posted on Jun, 6 2005 @ 12:03 AM
Originally posted by Nygdan
As far as pros and cons of masonry, I can see why it would appeal to people. But, then again, you've got to pay membership dues, which always seems
like a silly thing. I mean, I know that the dues are used to do charity and the like also, so make of it what you will, however I've allways found
the idea of paying a bunch of guys in order to hang out with them kinda strange.
Freemasonry does not appeall to everyone. Some people join because they expect certain things from Freemasonry that in fact are not so. Many join for
business advancement, special priviledges, get out of tickets, etc etc and QUICKLY find out that Freemasonry will not help them in any such area. Some
others may have expected something else, but are pleased when they learn what Freemasonry actually DOES give those who give to it.
Membership dues are another popular misconception. My lodge charges $36 per YEAR. HARDLY enough to pay for the things that the lodge gives an
individual member, such as food, materials, awards/gifts, etc.
All members pay the same dues, it's needed to keep the lodge functioning! Every member of the lodge is, in a sense, part owner of the lodge. We are
all listed in the register and we all have a vote on lodge matters. We each pay our part to keep the lodge running.
So you are not paying anyone to hang out with them! If, for some reason, a brother couldn't pay his dues one year, they usually get paid by other
brothers, or may even be waived by the lodge. We are a charitable bunch, even with each other.