My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

How old is to old to join ?

jermy Bell

Registered User
3rd obligation. And I state,

Furthermore, I will not assist in nor be present at the initiating , passing nor raising of a woman, AN OLD MAN IN HIS DOTAGE, a young man under age, an atheist, a madman, nor a fool, I knowing them to be such.

Taken from the blue book ..from the illinois grand lodge
 

jermy Bell

Registered User
I think when you can't walk without assistance, and you can't repeat a simple sentence , or even given 2-3 words at a time. And have to be prompted when giving your catacism. But you should be able to look at someone and know the answers.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
3rd obligation. And I state,

Furthermore, I will not assist in nor be present at the initiating , passing nor raising of a woman, AN OLD MAN IN HIS DOTAGE, a young man under age, an atheist, a madman, nor a fool, I knowing them to be such.

Taken from the blue book ..from the illinois grand lodge
Not part of our Ob.
 

goomba

Neo-Antient
Site Benefactor
Question before I answer. Would it make a difference if it was a legless mute in his late 20's? I know that sounds goofy but I'm serious with the question.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
Question before I answer. Would it make a difference if it was a legless mute in his late 20's? I know that sounds goofy but I'm serious with the question.
Yes it would have here... there was a big debate in Victoria if maimed men should become Freemasons.. this was resolved following WW1 when we had amputees initiated and it was decided they should not be stopped from becoming brothers having been injured in WW1.. we even had a lodge of Blind Men and have the ritual from that lodge in Braille..
 

jermy Bell

Registered User
The question was how old was to old TO JOIN.
I'm guessing the question wasn't understood. We go from old men who should not be. To brothers who have been a mason for 100 years To people missing limbs and or is blind......... I guess it's really reaching when you will take anyone with a pulse and can pay for the degree work and dues, even if they can't do anything. I'm seeing some of this now. If they can pay, sign them up before the lodge goes under.
 

goomba

Neo-Antient
Site Benefactor
The question was how old was to old TO JOIN.
I'm guessing the question wasn't understood. We go from old men who should not be. To brothers who have been a mason for 100 years To people missing limbs and or is blind......... I guess it's really reaching when you will take anyone with a pulse and can pay for the degree work and dues, even if they can't do anything. I'm seeing some of this now. If they can pay, sign them up before the lodge goes under.

I was seeking clarification because of the way the thread had went. I was seeking if it was just age or if it was a combination of issues. As each person is different picking a hard and fast top age limit seems unnecessary to me. We must look at the totality of the circumstances surrounding each petition in each situation.

Sense it seems you don't wish to discuss but only get answers here is my answer.

Q: How old is to old to join?
A: It depends.
 

goomba

Neo-Antient
Site Benefactor
Yes it would have here... there was a big debate in Victoria if maimed men should become Freemasons.. this was resolved following WW1 when we had amputees initiated and it was decided they should not be stopped from becoming brothers having been injured in WW1.. we even had a lodge of Blind Men and have the ritual from that lodge in Braille..

That is a really cool lodge! In the Grand Lodge of Alabama F&AM the only restriction on a blind brother is he cannot be tyler.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
Every jurisdiction I have attended long enough to know their ritual don't allow old men in their dotage. None have written rules that define when that is. It's always left up to the members of each lodge.

I am not aware of any jurisdiction defining when a man is too old in written rules. It might happen somewhere.
 

Kelly Allred

Registered User
I couldn't give an exact age. This is such a gray area where each voting Mason must decide for himself. However, if he is elected, initiated, and still had the resolve to continue through the EA to pass off proficiency according to expected standards, then still go through it again for FC and MM, then really, why would this be an issue?

I joined in my 20's. Some of my best friends in the Craft are the Old Fogy.
 

jermy Bell

Registered User
I couldn't give an exact age. This is such a gray area where each voting Mason must decide for himself. However, if he is elected, initiated, and still had the resolve to continue through the EA to pass off proficiency according to expected standards, then still go through it again for FC and MM, then really, why would this be an issue?

I joined in my 20's. Some of my best friends in the Craft are the Old Fogy.
I'm 47 and wanna be a cub Scout. I don't think I'm too old.
 
Top