Do the Masons have it for my family?

My maternal Grandfather was a mason, as was my paternal Greatgrandfather. My cousin and uncle are both masons. Why is it, that noone in my branch of the family is a mason?

Both my brothers are professionals. They work with masons (they claim this from the wierd handshakes they get etc.). My brother's best mate, my cousin, is a mason. Why has neither of them been invited to join? I learned from my dad that my maternal grandfather (his father - in - law) asked him to join, but my dad said that he said that to be a secret society, it couldn't do much good (in true Skulls film fashion!).

Is it possible that because of my dad telling them to shove it, that myself and siblings will be left out in the cold so to speak?

Originally posted by Humpy
Why has neither of them been invited to join?

Under the rules of the Fraternity in most places, it is a violation of protocol to invite someone to join. If a person wants to become a Mason, he must ask a member for a petition (application).

I'm sure those in your family who are not Masons would be welcomed if they asked.

Fiat Lvx.

Originally posted by Humpy
My maternal Grandfather was a mason, as was my paternal Greatgrandfather. My cousin and uncle are both masons. Why is it, that noone in my branch of the family is a mason?

Both my brothers are professionals. They work with masons (they claim this from the wierd handshakes they get etc.). My brother's best mate, my cousin, is a mason. Why has neither of them been invited to join? I learned from my dad that my maternal grandfather (his father - in - law) asked him to join, but my dad said that he said that to be a secret society, it couldn't do much good (in true Skulls film fashion!).

Is it possible that because of my dad telling them to shove it, that myself and siblings will be left out in the cold so to speak?

Masons generally speaking do not recruit, so it is unlikely (though not impossible) that you would ever be asked to join anyway. In some places they do invite men to start the petitioning process (there is no guarantee that you will be accepted), but from what I can tell by and large they do not. I would suggest if you don't want to be "left out in the cold" as you put it, you should just contact your local lodge, or talk to those men you know to be Masons. You should be able to find out what you need to know.

Also, there are many very knowledgable Masons on this board, and I am certain they would be happy to answer your questions. Try searching, though, as this is a very common topic of discussion in this forum. There is lots of information to be had.

[edit on 7/30/04 by The Axeman]

as i recall You have to ask Them. they wont ask you.

as to what good they can do, just ask anyone who has ever had the occasion
to go to a Shriners Childrens Hospital. The Shriners Hospitals in the US have
either 2 or 3 of the top burn centers in this country, in addition to Orothopedic
specialists and much more. and this is just one area where they help.

we do not seem recruits. However, should anyone if upstanding character be interested in gaining information about the Masons, we are too happy to provide it.

Remember:

2B 1 Ask 1

So mote it be

Originally posted by Humpy
.....
......but my dad said that he said that to be a secret society, it couldn't do much good (in true Skulls film fashion!).

As Masons, we do charity work. Although this is NOT a requirement. My lodge gives donations at the end of the year to two orphanages here in Japan. We also have events for orphanages here just as festivals and the like.
Other than that, we are a fraternity that believes in the same things and we get together to be with and interact with people of the same value set.

Is it possible that because of my dad telling them to shove it, that myself and siblings will be left out in the cold so to speak?

I once heard of a Mason that had a son. The son wanted to be a Mason, but his dad never asked him to join. Well, the Father was waiting for his son to ask him how to join. Well, as you can imagine no one talked to each other. Well, the son one day was talking with one of the my fellow brethren and was concerned and asked him why he was never asked by his dad. Well, his dad was probably waiting for him to ask. Well, at about 40 years old he asked his Dad. His dad was happy and surprised and then he became a Mason. Was a happy ending.

Personally, when I was 18 my father said that if I am interested in or would like to join the Masons, then just let him know and he would point me in the right direction. That was the last I ever heard about it. About 12 years later I asked him. Now I am a mason......

Thanks - i'll pass this on to my bro; who's been getting annoyed with my dad ever since he told us about turning them down.

whats so special about being a mason?

Well, if you have to ask, you aren't a mason...

Masonry is a fraternity of the best men I have ever had the opportunity to know... and that is just the start of what's so special about being a mason.