What attracted you to Freemasonry? I know there are many Brothers out there who have been Masons for many years, what keeps you interested? Is it the comradery, fundraisers, etc?
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What does Freemasonry mean to you?
- Thread starter Blake Bowden
- Start date
jonesvilletexas
Premium Member
I my case it was at first curiosity, but after getting involved I was amazed just how different it was and the lessons I have learned over the years. I am so happy that I perused this great fraternity.
Texas_Justice85
Registered User
having been so short of time being made a mason, I still get a feeling of purpose and enlightenment after every time I meet with brother masons. There are no words to describe the brotherhood and comradery. Even after the first time meeting some of you at Grand Lodge, I felt accepted and knew this was the beginning of something larger than life. I joined Freemasonry to further God's work, and I felt that Masonry would be the best medium for that. Little did I know of all the doors that would be opened. I know I have made the right decision to be made a Mason, and I am greatful for all the experiences and relationships it has brought me.
Texas_Justice85
Registered User
also reminds me of a gerry and the pacemaker song- youll never walk alone
E
eagle1966
Guest
what attracted me to the craft, I guess was all the talk I had heard about secret handshakes etc. Plus the the fact my grandfather who I never knew had the S&C on his grave stone, finally my curosity got the best of me and I had to find out what it was
I have found a group of men who knows no strangers and who are willing to help without question
I have found a group of men who knows no strangers and who are willing to help without question
jonesvilletexas
Premium Member
Brothers I just came across this and could have not side it any better.
Peace and Harmony Prevails
Living in Charleston, SC affords a Mason who enjoys visiting other lodges the opportunity to visit a large selection of different lodges all within a 30 minute drive of each other. Especially during the first two weeks of the month a Mason could conceivably visit a meeting of a different lodge or appendant body every night of the week. The opportunities for meeting and fellowshipping with brethren are sometimes staggering. In the act of availing myself of this Charlestonian Masonic opportunity I had a uniquely wonderful Masonic experience this past Thursday May the first.
I was visiting Pythagorean Lodge, which I frequently do. I barely got there before the lodge room door would be closed and as I signed the visitor section of the attendance log, I noticed a uniquely Germanic name. Looking over to his lodge affiliation I read: Todtenkopf und Phoenix - Berlin. My father having been a POW in World War 2 in Germany, I had instilled in me from my father an interest in most things German from an early age. I was excited to have the chance to meet and greet a German brother, especially in Charleston of all places. I found him and talked with him long enough to learn he was Junior Warden of his lodge (called 2nd Warden in Germany) before the craft was called to order. After we went through the routine opening ritual and introductions the Master said he was especially honored to introduce 2 visitors – the first was the brother from Germany. The second was a brother who was there from Israel to see his son take his first step in Masonry. He then made us aware that the following day (Friday 2May08) was Holocaust Memorial Day.
Under what other circumstances would a 60 year-old Israeli and a Berliner sit in peace and harmony with a roomful of Americans and all be perfectly at ease except in a Masonic Lodge? What a learning experience for us all. Regardless of any enmity that may exist outside the walls of the lodge, within the walls of a lodge we are all brothers first. Religious differences, political differences, personal prejudices, they all are insignificant when viewed in the context of our brotherhood. So also then should any differences between us within our own lodges be viewed in the same context. We say our order brings together men who otherwise might have remained at a perpetual distance. We shouldn’t let what petty differences that do exist divide us. We shouldn’t cling to the fairy tales of the past when the light of logical truth has exposed them to be such. We should allow ourselves to embrace the preponderance of similarities between us all and ignore the minor differences. Otherwise we will be forced to admit that we really do just study the ritual to be able to recite it, not in order to obey it. If a Jew and a German can meet on the level and part on the square in a Masonic lodge, what could possibly be worthy of dividing us?
Contributed by: Brother Tom Lewis
Peace and Harmony Prevails
Living in Charleston, SC affords a Mason who enjoys visiting other lodges the opportunity to visit a large selection of different lodges all within a 30 minute drive of each other. Especially during the first two weeks of the month a Mason could conceivably visit a meeting of a different lodge or appendant body every night of the week. The opportunities for meeting and fellowshipping with brethren are sometimes staggering. In the act of availing myself of this Charlestonian Masonic opportunity I had a uniquely wonderful Masonic experience this past Thursday May the first.
I was visiting Pythagorean Lodge, which I frequently do. I barely got there before the lodge room door would be closed and as I signed the visitor section of the attendance log, I noticed a uniquely Germanic name. Looking over to his lodge affiliation I read: Todtenkopf und Phoenix - Berlin. My father having been a POW in World War 2 in Germany, I had instilled in me from my father an interest in most things German from an early age. I was excited to have the chance to meet and greet a German brother, especially in Charleston of all places. I found him and talked with him long enough to learn he was Junior Warden of his lodge (called 2nd Warden in Germany) before the craft was called to order. After we went through the routine opening ritual and introductions the Master said he was especially honored to introduce 2 visitors – the first was the brother from Germany. The second was a brother who was there from Israel to see his son take his first step in Masonry. He then made us aware that the following day (Friday 2May08) was Holocaust Memorial Day.
Under what other circumstances would a 60 year-old Israeli and a Berliner sit in peace and harmony with a roomful of Americans and all be perfectly at ease except in a Masonic Lodge? What a learning experience for us all. Regardless of any enmity that may exist outside the walls of the lodge, within the walls of a lodge we are all brothers first. Religious differences, political differences, personal prejudices, they all are insignificant when viewed in the context of our brotherhood. So also then should any differences between us within our own lodges be viewed in the same context. We say our order brings together men who otherwise might have remained at a perpetual distance. We shouldn’t let what petty differences that do exist divide us. We shouldn’t cling to the fairy tales of the past when the light of logical truth has exposed them to be such. We should allow ourselves to embrace the preponderance of similarities between us all and ignore the minor differences. Otherwise we will be forced to admit that we really do just study the ritual to be able to recite it, not in order to obey it. If a Jew and a German can meet on the level and part on the square in a Masonic lodge, what could possibly be worthy of dividing us?
Contributed by: Brother Tom Lewis
B
Brother Secretary
Guest
Good topic. What it means to me:
An attempt in this realm to determine the nature of God.
My birthright as an American.
A mechanism to serve mankind in general an my community in particular.
The logical extension of being a complete man in western society.
And last but certainly not least the 2006 Anson Jones lecture of the Texas Lodge of Research was given by Sovereign Grand Commander Ronald Seale and in that address I heard him define Masonry as, "A continual step towards the light upon all lines of progress." I liked that so much when I heard it, I had to grab the napkin out from under my glass and write it down.
For grins, he also said in that lecture, "Masonry has been defined as, 'a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbolism....' huh... now that sounds a bit like Marketing... doesn't it?"
An attempt in this realm to determine the nature of God.
My birthright as an American.
A mechanism to serve mankind in general an my community in particular.
The logical extension of being a complete man in western society.
And last but certainly not least the 2006 Anson Jones lecture of the Texas Lodge of Research was given by Sovereign Grand Commander Ronald Seale and in that address I heard him define Masonry as, "A continual step towards the light upon all lines of progress." I liked that so much when I heard it, I had to grab the napkin out from under my glass and write it down.
For grins, he also said in that lecture, "Masonry has been defined as, 'a peculiar system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbolism....' huh... now that sounds a bit like Marketing... doesn't it?"
TexMass
Registered User
My ex father in law was a Shriner and used to invite me and his daughter to at least two shrine events a month from spring to fall. She and I divorced after 7 years and two kids but always remaind friends. About 10 years after the divorce I was seriously considering joining a lodge and called my ex dad for advice and a reference. He was Potentate for the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio at the time. He was very happy to hear of my interest. After my first year as a Mason I realized that all the times he was inviting us to the Shrine events, he was really asking me to join. He passed in 2006. He was a good guy and my first mentor.
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B
Brother Secretary
Guest
I realize now that things that both my Grandfathers said to me were at the time planting seeds. All they could do as I was only 8 and 10 years old at their respective deaths.
Happy New Year, Worshipful Jack!
Happy New Year, Worshipful Jack!
R
RJS
Guest
what are you guys doing up so late? Ain't it like 3:30 for you Texmass?