New members and legal concerns...

Not to make too long a story... while doing web/social media work for an individual in my hometown, I came across an online arrest picture and info concerning this individual. As it turns out this individual was also applying for lodge membership.

While the arrest was older (8 years) and I could not find actual court info, it was for assault and domestic battery.

I sat on it a few days, then decided to investigate and found that for the past 17 years (continuing) this individual has been generally on the out with the law. DUI, DWI, eviction, fraud of unemployment and so on.

Little did I know, this individual had petitioned, and was voted on at the next meeting, so when I discovered this he had already received a favorable vote. It's amazing what you miss in one meetings time...

I brought this to the attention of one of our members (past master) and he felt I need to bring this to our current master. I am preparing to do so.

So here I sit. We're not perfect. How far do I push this? Should I at all? Not knowing this information, I would have considered this person a new friend. I still do, but if it comes out I found this and got him revoked, that's over. Part of this is just understanding where we, as Freemason's, draw the line.

Just looking for some open discussion.

Look at your GLs bylaws considering criminal records and take it from there.

I'd push it on. Especially if it has been a reoccurring situation. Masonry is not a reform school. We take good men and make them better. No criminals and make them ok.

chrmc said:

I'd push it on. Especially if it has been a reoccurring situation. Masonry is not a reform school. We take good men and make them better. No criminals and make them ok.

Click to expand...

Absolutely agree! Plus depending on how your petition reads his petition could be fraudulent if he did not disclose this.

Lars 241 said:

Little did I know, this individual had petitioned, and was voted on at the next meeting, so when I discovered this he had already received a favorable vote. It's amazing what you miss in one meetings time...

I brought this to the attention of one of our members (past master) and he felt I need to bring this to our current master. I am preparing to do so.

Click to expand...

I don't know if your jurisdiction allows it, but GLoTX has a provision for protesting after one has been elected to receive the Degrees- I suspect it was written to cover situations such as that which you have outlined above. If that had happened here, you can bet I'd be protesting- we do not need men like him in our Fraternity.

I am not a member yet, but have just completed petition through being voted on. From my humble position, I would hope you would pass this on to the appropriate brothers. It is my understanding that the process has delegated authority or responsibilities, and failing to turn the information over circumvents that protocol. A brother is someone I should be able to trust everything including my family with. What you described raises doubts. I apologize if I have over stepped my bounds here.

Our petitions ask if you have ever been arrested. If he said no, then you bring it to the lodge and halt it.
We have a spot at the start of degree work where it's asked if anyone objects. If any lodge member objects, you close, and go home. The objection stands for six months, at which time you can object again.

Thank you for the advice and comments brothers! Our Master and District Deputy (as he belongs to our lodge) are aware and will review.

Companion Joe said:

Our petitions ask if you have ever been arrested. If he said no, then you bring it to the lodge and halt it.

Click to expand...

Yep!

My Obligation is like wedding vows, "Till Death do us Part", everybody is not entitled to this Obligation,,,

As others have mentioned, if he lied on his petition, all bets are off for this guy. I'm not sure how your petitions are worded but it's likely you will have no problems getting the initial vote reversed.

CLewey44 said:

As others have mentioned, if he lied on his petition, all bets are off for this guy.

Click to expand...

Exactly!

Lars 241 said:

Thank you for the advice and comments brothers! Our Master and District Deputy (as he belongs to our lodge) are aware and will review.

Click to expand...

Let us know how this plays out if you would please. I'm curious about the results of this scenario.

ShawnC said:

I'm curious about the results of this scenario.

Click to expand...

Same here!

Already lying on application? Wouldn't want to sit in lodge with that kind of guy, personally.