Freemasons: Why would one want to join the Masons? What are some of the advantages or perks of being a member

Answer 1

I cannot answer for most Freemasons since I belong to an esoteric Order known as American Co-Masonry, Freemasonry for women and men. I will only answer for myself and you may judge accordingly.

Freemasonry (remember again that I speak of my Order) is about improving the world, quickening the evolution of mankind, by improving oneself. It is not much of a social organization, and while it raises money that gets distributed to those in need, it is not just a charitable organization. It is an alchemical society where we work to change the lead in our hearts into gold.

Freemasonry is not a religion, although we require the candidate to declare their belief in a Supreme Being. It is a system of morality. Thus I know when dealing with a Brother (we call women and men "Brother," BTW) that I am dealing with someone who is striving to be morally straight. The teaching are in allegorical form and the symbols are those of ancient operative (that is, stone mason) brethren. Part of the reason is that to mold human character is as difficult as molding stone.

We work together in ritual. We spend little time outside of Lodge together because many of us live hundreds of miles away from each other. Inorder to visit my two Blue Lodges, I drive 800 miles each month. That means leaving at 5:30AM, getting to Lodge in time to set up the place, do a rehearsal if necessary, do the ritual, break down the Lodge and maybe grab a quick bite to eat before leaving for home.

Still, there is a sense of unity of purpose and comradeship that I have found nowhere else. That is one of the biggest perks, as you put it: we feel that kinship.

I know Brothers in my Order from Chile and Brasil, Canada to Florida, and even the Most Sovereign Grand Commander and the President. These are fine and spiritual people. Most I would donate a kidney to if they needed it.

I do not get discounts at stores. I do not run the world (thank heavens!) I only get out of Freemasonry what I put into it. Freemasonry calls me to better myself. I was getting deaf and reclusive: the Lodge needed a Secretary so I got appointed. That office made me realize I needed hearing aids and to learn to do mass mailings on computer. I was feeling monetarily poor: a different Lodge needed an Almoner so I got appointed. Now I see where the community needs help (homeless shelters, half-way houses, food for the needy). Guess I am doing pretty well financially anyway. *grin*

Why would you want to join the Masons? To make the world better by making yourself a better human being. Are you up to that challenge?

A Master Mason
American Co-Masonry

Hiram Lodge No. 11 (Santa Cruz, CA)
Amon Ra Lodge No. 9 (Los Angeles, CA)
Sapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)
Adamant Mark Lodge No. 3 (Santa Cruz, CA)

Answer 2

I have been a Mason for ten years. No benefits. Lot of work and I get to hang out with some really great people.

There are no benefits unless you consider paying dues and doing charity work to be benefits. Oh, and you get to display the Masonic symbol on your car.

When we die no one will remember who the individuals were and people will still be saying we were/are all a bunch of evil people worshiping a false god.

Answer 3

You can go to any local blue lodge and find out about Masonry. If you want to join, just ask. It tends to be Bible based (King James Version) in the U.S., but I am sure in other countries it may be based around the prevailing religion of the area. (You may swear on whatever holy book you believe in, and may take the references to God as generic, referring to Allah, Jehovah, Christ). You must believe in one supreme being. In my lodge, it was very Christian based. I caught some references to Christ. This may vary. I don't attend at this time due to time constraints, however I served as Senior Deacon at one point. There is nothing sinister or evil about it. We welcome all people as far as I know. It simply is a way to associate with good guys trying to do good things.

Answer 4

If you have to ask then you really know nothing about FreeMasons. You must come from someone in your family that is or was a Mason.

Answer 5

Buy one get one free at McDonalds. And designated parking space at Rick's strip club.

Answer 6

Get invited to join and find out for yourself.........if your worthy that is. lol.