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I've initiated a contact but then no more replies

dfreybur

Premium Member
What lodge has mandatory charity contributions?

We recently passed a change to our degree fees to make them net $100 each degree for candidates not already in the pipeline. The amount is different for each degree because of contributions that are included to bring the net up to $100. Part of the first is a contribution to the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Washington, DC (might not count as a charity, but it is broadly charitable). Part of the third is a contribution to the Masonic Charities in Texas. At least this part is a mandatory charity contribution.
 

AyrStrat

Texan-Brazilian Freemason
Site Benefactor
Premium Member
Thanks everyone for the help on this topic.

Just an update as things went: I've been visiting one lodge's open sessions, introducing myself and interacting with members.

I became close to two of the members because of our professional background and one of them already interacted with my family at some point in the past.

The website http://www.masonicinfo.com/ is great and I'm relying in some of its recommendations.

During this period of introductions and mutual knowledge gathering, how long should I wait before asking for a petition?

Thanks again and appreciate your help.
 
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Rifleman1776

Registered User
I am really turned off with the coat and tie requirement. In Arkansas and Missouri (my Lodge is in MO, I live in Arkansas) there is no dress code. We dress as we live. I believe we should accept a man/Mason for his internal values and not judge on the externals. Personally, I probably would not have joined if coat and tie were required and, today, would not attend. I don't think I am any less a man or Mason wearing jeans and sneakers than I would be in a suit.
 

Keith C

Registered User
I am really turned off with the coat and tie requirement. In Arkansas and Missouri (my Lodge is in MO, I live in Arkansas) there is no dress code. We dress as we live. I believe we should accept a man/Mason for his internal values and not judge on the externals. Personally, I probably would not have joined if coat and tie were required and, today, would not attend. I don't think I am any less a man or Mason wearing jeans and sneakers than I would be in a suit.

A counterpoint.

If everyone dresses as they wish it would show a distinction between Brothers of different socioeconomic groups. As most meeting are timed to have not a lot of time between work and Lodge most Brothers would arrive at Lodge directly from work, if there were no uniform dress requirement. Those wearing jeans and sneakers, those in slacks and a polo, those in a suit and tie. This immediately reveals a stratification in the type of work everyone does, which puts a burden on "meeting on the level," no matter how much one says they "wouldn't judge."

Everyone being required to wear a suit and tie brings us in closer to being on the level. It wouldn't HAVE to be a suit and tie, maybe khakis and a lodge polo shirt? But everyone dressing similarly helps to let us see each other without influence of clothing choice or necessity.

I would also add that it is my opinion that the "casualization" (I just made that word up) of society is a big part of the breakdown in civility and the increase in anti-social behavior. Going out to a fine dining establishment use to require a jacket and tie, now jeans and a clean t-shirt are ok! People now come to church dressed for the NFL game they are going to watch afterwards, and they get agitated if the sermon runs long and they are going to miss a pre-game beer or two.

Anyway, I digress and just offer this as my 2 cents.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
A counterpoint.

If everyone dresses as they wish it would show a distinction between Brothers of different socioeconomic groups. As most meeting are timed to have not a lot of time between work and Lodge most Brothers would arrive at Lodge directly from work, if there were no uniform dress requirement. Those wearing jeans and sneakers, those in slacks and a polo, those in a suit and tie. This immediately reveals a stratification in the type of work everyone does, which puts a burden on "meeting on the level," no matter how much one says they "wouldn't judge."

Everyone being required to wear a suit and tie brings us in closer to being on the level. It wouldn't HAVE to be a suit and tie, maybe khakis and a lodge polo shirt? But everyone dressing similarly helps to let us see each other without influence of clothing choice or necessity.

I would also add that it is my opinion that the "casualization" (I just made that word up) of society is a big part of the breakdown in civility and the increase in anti-social behavior. Going out to a fine dining establishment use to require a jacket and tie, now jeans and a clean t-shirt are ok! People now come to church dressed for the NFL game they are going to watch afterwards, and they get agitated if the sermon runs long and they are going to miss a pre-game beer or two.

Anyway, I digress and just offer this as my 2 cents.


I don't like this comment....I love it. Whole-heartedly agree. Great points.

Btw, if you can't afford a suit/tie or refuse to conform then Masonry may not be for you. (not you, Keith but the petitioner) It's that simple really.
 

MarkR

Premium Member
I've visited lodges here in Minnesota where the attire was tuxedos, lodges where the attire was shorts and tee shirts, and all levels in between. I enjoyed the experience at all of them. I really wish Masons would stop worrying about how somebody else's lodge dresses.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
One of the reasons I like the idea of coat and tie, or at least a fixed dress code by meeting type, is it helps level us.

I've sat in lodge with a Brother on one side who has to save to pay his annual dues and gets his coat at a local thrift shop. On the other side was a Brother was a net worth well into the millions who keeps a few older more worn coats to wear to lodge. You'd have to know both for several years to know the difference in their financial status.

But it is also true that the trend to going casual is easily overdone. Especially in the heat of summer it can be miserable to even walk in from the parking lot wearing a sports jacket so there's environmental pressure to dress down. One ends up in a hand made tropical shirt; another wears a tee shirt that has lost its color.
 

Rifleman1776

Registered User
Dear all,

For many years I've been reading and gathering information about Freemasonry. Now, I've finally decided to seek my initiation (I'm in the mid 30s)

The next step was to contact (email) a mason indicated by a friend, who then, referred me to another mason who lives in my state.

We've initiated contact via Whatsapp some months ago, had an initial conversation by phone and agreed to meet in person to move things forward after both of us return from business trips.

After returning, I've written to inform that I've arrived (it happened 1 month ago) but since then I received no more replies (Whatsapp shows the message as unread).

I'm not sure how to proceed here since I don't want to be pushy and I also don't know the proper etiquette in this case.

What would be a good next move, since I'm really interested in become a Freemason?

Thanks

Kind Regards


You should ask for a petition at the first opportunity. Various jurisdictions and even individual Lodges have a rule, or tradition, that no one is ever asked to join Masonry. You must ask. Some even pretend to ignore initial requests and will not give a petition until you have requested three times. To me, that makes no sense but is the way it is some places. Don't be shy, ask. Good luck.
 

AyrStrat

Texan-Brazilian Freemason
Site Benefactor
Premium Member
You should ask for a petition at the first opportunity. Various jurisdictions and even individual Lodges have a rule, or tradition, that no one is ever asked to join Masonry. You must ask. Some even pretend to ignore initial requests and will not give a petition until you have requested three times. To me, that makes no sense but is the way it is some places. Don't be shy, ask. Good luck.


Thanks for the reply.

I've been visiting the lodge for open diners every week for almost 2 months.

I know that some lodges determine 1 or even 3 sponsors for applying for the petition, which should be something natural for me, anyway.

Therefore, is the procedure, in this case, basically talking to one of the members (Master Mason) and asking for a petition?

Thanks once again for the support.

Kind Regards
 
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Keith C

Registered User
Thanks for the reply.

I've been visiting the lodge for open diners every week for almost 2 months.

I know that some lodges determine 1 or even 3 sponsors for applying for the petition, which should be something natural for me, anyway.

Therefore, is the procedure, in this case, basically talking to one of the members (Master Mason) and asking for a petition?

Thanks once again for the support.

Kind Regards

In most jurisdictions, yes, YOU have to ASK for the petition. I suggest you ask either the WM or whoever in the lodge you feel closest too.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
Thanks for the reply.

I've been visiting the lodge for open diners every week for almost 2 months.

I know that some lodges determine 1 or even 3 sponsors for applying for the petition, which should be something natural for me, anyway.

Therefore, is the procedure, in this case, basically talking to one of the members (Master Mason) and asking for a petition?

Thanks once again for the support.

Kind Regards
Bro. Keith hit the nail on the head. You have to ask or you'll never get in. Masons love talking about Freemasonry and certainly get a good feeling when someone shows interest in joining. You will never be bothersome for asking.
 
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