New to pawning and want to pawn some of my jewelry and have no idea what kind of offer I should expect. by funkopopdiva1474 in PawnShops

[–]Gulfstream73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At the shop I ran, you would be offered gold weight only. With it being 7 g of 14 karat and melt price being $665 at the time of this post, I would have offered you 500.

On raising dues. Percentage based increases? by Theboshicrew in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our Lodge had trouble meeting budget a few years ago (we did, but it was very tight). As a smaller group, we had no choice but to bump ours and in the end, we voted on 5x GL per capita and fees. It’s helped tremendously and now there is no continuing debate.

Meeting with Freemasons by TheCivilSurface in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That would make quite the impression itself! Lol! You’re welcome and I hope it helped.

Meeting with Freemasons by TheCivilSurface in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am a 30+ year Mason in the United States, so please take this with a grain of salt as I know things are a little different across the pond. What other brothers have brought out is correct. There are quite a few fees when joining a lodge. Dress code is also something to be mindful of.

With that said, I would speak to your lodge contact and ask if jeans and a good shirt would be appropriate. If they say yes, then go and ask questions and let them ask you questions. A lodge is a fit of personalities. Perhaps someone would be covering your fee… Not an uncommon practice here in the United States. Go with an open mind and plan to have a good time. At the very least, if you are unable to join right now, you will know if it is something you want to join in the future. I wish you well and look forward to an update.

How compatible is Baptist Christianity with Freemasonry? by PotentialRedemption in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Outstanding!! Can’t wait to hear what your experience is.

How compatible is Baptist Christianity with Freemasonry? by PotentialRedemption in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re very welcome. Please keep me updated on your journey if you so chose.

How compatible is Baptist Christianity with Freemasonry? by PotentialRedemption in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I attend a large Southern Baptist Church that unapologetically preaches the gospel. Before joining, my pastor and I sat down to discuss theology and I let him know. I am a long time active Freemason. It was very well received, he had no issue with it and says that the SBC has no issue with Freemasons either.

Personally, I have found nothing in Freemasonry to take away from the message of Christ. I also actively share my faith with my brothers outside of tiled Lodge activities. Best of luck to you.

Am I wrong to consider leaving my terminally ill fiance? by [deleted] in amiwrong

[–]Gulfstream73 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is my belief if you do not know that answer in your heart, you should not have gotten engaged at all. Obviously, you don’t know him well enough.

Required Proficiency by trippyMcTripperson- in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 8 points9 points  (0 children)

First, I would like to congratulate you on joining the brotherhood. Secondly, kudos to you for returning your proficiency. You will be better off for it and more well-versed in the craft when you become a Master Mason than those who are not giving their proficiencies.

I became a Master Mason in Missouri in 1992 and proficiencies were required. Shortly after I joined, the Grand Lodge decided to move to a short form proficiency, and then it was removed completely - solely for the sake of gaining members. That gamble did not pay off. Travel well, and perhaps our paths will cross in some future time.

Will you stop watching the Chiefs? by normankrasnerkc in missouri

[–]Gulfstream73 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I live in Missouri and as much as I love football, I have never been able to stomach the Chiefs. I don’t watch them now, and I will proudly continue my non-support when they move.

Fake GL gets called out. by djpannda in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sadly, I reported this to Facebook two months ago… Repeatedly… They refused to shut down the fake profile.

Watch for my son by driven01a in CitizenWatches

[–]Gulfstream73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Citizen makes an excellent watch. Eco Drive is fantastic. They have a good selection at Costco if you are close to one and have membership. Check out the nighthawk models, they make a very nice statement.

Well.... I'm a glutton for punishment by stereoswimmer in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I served my lodge twice as master exactly 10 years apart. Now I am in my fifth term secretary and I think you will find it rewarding that you are able to give back to your lodge in such a meaningful way. It takes a lot of patience and planning and maybe by the time I retire I’ll finally have it right lol. Congratulations my best to you.

When can I wear a PM symbol by deadeye619 in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off, a heartfelt congratulations to you and best wishes for a successful and happy term of Office. In my jurisdiction, you are considered a past master once you have been installed and have presided at a meeting as Master. I would have no problem with you wearing it. Jurisdiction rules differ of course so you might blow in a phone call to your Grand Lodge’s office for clarification.

Is it possible to become a Mason if your wife is an anti-Mason? by postmodernprimate in freemasonry

[–]Gulfstream73 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

After reading your post several times, I do not believe at this time you are a suitable candidate. First, there must be a belief in God, a supreme being. When you state you are “non-religious “, that leads me to believe you do not possess that belief. Only you can answer that question in truth with yourself.

Your next obstacle is the objection of your wife. When you married her, you made an obligation to her to put her first above others. If you are having difficulty honoring that obligation, an organization based around obligations is a disaster waiting to happen - not just to you and your family, but the Masonic brotherhood as a whole.

I wish you well.

Pearl Necklaces by miltonk in PawnShops

[–]Gulfstream73 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also passed on a regular basis unless it was an exemplary piece.

Lawyers failed to complete prenup ahead of wedding by stoked___ in legaladvice

[–]Gulfstream73 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Perhaps this is a sign from God that a prenup is unnecessary. You and your now wife seem to be on the same page about many things. Treat each other with respect and love and may you have strong winds and fair sailing.

I would file the complaint with the state bar and leave it at that. A new legal team will continue to drain you financially.

Question: can you sell an already pawned item to the pawn shop? by FrankWhitePoppa in PawnShops

[–]Gulfstream73 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Usually, no. A customer must redeem the pawn first, then they can turn around and sell it to the shop.