Any of you out there Freemasons that are younger? What is your experience? I'm in my mid 30s and worried if I go to the lodge, it will be nothing but older gentlemen there.. and not fit in. Suggestions?
2007-02-25 12:14:52 · 8 answers · asked by jvstiniann 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
For a Fraternity steeped in over four hundred years of tradition, you might think it is difficult to become a Mason.
It is. There is one major hurdle each candidate must pass.
They must ask.
Freemasonry in California accepts no one for membership unless they come of their own free will and accord, having already obtained a favorable impression of our Fraternity.
There are few other requirements. You must:
Be a man, over the age of 18.
Believe in a Supreme Being.
Live an ethical and moral life.
Have a strong interest in the Fraternity and desire to participate in its charities and its activities.
We believe that men are first made Masons in their hearts, then they ask to join our Fraternity. Freemasonry will take these men — good men in their communities — and help them become better men.
2007-02-25 12:34:12 · answer #1 · answered by Pey 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Freemasonry is an oath bound fraternal order of men which derives from the medieval fraternity of Freemasonry. We adhere to many of the Ancient Charges, laws, customs and legends of operative Freemasonry. We are loyal to the civilian government under which we exist. We inculcate moral and social virtues by symbolic application of the operative stonemasons' working tools and by allegories, lectures and charges. Freemasonry obligates its members to obey the principles of brotherly love, equality, mutual aid, secrecy and, confidence. We have secret modes of recognition that permit members to recognize each other as brothers. We require a through examination into the mental, moral and physical qualifications of a petitioner and we admit men into the fraternity by secret ceremonies based in part on legends of the Craft.
Once a person has decided to apply for membership he fills out a petition signed by 2 members of the Lodge he desires to join. He gives the petition to one of the members along with the required initiation fee. The petition is read at the Lodge's next stated meeting when the Worshipful Master will appoint an investigating committee who will interview the petitioner in person. the investigating committee will report back to the Lodge at the following stated meeting when the members present will vote on the petitioner. Once the petitioner is accepted he is given the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. There are certain requirements a candidate must meet before he can proceed from one degree to another.
One must obtain the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason before he is allowed to wear any Masonic jewelry. One must have a Belief in a Supreme Being and HOLY BOOKS play an important role in all Masonic Rituals, Ceremonies and Activities. The Tenets of the Masonic Fraternity are " Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. " The Masonic Fraternity is NOT a Secret Society but rather a Society With Secrets No matter what you have heard the Masonic Fraternity is NOT Satanic in nature.
Suggest if you are interested in pursuing interest in the Masonic Fraternity if over the age of 18 you contact a man whom you know to be a Mason for further information and an application. if under the age of 18 you may inquire about the DeMolay Organization.
If no local Masonic Lodge is available then suggest you contact the Grand Lodge of Masons for the State in which you reside. The Brothers there will be more than happy to assist in any way possible.
2007-02-26 08:59:11 · answer #2 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am 29 have been a Mason for years and i am not the youngest at my lodge.
Some lodges have more older men that younger men. But some lodges at the exact opposite. There is a lodge near my house that the average age of the officers is 35. All officers at one of my lodges are under 50. We appear to be made up of older member because they are the one who are retired and have time to attend more functions
2007-02-25 20:35:12 · answer #3 · answered by tatimsaspas 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your at just the right age. When I joined the WM mentioned most are not ready until late twenties early thirties. In your works you will see why.
Many lodges have older members but our age group has been increasing.
Also a note about the above post in regards to showing the "secret goods". My wife asked me and explained the books have been published showing the degrees with pictures to boot and people are still blind.
2007-02-28 20:15:09 · answer #4 · answered by Labatt113 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking, you may find that you're among the younger members of your lodge, but I really doubt that you'll be an outsider because of that. If you know any Masons, talk to them about it. It's always easier to go into something like this if you already know someone who's a part of it.
2007-02-25 22:27:29 · answer #5 · answered by OhKatie! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My best friends ex husband was a free mason, she showed me all his "secret" stuff that he had. Anyway it created a huge fight between them because the particular group he was in, were exchanging wives. So it was more like swinging masons. For her it was a no go. He was in his mid 20s when he joined.
***NOT SAYING ALL FREEMASONS ARE LIKE THAT****
2007-02-25 20:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You are the age group they are looking for go for it but keep in mind I have found them to be the biggest nit picking self satisfied lot of peer pressure people Ive ever met.
2007-02-25 20:21:42 · answer #7 · answered by burning brightly 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not an age thing, go young man, go.
2007-02-25 20:20:02 · answer #8 · answered by Jedi Baptist 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋