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Brief introduction and hello from FL

Bloke

Premium Member
Just some thoughts on my experience to far...

It's been almost a year since I reached out to a friend (Mason) and upon his advise, drove to the White Lodge building in my town. I walked into the building somewhat nervous; still not sure what to expect. Once inside, I observed several guys talking here and there, some appearing to be readying the tables for a meal. It didn't take long until I was noticed awkwardly standing there I'm sure. Three guys looked up seeing me, then all walked over with a smile. I was treated like someone who had been away and now found my way back. Handshakes, words of greetings and introductions; they knew who I was and were hoping I would come. I already knew a great deal about Freemasonry through friends, and as I've previously stated 20 years worth of reading. What I didn't necessarily expect was the sense of belonging I felt. The feelings of wanting to be a part of this group, not abstractly based on books, but based on friendship and community.

After that day, I was hooked. Events could not come fast enough for me. I did everything in my power to experience / learn everything I could. From washing dishes in the kitchen every other Monday, attending any educational pieces that I was allowed to, writing research papers, volunteering at events and fundraisers, to now taking part in an EA degree. I always have consumed books like oxygen, and Masonry would be no different. I found troves of digital books through archive, purchased numerous books at second hand stores, and became very acquainted with Amazon and Ebay.

I also joined several websites and forums where I could interact with Brothers from all over the world. I learned about other bodies of Masonry I didn't know existed. I found friends from all over and a new sense of belonging. I also learned that what I read, and what I learned in Lodge did not necessarily carry the same weight with all Mason's. While this confused me, I decided that it might be a way for myself and others to explore subjects through debate. Debate to me is fun and productive. You pick a topic whether you believe it or not and debate its merits. Well, I learned some people do not like debates (my fault) and sometimes, take discussions personally.

I have moved through my EA, and now am in my FC. If all goes well, I'll be a MM before summer starts. I have made it known that I wish to join the line, and wish to focus most of my attention in Blue Lodge for the foreseeable future. I feel blessed to be apart of Masonry, and truly glad I drove up to that white building that day. It's kind of strange... finding something you were missing and didn't realize it till you found it.
That's awesome - always remember the importance of that welcome when you were awkwardly watching those brothers set up tables :)
 

LK600

Premium Member
Just wanted to stop in and say thank you to everyone who has answered questions and helped me along the way. Today I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. It was a great experience.
 

hfmm97

Premium Member
Congrats, Bro LK600 on your being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason - your Masonic journey has just begun (your Masonic Birthday is the day that you were raised and our brothers in the PHA tradition call their Master Mason’s diploma a “birth certificate”...


Sent from my iPhone using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Just wanted to stop in and say thank you to everyone who has answered questions and helped me along the way. Today I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. It was a great experience.
Congrats and I agree with my brother above - it is the start of something on not the end
 

hfmm97

Premium Member
congrats on your turn in of your MM work Bro LK600: I wish for you all the best and the fact that you are serving your lodge by helping to raise brothers to the sublime degree of a Master Mason - well, truthfully you are doing Masonry correctly!


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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I successfully gave my return (give back) for the MM degree tonight. It was a lot of fun. Next weekend I have two parts in a MM degree for 2 brothers, and the week after I'll be doing the lodge education piece. Things sure do get busy. :)
Congratulations Brother! Now the real fun begins.
 
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