Atheist can not become a Mason.

A TRUE Atheist could take the oath. I've done that so many times it isn't even close to funny. Most so called "Atheists" aren't so much Atheist as "Pain in the ass". You know the "Atheists" that bitch about the Menorah and Nativity in the Town Park? A TRUE Atheist wouldn't give a shit about either.

My Supreme Being (yes, I have one) is no other than ME. To me, yours is YOU. See the point, yet?

 

[MidKnight]

Dwarven1...

What town do you live in?

Quincy, MA.

And it's encouraging to hear everyone say that it's such a friendly group. In the coming weeks I'll be looking more and more into it. I'll call my granddad this weekend and talk to him about it.

I'm working full time and going to school at night for Architecture so I don't have an amazing amount of free time (not to mention the fiance and I are planning a wedding!!). So, we'll see how this all shakes out, but I really appreciate the info that you guys have put forward in this thread.

 

[JonJ]

Great Mid, I hope that if you decide it's for you, you follow through. I'm sure Grand Dad will be excited and very proud of you.

Nick, the application for membership asks you if you believe in a Supreme Being but does not ask who/what that Being is.

 

[Nickle]

Yeah, Jon, I saw that on their website yesterday. That's when I figured out the loophole. 2 ways to do it.

One, you have to believe in a "Supreme Being", of your choice. It looks like don't ask, don't tell to me on this.

Two, the only way they know is when you swear an oath. I learned LONG ago it's easier to swear to God in the military, than to explain why you don't swear to God. For a TRUE Atheist, it's a no-brainer. Just swear to God, and get on with it.

On a side note, did anyone here know what Islam, Judaism and Christianity have in common? The SAME God. Both Islam and Christianity are "spin offs" of Judaism. The funny thing is that a LOT of "Christians" don't know this.