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Previously Turned Down Petitioner??

Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
After talking with a good buddy today, I got to thinking and figured I would ask this question in the best place for these kinds of answers...lol

I mentioned to him that I was going to be going to lodge tomorrow night and he asked me if I meant Masonic lodge. I told him yes, and he was really surpised to find out that I was into Freemasonry. He told me that he had petitioned almost 15-20 years ago (I forget how long ago it was exactly, but it was at close to 15 years). At the time, he had long hair and was a body builder and also went by another name. I guess his father wasn't too popular of a man around and didn't have much involvement in his life. So, he was finally able to change his name, but after he had petitioned the lodge. Also, an interesting note. He is a direct descendent on his mother's side of Samuel Mather who was Grand Master in 1863. This is the last name that he took from his mother to get out from under the shadow of his father's last name. Pretty neat piece of family history for him.

Anyway, he was pretty disappointed to learn he was turned down membership. Even though he was disgruntled about being turned away, over the years he has still maintained a big interest in joining. He just didn't really try to petition again.

I have known him since I was 14. I do believe him to be very good man, and him and our fraternity each would benefit from his joining. He has of course gotten rid of the long hair (which he thought to be part of the reason for being turned down), and he has been great local business man. Talking tonight, he told me he wanted to think about petitioning again and may talk to me or another friend of ours that is a Mason as well when he has made up his mind.

Here is my question. In your exerience, have you seen someone that has been turned down before actually gain admission at a later date? Basically, do you think that it would be a waste of his time to go through the motions again? Any other advice or thoughts you have I would appreciate.
 
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Nate Riley

Premium Member
He should definitely repetition if he desires membership. I have heard of guys who were rejected because of age and immaturity, that became Brothers once they had added some years.

There was a thread posted a couple of weeks ago that indicated brothers who had been rejected were accepted the next year or so.
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
I would wholeheartedly recommend he apply again. After essentially a generation's time, he's looking at a different group of men, no matter what lodge he goes to.

He'll have to indicate that he was rejected once, but let his qualifications today stand on their own legs.
 

JJones

Moderator
Here is my question. In your exerience, have you seen someone that has been turned down before actually gain admission at a later date? Basically, do you think that it would be a waste of his time to go through the motions again? Any other advice or thoughts you have I would appreciate.

I haven't actually witnessed the process or anything, however my grandfather, and several other 60+ members, were initially turned away.

I don't think it'd be a waste of time at all, you never know until you try though.
 

Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
I would wholeheartedly recommend he apply again. After essentially a generation's time, he's looking at a different group of men, no matter what lodge he goes to.

Thanks, guys. I got lodge tonight, and so I will ask one or two Brothers that I know that have known him for years. When talking with him, it was one of those things that you could just tell in his voice that if he had the chance, he would jump at it. He is just deciding if he wants to risk being emerassed again. I told him the same thing about how it could be a different group of guys, and also there are several other lodges right in our small area that he could look into going.

I will talk with some of the other Brothers tonight and get a feel for it. He has done some good things for the community. As I said in my original message, I really do believe that both the fraternity and he would benefit from each other. Hopefully, soon I will be able to report to the thread that he asked for the petition and I will be attending his initiation! He is a great guy and it would be really awesome to be there with him. Thanks, ya'll.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
He should repetition. When a man has proved the original vote wrong in the eyes of two current brothers of the fraternity, I would have a hard time voting against him. However, he must clearly express the history involved. We have made mistakes over the years. All too often, it was a misplaced vote of acceptance.

Support your friend. I trust that you know your responsibility to the brotherhood.

God speed.
 

Kenneth Lottman

Registered User
I have heard that there are/were some lodges that use to reject all applicants the first go round just to see how sincere they were in joining the fraternity and if they re applied it showed real character and they would then vote him in!

Sent from my iPhone using Freemasonry
 

Nate Riley

Premium Member
I have heard that there are/were some lodges that use to reject all applicants the first go round just to see how sincere they were in joining the fraternity and if they re applied it showed real character and they would then vote him in!

Sent from my iPhone using Freemasonry

If that is true, I really hope it is behind us now.
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
Agreed, Brother Riley. When I hear people sing praises for that practice, I wonder if they'd mind giving up the fraternity for a year so they could come back magically more enthused. ;)
 

Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
Support your friend. I trust that you know your responsibility to the brotherhood.

God speed.

Thanks, Brother. Good words.


I have heard that there are/were some lodges that use to reject all applicants the first go round just to see how sincere they were in joining the fraternity and if they re applied it showed real character and they would then vote him in!

From talking to the Brothers last night, and also knowing the Brothers at this lodge for as long as I have I don't think that that is the case. Thankfully. I like to see a potential candidate that has a high level of interest in joining, but I don't think that it is a wise decision to can him the first go round just to see if he is serious about joining. I think that would put a bad taste in most men's mouths. Glad that is not the norm now. Or is it?...lol
 

THemenway

Registered User
I sure as hell hope not. I have been waiting forever to be able to have my outside responsibilities in order so I can dedicate myself to the craft.
If my petition gets denied, I will be crushed!
 

Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
If my petition gets denied, I will be crushed!

Lol, I wouldn't worry on it too much. I haven't been around too long of a time, but I have been around a little bit and I haven't seen that happen before. I have only seen one guy get turned down, and there was a really good reason for it.
 
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