Originally posted by desertdreamer
Why would one want to be a mason? How is it going to benefit me? I mean, are people just wanting to join and see what it is all about? Forgive the simple questions please, I just don't see what all they hype is about....

don't worry a bit about masonry. You don't need it.

What kinda numbers do the dues look like? I mean, I think there could be some mutual benefit, say, between my views and the local Lodge's, but, I am not a business owner or someone who can afford a, let's say, $50.00 a month due price for very long before it would affect my household. Cable and internet are a serious drag on the bottom line, so, the due amount would be a relevant question. I'm sure the different Lodges have dues that reflect the community Masons, but, maybe an average amount number? What are we looking at, due-wise?

@RockPuck- Ah, Seamus, heaven forbid the Puritans spy on your heathen ways! LOL Slainte!

Cuhail

Dude why ask here? Email your local lodge or something.
Though why desire it at all? If they are a bunch of evil semi-cultists then #'em. And if they are truly seeking to help others and reach enlightement then just do the same in your life and in a while you'll surely be invited by them or an other group.

Besides, there's always the Red Cross =) Or the maltanese cross or other crosses...Those people really like crosses.

[edit on 21-8-2009 by Never Anonymous]

[edit on 21-8-2009 by Never Anonymous]

Applying:

I knew a mason when I joined. He gave me the contact details of the local lodge, but would do nothing to help me join. After becoming a mason, I found out that he vouched for me. Now I know that the only way to join my lodge is to contact the lodge as an outsider by phoning the secretary. This shows dedication, and the amount of effort it takes shows real willingness to become a mason. The only exception are Lewises (sons of masons), who can ask a brother directly, rather than phoning the secretary.

Blackballing:

In South Africa, if you have been blackballed, you may never again reapply to the same lodge. You may petition to another lodge after 1 year, but the original lodge holds jurisdiction over the candidate, and the new lodge must apply to the original lodge to hand over jurisdiction.

If a Brother opposes a new candidate, it is expected that he tells the WM before balloting ever takes place, so that the matter never goes to ballot. It is pretty much understood that Blackballing someone means they will probably never become a mason, and to allow it to get to that stage means that a Brother must have a very good reason why that person should not become a mason.

AugustusMasonicus and the bar:

Our stewards are expected to arrive an hour before lodge to open the bar. This tradition started about a year ago, when a certain brother (who shall not be named, but frequents the ATS forum) helped himself to a drink from the bar one day before lodge to help calm his nerves before delivering a rather long piece of ritual. Everyone else thought it was an excellent idea.

Dues:

In South Africa, many lodges support their membership with a weekly raffle. The raffle is well supported by our more wealthy brethren, and the raffle means that dinner/drinks are free and that annual dues are kept down to the equivalent of about $30 per year.


Benefits:

Originally posted by network dude

Originally posted by desertdreamer
How is it going to benefit me?

don't worry a bit about masonry. You don't need it.

Network Dude's comment may sound a bit harsh, but he is right. Masonry is about giving, not getting.

The right question if you wanted to become a Mason would be:
"How can I benefit others?"

I find this topic just kind of wierd as i browsing the thread started TO BE ONE ASK ONE and I work with a mason and that combined with other numbers is his email addy and he wears an arm band that says that I have been to his house to set up a wireless network and he has this crazy huge sword that all sorts of masonic icons on it just my .02

i have an update for this thread, but must be brief. short on time.

the night after making my last post in this thread, i ran into a guy that i know from way back. he was wearing this leather brag vest (biker type) with masonic patches all over it. the last guy i'd take for a freemason. it was like a flashing sign. so i had to approach him... i dropped the ask one to be one bomb and turns out he is at the lodge nearby like 4-5 days a week.



[edit on 21/8/2009 by gravykraken]