cemab4y
Premium Member
I'm a big fan of this site.
What lodge has mandatory charity contributions?
During this period of introductions and mutual knowledge gathering, how long should I wait before asking for a petition?
I am really turned off with the coat and tie requirement. In Arkansas and Missouri (my Lodge is in MO, I live in Arkansas) there is no dress code. We dress as we live. I believe we should accept a man/Mason for his internal values and not judge on the externals. Personally, I probably would not have joined if coat and tie were required and, today, would not attend. I don't think I am any less a man or Mason wearing jeans and sneakers than I would be in a suit.
A counterpoint.
If everyone dresses as they wish it would show a distinction between Brothers of different socioeconomic groups. As most meeting are timed to have not a lot of time between work and Lodge most Brothers would arrive at Lodge directly from work, if there were no uniform dress requirement. Those wearing jeans and sneakers, those in slacks and a polo, those in a suit and tie. This immediately reveals a stratification in the type of work everyone does, which puts a burden on "meeting on the level," no matter how much one says they "wouldn't judge."
Everyone being required to wear a suit and tie brings us in closer to being on the level. It wouldn't HAVE to be a suit and tie, maybe khakis and a lodge polo shirt? But everyone dressing similarly helps to let us see each other without influence of clothing choice or necessity.
I would also add that it is my opinion that the "casualization" (I just made that word up) of society is a big part of the breakdown in civility and the increase in anti-social behavior. Going out to a fine dining establishment use to require a jacket and tie, now jeans and a clean t-shirt are ok! People now come to church dressed for the NFL game they are going to watch afterwards, and they get agitated if the sermon runs long and they are going to miss a pre-game beer or two.
Anyway, I digress and just offer this as my 2 cents.
Btw, if you can't afford a suit/tie....
Dear all,
For many years I've been reading and gathering information about Freemasonry. Now, I've finally decided to seek my initiation (I'm in the mid 30s)
The next step was to contact (email) a mason indicated by a friend, who then, referred me to another mason who lives in my state.
We've initiated contact via Whatsapp some months ago, had an initial conversation by phone and agreed to meet in person to move things forward after both of us return from business trips.
After returning, I've written to inform that I've arrived (it happened 1 month ago) but since then I received no more replies (Whatsapp shows the message as unread).
I'm not sure how to proceed here since I don't want to be pushy and I also don't know the proper etiquette in this case.
What would be a good next move, since I'm really interested in become a Freemason?
Thanks
Kind Regards
One of the reasons I like the idea of coat and tie, or at least a fixed dress code by meeting type, is it helps level us
You should ask for a petition at the first opportunity. Various jurisdictions and even individual Lodges have a rule, or tradition, that no one is ever asked to join Masonry. You must ask. Some even pretend to ignore initial requests and will not give a petition until you have requested three times. To me, that makes no sense but is the way it is some places. Don't be shy, ask. Good luck.
Thanks for the reply.
I've been visiting the lodge for open diners every week for almost 2 months.
I know that some lodges determine 1 or even 3 sponsors for applying for the petition, which should be something natural for me, anyway.
Therefore, is the procedure, in this case, basically talking to one of the members (Master Mason) and asking for a petition?
Thanks once again for the support.
Kind Regards
Bro. Keith hit the nail on the head. You have to ask or you'll never get in. Masons love talking about Freemasonry and certainly get a good feeling when someone shows interest in joining. You will never be bothersome for asking.Thanks for the reply.
I've been visiting the lodge for open diners every week for almost 2 months.
I know that some lodges determine 1 or even 3 sponsors for applying for the petition, which should be something natural for me, anyway.
Therefore, is the procedure, in this case, basically talking to one of the members (Master Mason) and asking for a petition?
Thanks once again for the support.
Kind Regards
Great! Let us know how it goes.Just to give an update an inform that everything went all right and my initiation will be in a couple of days.
Congratulations - for the up and coming initiation and being proactive.. it will serve you well in Freemasonry.Just to give an update an inform that everything went all right and my initiation will be in a couple of days.
Pro activity was the key.
Kind Regards