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About myself

Barry McCorquodale

Registered User
My Grandfather was a 32nd degree Scottish rite mason, Past Master, etc here in Santa Rosa, California but when I became intrested in Freemasonry he was already suffering with dementia and passed away so I wasn't able to communicate with him about it, although I was blessed by individuals in the Grand Masonic Temple of Utah to a tour as well as insight into some of the workings there of.
Intresting enough after that I had a spiritual experience in which I came to realize the meaning of the apron and it's varies colors.
Although I wasn't a made man by another as I take it Freemasonry provides I was made reborn by God.
I'm happy in what I've accomplished and what I am and guess Im drawn to freemasonry as those of you degreed to befriend with others of the same spiritual enlightenment but having had a lengthy criminal record in the past I'm told I'm barred from ever being a freemason which is vary upsetting to me as I'm not even seeking degrees so much as spiritual companionship.
Is there any position open to a individual such as myself within the Masonic community?

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BryanMaloney

Premium Member
Generally a "lengthy criminal record" is a disqualification. I suggest you find a good, reputable, well-established (and preferably somewhat "boring") house of worship that is suitable to your needs. This is not to be taken to mean that Freemasonry is a house of worship. You seek spiritual guidance. A house of worship is a far better place to find than than Freemasonry.
 

JCmasonSquared

Registered User
I would suggest a different fraternal organization, or a house of worship that is involved with community service and spiritual togetherness, not just sermons once a week. As mentioned above, a criminal record disqualifies you from Masonry, whether I agree with that in specific situations, I will not say, but that's the way it is. It's good to meet you sir.


Part upon the square.
 

jjjjjggggg

Premium Member
Barry,

Personally, I'm saddened that your journey into masonry sounds as if it has ended before it has began.

Although you won't be able to take the degrees in regular freemasonry, there isn't anything that says you can't benefit from the teachings that are freely available to all. Only you can know that which the Great Architect has for your life, and more than anything, it will be your actions that bare witness to the work done within your heart.

I truly wish you the best, as what may seem right now as a disappointment may lead to other higher and greater things.


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Barry McCorquodale

Registered User
Generally a "lengthy criminal record" is a disqualification. I suggest you find a good, reputable, well-established (and preferably somewhat "boring") house of worship that is suitable to your needs. This is not to be taken to mean that Freemasonry is a house of worship. You seek spiritual guidance. A house of worship is a far better place to find than than Freemasonry.
9 states have Masonic law that denies a active member continuing membership if they were found guilty a criminal offense. California Masonic law denies degrees to those entered or not.The rest of the U.S. states have not such laws, probably because in christianity we all fall short to the glory of God.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
9 states have Masonic law that denies a active member continuing membership if they were found guilty a criminal offense. California Masonic law denies degrees to those entered or not.The rest of the U.S. states have not such laws, probably because in christianity we all fall short to the glory of God.
Christianity and Freemasonry have nothing to do with one another unless you take certain appendant bodies into consideration like the Commandery.

Most of us here are probably Christians, however, we probably have very different ideas about what that means.

Blue Lodge Freemasonry has no qualification other than believing in a higher power. Let's leave Christianity out of it.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Christianity and Freemasonry have nothing to do with one another unless you take certain appendant bodies into consideration like the Commandery.

Most of us here are probably Christians, however, we probably have very different ideas about what that means.

Blue Lodge Freemasonry has no qualification other than believing in a higher power. Let's leave Christianity out of it.
That's the way I see it. My religion and Masonry are two separate things.
 

MaineMason

Registered User
I would add that "criminal offense" is not all that black-and-white. Some Grand Lodges are stricter than others. Having a Felony on your record probably disqualifies a candidate nearly anywhere in the US. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, may not disqualify you unless they are habitual. I can't speak for, say, Canada, for instance where what would be considered a Misdemeanor OUI/DUI conviction in the United States would be considered a Felony in Canada.

I have served on investigatory committees for my Blue Lodge and some minor scrapes with the law--especially when a youth--are not automatically disqualifying if one has maintained a clean record and good morals and ethics for a long period of time. My personal Masonic conscience, however, would make me disinclined to approve a candidate convicted of fraud, embezzlement, price-fixing in industry or crimes of that nature. There are many people on Wall Street who wouldn't pass my smell test!
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
I would add that "criminal offense" is not all that black-and-white. Some Grand Lodges are stricter than others. Having a Felony on your record probably disqualifies a candidate nearly anywhere in the US.

It is important to read the rules for your jurisdiction to know the difference between what the rules actually are, what brothers say they believe the rules to be and what happens at the ballot box. In at least two of my jurisdictions as long as you reveal any previous felony conviction you are allowed to continue the petition process, yet if you fail to reveal any you are automatically expelled on detection. Whether you survive the gauntlet of the ballot after revealing a felony conviction is a completely different matter than what it says in the jurisdiction's book of constitutions. In at least two of my jurisdictions being convicted of a felony counts that criminal trial as also being a Masonic trial and you are automatically expelled. This introduces an asymmetry in how men can be considered.

The details will vary with every jurisdiction but you will have to read the book for your own jurisdiction to find out how it works. Plus the traditions revolving around the topic vary with every lodge and often with every brother so what happens at the ballot box does not have to match what the rules say.

I skimmed the notes for the GLofTX meeting in December. If I read correctly there's an entry that removes the asymmetry I mention here. So the rules in any one jurisdiction change over time as well.

There's also the issue that some acts are illegal that some of us don't think a big deal. The simplest example is speed limits on highways, but there exist regulatory felonies that some don't think involve moral turpitude - Souping up a CB radio above some power threshold is a felony. Go to a few GL meetings and read the offenses in the expulsion and reinstatement requests. I've seen reformed drug users voted back in but it usually takes several applications and years cooking lodge meals. I've seen guys who hurt kids get rejected without discussion year after year.
 
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