My application to join a Masonic Lodge was rejected - why?

Question

I applied to join one of the local Masonic Lodges (UK), and was sponsored by a member of this Lodge. However, my sponsor is now very ill and I cannot ask him why my application was rejected.

Can any Freemason give me, at least, a hint? I have no criminal record, I work in Law Enforcement, I gave twenty years of my free time to the Trades Union movement as a Branch and Divisional Officer (unpaid), and I am now in line to become the voluntary Admin Officer for my local branch of the RNLI. I am a religious person.

Would it be worth my while to apply to another Lodge?

Edit.

I did not even get an interview.

Edit (2) - For Plato in particular.

I have a number of acquaintances who are Masons, some of whom were or are ordinary seamen on civilian ships (I live in a port). These people are notable inasmuch that they never have a bad word to say about anyone, and they always conduct themselves with dignity - they are men of character. My desire to emulate these people, together with my interest in charity, is why I wish to become a Freemason.

Answer 1

your sponsor is the only person who knows--- are you attempting to care for his wife -- his family?? showing sincere concern?--------------You can't successfully apply to another lodge----you must be invited.
In an attempt to be helpful---- I can only guess that your name is known by someone in that lodge who has some cause to object-- and thats just imaginative speculation--
keep on trying to be honourable -- remembering that vexatious people can be injurious to the soul---------and wait for another invitation.

Answer 2

I'm not a Mason in the UK so things may be a little different, but I'm fairly certain things are similar. It sounds to me like your application never made it to the lodge. In the U.S. a man asks a Mason he knows for an application. The application is completed and turned in. The application is announced at one of the next meetings and a committee is assigned to review and interview the candidate (gain more information). Once this happens the committee turns in their interview results recommending favorably or not. The lodge then holds a vote whether or not to proceed with accepting the application. The applicant is then notified whether or not his application was accepted.

You mention that you were not interviewed, and you mentioned that your sponsor was very ill. My suspicion is that the application was never turned in to the lodge for consideration. Did you get a rejection letter/notification? If not then I would apply again. If you did receive one and it has been 6 months or longer then maybe try again at a different lodge.

Answer 3

Masonic Application

Answer 4

Don't know how it is in the UK. However, in the United States, here is the general procedure. One applies for membership by filling out an application signed by 2 members of the Lodge he intends to join. The Worshipful Master appoints an investigating committee who interviews the petitioner in person. the investigation committee reports back to the Lodge and at the next stated meeting all members present vote to accept or reject an applicant. private problems and quarrels are supposed to be ignored but sometimes they are not, just depends upon the individual.

In the United States one has to wait a certain period of time -- about 6 months where I am before one can petition a different Lodge.

As an aside what Religion you are is not important as Catholic are permitted to become Masons.

Answer 5

At what stage was it rejected?

Normal procedure would be for the prospective candidate to be interviewed by a small committee, who would decide whether or not to propose in open lodge. Did your proposal get beyond the committee

No one here can tell you why you were rejected, we don't know you or your background.

Nothing to stop you applying to another lodge.
.

Answer 6

It goes to vote and as one of the above said you may have someone in that lodge that has past grief with you? I am not familiar with the UK application so it could of been something you put down as it is read before vote.

Answer 7

You've been rejected by the Emissaries of Jahbulon
you should think yourself lucky -

the link contains a disturbing documentary about masonry -

if there's nothing to hide-- why the secrecy?

how do the lower degrees know what the higher degrees get up to?

Answer 8

Why do you want to join the Masons, don't you have enough to do?

Saw your profile-I'm Irish also-you old rogue!

Answer 9

You don't say what religion you are but I know they don't take Catholics (don't know why).

My parents in the Masons and a lot of it has to do with social status and money. You may not have been "good enough" for them.

Don't let it bother you mate--you're better off without their gobbledygook. We weren't rich but he had a lot of influence in our village which is why they let him in. I was bored by the whole thing, and their "secrets" don't amount to much.

Answer 10

Did you remember to say 'Boaz'?