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This would've been more meaningful if you had shared the image so that we could judge if there was some kind of transgression, however, as it stands this is just gossip.
Just to add some meat to MBC's response:
On receipt of your application to become a Joining Member of the Internet Lodge No. 9659, its Secretary will make enquiries with the Grand Secretary's Office at Freemasons' Hall in London who will talk to the Grand Secretary of your own Grand Lodge to...
Hi Justin,
It is not mine, it is a small excerpt from the Graveside Address which used to be widely used in England until its use was prescribed by the Grand Lodge some decades ago.
You can read all of it here: http://forum.thefreemason.com/Topic485.aspx#bm508
The Great Creator having been pleased, in His infinite wisdom, to remove our worthy Brother from the cares and troubles of this transitory life, and thereby to weaken the ties by which we are united to the world, may we who survive him, anticipating our own approaching end, be more strongly...
Here in England it is called a "Clearance certificate or letter". It is produced by the Secretary of the Lodge and must be on Lodge headed paper it will usually detail when you were IPRd and state that you are not indebted to your Lodge.
In answer to the original question I would go with: "Hi, nice pin/buckle/hat/whatever, what Lodge are you in?"
That gives the wearer the option to identify himself as a Freemason or if it is an heirloom to say so.
The simple answer is no.
A man becomes a Freemason because he is interested in it and when he can stand on his own two feet. He does not join it with the intention of seeking assistance from Freemasons.