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Rejoining..

Andrew Wiskus

Registered User
I left Freemasonry a few years ago based on superstition and not knowing where I belonged I submitted a Withdraw from and left on good standing as far as I know. I feel like I had cut off a lot of people and I feel guilty. Is it possible to go back to Freemasonry after abruptly, without any warning, quiting? And am I still considered a Feeemason? As everyone says Once a Mason always a Mason.
 

Matt L

Site Benefactor
Andrew, If you left in good standing it shouldn't be an issue getting back in. Each jurisdiction has their own rules. In my jurisdiction, you demit officially with a form. In return you receive a copy signed by the Master and Secretary. If you petition for reaffiliation, you would be interviewed again and voted on.
If you want to join a different lodge, their secretary would send a request for a letter of good standing. After that is received you petition the lodge and go through the interview process and get voted on.
Good luck, I've seen the ballot go both ways.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
I think your question will be better answered by that GL. The term you are using may have a different definition than in other Masonic jurisdictions. My mother GL doesn’t even use that term. It is unclear to me whether you received a dimit/demit, or you actually resigned and renounced your membership.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Bro Cook's advice is good.

I also don't know what a "Withdrawal form" is. It might be a private form native to your lodge or something else. If some sort of resignation, that's easily fixed, even if you did not leave in good standing (and that you did not leave while under a masonic charge) and owed the lodge money, you should be able to settle your debt and any exclusion be lifted. If there is a vote required in lodge, we can live in hope and just see what happens..

I will say this my brother, as long as you were a good man, your old lodge should be happy to assist your return, but remember, you will be dealing with humans who might have feelings about your departure. I suggest an explanation and if you feel appropriate, and apology, and follow them up.
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
I agree with what has been posted here. This IS a question for your GL or better through the Secretary of the Lodge in which you are wanting to rejoin. I say Secretary, because there is usually a preference for point-of-contact or “chain” to flow conversation through.

Either way, if you left in “Good Standing” and “Current” there should be absolutely no issue with getting back in, only protocol such as proper documentation. Had you not been current in dues and then suspended, you’d be asked to “get current” in order to return.

Good luck to you!
 

Andrew Wiskus

Registered User
I may have renounced my membership.. I don't know if that is any thing different. It was several years, and again I left under anti Masonic thinking and influences in my life at the time.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
In my jurisdiction, you demit officially with a form. In return you receive a copy signed by the Master and Secretary. If you petition for reaffiliation, you would be interviewed again and voted on.
If you want to join a different lodge, their secretary would send a request for a letter of good standing. After that is received you petition the lodge and go through the interview process and get voted on.
Exactly the same here in Kentucky.
I also don't know what a "Withdrawal form" is.
Same here, never heard of it.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
I may have renounced my membership.. I don't know if that is any thing different. It was several years, and again I left under anti Masonic thinking and influences in my life at the time.
Renouncing and Resigning are different. Did you write them a letter or just sign this "withdrawal form" and are you sure that was the forms title ?

Did you write a letter ? Do you still have the text of that letter ?

(and we're probably making more of this than we should - just contact the Sec and ask how you get back in..)
 

Symthrell

Registered User
Andrew, please keep up the contact on the boards here and let us know how things go on your journey back. Best of luck to you!
 

Andrew Wiskus

Registered User
Looks like I am going to put myself in an uncomfortable position and make amends to my brothers. I plan on going in for dinner next Monday and meet with one brother in particular. I am nervous and having anxiety. A brother I have talked too recently told me I need to man up. And that's what I intend on doing, regardless if my heart races 900 mph.. I will keep you posted.

Sent from my SM-G950U using My Freemasonry mobile app
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Looks like I am going to put myself in an uncomfortable position and make amends to my brothers. I plan on going in for dinner next Monday and meet with one brother in particular. I am nervous and having anxiety. A brother I have talked too recently told me I need to man up. And that's what I intend on doing, regardless if my heart races 900 mph.. I will keep you posted.

Sent from my SM-G950U using My Freemasonry mobile app
I wish you well Brother and look forward to hearing out you went.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Looks like I am going to put myself in an uncomfortable position and make amends to my brothers. I plan on going in for dinner next Monday and meet with one brother in particular. I am nervous and having anxiety. A brother I have talked too recently told me I need to man up. And that's what I intend on doing, regardless if my heart races 900 mph.. I will keep you posted.
Best of luck to you Brother. Do keep us informed.
 

Keith C

Registered User
I believe the effort and the willingness to show up and be vulnerable is what will show your Lodge that you are the man they originally brought into the Fraternity.

Best of luck to you, and no matter the outcome, congratulations on taking the steps!
 

EddieGee

Registered User
I too wish you the best of luck. Quite honestly, my heart breaks for you. There is so much vile anti-Masonic propaganda out there, especially purporting that you "can't be a Mason and a Christian" even though hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of men are precisely that. Some of this propaganda is very slick. I don't fault you for falling victim to it, I'm sure many do.
 
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