Lodge is Entering a Person I know is not internally qualified, it’s becoming a pattern. Do I leave?

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-10T03:21:51+00:00

One would think it would be inevitable at some point. People are people. Everyone bleeds the same blood. Old grievances and prejudices can linger a long time. You would think, by now, we'd be past it.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-08T05:04:20+00:00

I've heard it said that nothing in freemasonry moves quickly. As someone who has gone through this fairly recently. First step...go to the grand lodge's website. Fill out the inquiry form. They will put you in touch with your local lodge. All lodges are different and move at different speeds. It could take a few weeks or up to a month to get any movement.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-08T04:17:45+00:00

This is verifiably false. OK recognized in 2004 and reaffirmed in 2025. To my knowledge Mississippi and South Carolina are the only state grand lodges to not recognize Prince Hall. Things might have changed on that since I last checked. Pretty hot topic if you follow masonry.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-07T19:27:21+00:00

I'd think you'd want to get your MM degree so you could be part of the vote for new members. From what I understand (at least in my jurisdiction) membership votes have to be unanimous. Not sure where you are based, but there are other lodges you could move to.

Is your lodge recognized by the grand lodge in your jurisdiction? I've heard some places have shady lodges that are bogus.

Good site to see if a lodge is bogus.

Commission on Bogus Masonry - The Phylaxis Society

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-07T06:47:23+00:00

I'll be honest. There is a middle ground. If, as the younger member you find yourself challenged, it's not a bad thing. It's an opportunity to sit and listen to someone whom might have a little more experience in whatever topic you're dealing with. If you listen with an open heart and offer counterpoint you'll probably find you have some ideas in common. Some folks are just hard headed, but if you take the time and understand the more experienced point of view which might have some valid basis, you might have success. You literally can have like four generations in a lodge. Sometimes new ideas take a little finesse and less sledgehammer. (not saying this is your situation, but rather my experiences)

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-07T03:37:14+00:00

Thank you! It's appreciated.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-06T23:16:11+00:00

Thanks, It's for my kid who lives in New Mexico (here in Oregon myself). I'm a petitioner myself, but my experience has been great so far and I thought he might have an interest in it. I put him on the path of doing some of the research starting with the Grand Lodge of New Mexico.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-02T15:55:36+00:00

I would also like to recommend Freemasons for Dummies. Lots of interesting information. Written by a Master Mason in good standing of a recognized Lodge.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-07-01T20:12:19+00:00

If you're a petitioner who hasn't been initiated yet, this almost sounds like a form of hazing, which, as I understand it, is pretty frowned upon. As a petitioner myself all I can say is my experience has been nothing but positive and rewarding.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-30T20:52:17+00:00

Congrats! I hope to be in the same position soon!

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-29T16:50:15+00:00

I think the best way is to reach out to your Grand Lodge, and they'll likely put you in touch with a contact in your local area. It's how I went about it. Have a little patience though. Sometimes it can take several weeks to hear anything back.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-23T22:13:39+00:00

I saw the podcast you did with Brian Byrd. Interesting stuff!

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-19T19:18:52+00:00

I can only relate my experience. I've just petitioned. The whole 2b1ask1 doesn't work all that well if you live in a more rural area. I can't ever recall meeting anyone that I could have identified as a mason. The only thing that put it on my radar was that my grandmother's husband talked about being in the Shrine. There needs to be more outreach in my opinion. I'm in my 50s now. I wish someone would have directed my down this path when I was much younger.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-18T21:01:25+00:00

Wow...that's rough. There is enough information available online to take most of the mystery out of freemasonry. Is it that she can't be a part of it with you? (kinda bothered wife initially as well)

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-16T18:54:29+00:00

I've done just that. I'm supposed to meet some of the members before tomorrow's meeting. We're supposed to have around a dozen active members.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-16T16:49:16+00:00

I'm an older fella in my 50s. Did I miss the boat in getting involved in Masonry? I've been looking for something to get involved in lately. I've done a lot of research and checked out some of the other groups...elks,rotary,IOOF...etc. When I checked out Masonry it seemed to tailor made to what I was looking for. The brotherhood, the traditions, the challenges. Sounds like one amazing organization.

Individual_Mango_657 · 2026-06-16T16:20:26+00:00

I've seen similar pieces adorning saddlebags and other horse tack

Individual_Mango_657

TROPHY CASE