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When visiting a new lodge....

Companion Joe

Premium Member
Nixxon, you say there is a Lodge near you, so chances are you may already know someone there and just don't realize it. There is no reason to be uncomfortable, and that's one of the beauties of Masonry. Wherever you go, the Lodge is set up the say, and the ritual is essentially the same. In you home state, it should be exactly the same. You already know what to do, so no need to be nervous.

As previously noted, you can go by yourself. You are entitled. I like travel with people. It makes it more fun. The fellowship is the reason behind it all. Just call somebody up and ask them if they want to ride along.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I have been examined rather vigorously in a FL lodge on both ritual and test oath.

I've never been examined outside the US, but I've always had a host or been known before I came.
 

K3vin

Registered User
A good way to become more comfortable in what will happen is to ask to be part of an examination committee. In your own lodge.

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Levelhead

Premium Member
Well i mean if your a true mason all answers should be easy. There all in there you just need to find the crack they fell into!
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I think I am a true Mason, but I can assure you that answers (and signs) are much different in the US than in England. Indeed, I was asked to examine a US Mason visiting in England because his signs weren't recognized.
 

nixxon2000

Premium Member
I think that is part of the fun. Strict trial and due examination. I just wish that it was all universal across the board. We should all be one after all these years.


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Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I think that is part of the fun. Strict trial and due examination. I just wish that it was all universal across the board. We should all be one after all these years.


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Are you indicating we should all have the same ritual? I should think that a great loss. In the last few years we lost a time immemorial lodge in Cheshire which had its own ritual. I found it was like loosing a language.
 

Tony Uzzell

Registered User
I can see nixxon's point, though, about having universal codes of recognition.

While having all the different variations is interesting to those who study the history and development of the Order in various places, it makes it more difficult for those who can/want to take the time to travel to various jurisdictions. It's one of the great things about our Craft that a man can travel where he will throughout the world and, generally, find a place of security and refreshment among Brethren. But, having all of the various modes of recognition between Masons makes this more difficult.

I would actually suggest keeping the various Grand Lodge traditions but creating one "universal" set of recognition signs, oaths, etc., for travelers from one Grand Lodge to another.

TU
 

nixxon2000

Premium Member
I can see nixxon's point, though, about having universal codes of recognition.

While having all the different variations is interesting to those who study the history and development of the Order in various places, it makes it more difficult for those who can/want to take the time to travel to various jurisdictions. It's one of the great things about our Craft that a man can travel where he will throughout the world and, generally, find a place of security and refreshment among Brethren. But, having all of the various modes of recognition between Masons makes this more difficult.

I would actually suggest keeping the various Grand Lodge traditions but creating one "universal" set of recognition signs, oaths, etc., for travelers from one Grand Lodge to another.

TU
I was not trying to suggest that we get rid of the heritage or history of other lodges. Just what Tony said above. Having 1 universal way for a traveler to travel.

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Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I can see nixxon's point, though, about having universal codes of recognition.

... ...
But, having all of the various modes of recognition between Masons makes this more difficult.

I would actually suggest keeping the various Grand Lodge traditions but creating one "universal" set of recognition signs, oaths, etc., for travelers from one Grand Lodge to another.

TU
I'm not as well traveled as some (I think 12 jurisdictions in the US and seven outside), but I've never found admission a particular issue (conceding that being an invited guest on occasion is a benefit ). US signs aren't a problem and the Test Oath I've never found markedly different. Also, don't forget that dues cards are common in the US which can be compared to the List of Lodges. Overseas, it is hoped you made arrangements through your Grand Secretary before hand, in part because we often dine and the secretary needs to know numbers, but to avoid these issues.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
I'm not as well traveled as some (I think 12 jurisdictions in the US and seven outside), but I've never found admission a particular issue (conceding that being an invited guest on occasion is a benefit ). US signs aren't a problem and the Test Oath I've never found markedly different. Also, don't forget that dues cards are common in the US which can be compared to the List of Lodges. Overseas, it is hoped you made arrangements through your Grand Secretary before hand, in part because we often dine and the secretary needs to know numbers, but to avoid these issues.

The farthest I've seen visitors from is Belgium. When they gave signs I found them easily recognized but subtly different. There's some variation of details jurisdiction to jurisdiction so I expected that. The difference US to Belgium was about the size of the difference US to Mexico and US to Canada (BC in both cases).

The reaction to dues cards is strange. I've read hosts state that they would reject a dues card as they expect a document from GL shows current status. Since that's exactly what a dues card is the statement was bizarre. I guess if I present myself for visitation outside the US instead of saying "Here's my dues card" I'd say "Here is my grand lodge document showing that my status is in good standing".
 

BroBook

Premium Member
I find all of this strange, this is not the first time it has crossed my mind, but it is the first time I decided to share, although I understand the need for passports, I think we forget that the real reason for them was, to ensure that you did leave until your work was finished!!!


Bro Book
M.W.U.G.L. Of Fl: P.H.A.
Excelsior # 43
At pensacola
 

nixxon2000

Premium Member
First when visiting a new lodge do you normally go to the stated meeting or just whatever is going on when you visit.

If a lodge meets twice a month when does it usually have it's stated meeting? The lodge I plan to visit next week says they have two meeting on the door but does not say what they are?



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Morris

Premium Member
First when visiting a new lodge do you normally go to the stated meeting or just whatever is going on when you visit.

If a lodge meets twice a month when does it usually have it's stated meeting? The lodge I plan to visit next week says they have two meeting on the door but does not say what they are?



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I really recommend calling ahead anyways so the secretary and WM are prepared. Just call and ask when would be a good time to visit. Also, a lot of lodges have their list of officers posted so I always try to familiarize myself a little ahead of time.


Jeff
 

nixxon2000

Premium Member
I really recommend calling ahead anyways so the secretary and WM are prepared. Just call and ask when would be a good time to visit. Also, a lot of lodges have their list of officers posted so I always try to familiarize myself a little ahead of time.


Jeff
So I actually tried that. I called and left a message then emailed. I have not had a response to either one. I asked the people in my home lodge and no one knows anyone in the lodge I was trying to visit.

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Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
So I actually tried that. I called and left a message then emailed. I have not had a response to either one. I asked the people in my home lodge and no one knows anyone in the lodge I was trying to visit.

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I've experienced this frustration when traveling. You might call the GL and obtain the phone number for the Secretary.
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
No, not at all. Visiting other lodges is a benefit, a privilege of being a MM. When you become a Mason, you are part of an international fraternity. I have visited a German-speaking lodge, where some of the members risked being sent to a concentration camp, just for being a Mason. I visited a lodge in Moscow, Russia, where brave men, kept the Craft alive in Russia during the communist years.

My job requires frequent overseas travel, and I visit a lot of lodges in the USA as well. I get so many free meals, that I actually get more in meals than I pay in dues each year to my home lodge!
 
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