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Candidate unbecoming

Radical540

Registered User
Several months ago our lodge got a letter from an FC member's soon to be father in law. The letter depicted the true character of this brother; ,a lying, stealing, cheating (bastard). Inaddition, I personally had some unsavory dealings with this individual. ( shoddy business transactions). After expressing my personal thoughts to a brother I (used to) truly respect, I was met with the response of: "...a brother's personal character and business outside the lodge, has no bearing on his Masonic worthiness...." What!!?? Are you kidding me?
Since then, I've had every intention on black balling this individual from further Masonic advancement, due to a multitude of reasons I truly feel are unbecoming a proper Mason; additionally, I cannot in good conscience, sit in the same lodge with this individual.
Any thoughts/insights?
 

Bloke

Premium Member
..... I was met with the response of: "...a brother's personal character and business outside the lodge, has no bearing on his Masonic worthiness...." What!!?? Are you kidding me?
........

Well, my view is while i am not my brothers keeper, I do have a duty to protect and promote the good name of the Craft.

It's complicated by the fact he is a freemason in name, although he sounds like he's unworthy. I've been here several times before and in my experience guys like that dont stay. That said, I would be sharing your experiences with Sec WM SW and IPM, just the facts and your concern, dont editorialise his behaviour too much. It would also decline to participate in raising him, but not be communicating that to everyone, just those who plan the degrees.

Alternatively, i would be looking for clear grounds for a masonic charge.

I would also canvas a few opinions before doing anything...
 

Radical540

Registered User
Since the "good ole boy" system seems to prevail most often, the status quo always prevails as well. No one wants to make waves. All the current officers know, but apparently don't care.
As I mentioned, I can't sit in lodge with a clear conscience with this individual; I'll be looking to transfer to a new lodge.
 

Radical540

Registered User
In our local EA ritual the new brother is quite specifically told not to sit in lodge with a brother with whom he is at variance. In your situation I would explain to the Secretary and Master that I will not attending lodge when that brother is present.

The rest is up to the lodge.
Ironically, our current (bleeding heart liberal) Secretary is the one I originally told and said what I listed in my original post. He wants to bring every indigent, ignorant, unworthy male into our exclusive fraternity! I thought freemasonry was supposed to be sort of like the Marines, "...a FEW good men..." NOT every schmuck that raps on the door!?!?!!
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
Ironically, our current (bleeding heart liberal) Secretary is the one I originally told and said what I listed in my original post. He wants to bring every indigent, ignorant, unworthy male into our exclusive fraternity! I thought freemasonry was supposed to be sort of like the Marines, "...a FEW good men..." NOT every schmuck that raps on the door!?!?!!
Many of us have in our obligations or charges not to dislcose lodge business outside of the lodge. Consider whether this last bit of criticism falls within that.
 

Radical540

Registered User
Many of us have in our obligations or charges not to dislcose lodge business outside of the lodge. Consider whether this last bit of criticism falls within that.
Can you please rephrase this reply in a more comprehensible fashion..?
 

Radical540

Registered User
Who was i attacking? Did I mention anybody by personal name? Did I even mention the name if the lodge?
NO!! And I resent your implication.
I posted a grievance looking for insight from others.
 

Companion Joe

Premium Member
I don't know about every jurisdiction, but here, we start every degree with "if there be no objections." If there is an objection - and the member doesn't even have to give a reason - you close the lodge and go home. The objection stands for 6 months. When the time has expired and the candidate comes back for the degree, object again. A man's advancement does not end at the ballot box.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I don't know about every jurisdiction, but here, we start every degree with "if there be no objections." If there is an objection - and the member doesn't even have to give a reason - you close the lodge and go home. The objection stands for 6 months. When the time has expired and the candidate comes back for the degree, object again. A man's advancement does not end at the ballot box.
It's allows an objection, though we allow a trial at the candidate's request
 

Randy81

Premium Member
Yes, and the individual was denied advancement. Sometime later, he was caught trying to sneak into an accelerated degree day. It appears the lodge made the correct decision.
That's just crazy! I assume that he must of done something serious for it to happen!

The worst thing I've seen in my lodge in my limited time is a fellow EA who was initiated in April. He's a good kid but is lazy. I'm already going to get passed and he's still lingering. What's crazy is that there are so many brothers who are willing to help but he just won't put forth the effort.
 

Randy81

Premium Member
Some GLs have time limits on advancement. Does LA?
I'm still very new so don't quote me on this but I think we do and it's twelve months. Part of me feels that he's being disrespectful to the brothers who took a chance accepting him into their lodge. The other part of me wants to make sure he progresses.

I'm doing my proficiency Monday and feel very comfortable with it. It's a federal holiday so I've offered for him to study all day so he can do his proficiency as well. Hopefully he will come through and can progress as well. As I said, he's a good guy and has good character but is lacking motivation.
 

Radical540

Registered User
The glaring question in my mind is why didn't you black ball this guy when his application was presented before the lodge? He's been accepted, initiated, and passed...but now there's a problem?
Because the letter referenced in the original post, didn't show up until after he was already an FC.
 

Radical540

Registered User
I don't know about every jurisdiction, but here, we start every degree with "if there be no objections." If there is an objection - and the member doesn't even have to give a reason - you close the lodge and go home. The objection stands for 6 months. When the time has expired and the candidate comes back for the degree, object again. A man's advancement does not end at the ballot box.
In MI, we don't have such verbiage.
 
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