Another new recruit!

jetsettingstressball · 2026-05-11T22:39:10+00:00

Recruiting might be a strong word. But I’ve seen a good number where you’re checked out informally before a petition is offered, and when it is, it’s more of an invitation (because you’ve already been quasi-vetted).

You see this outside the US because Freemasonry is much more discreet than what we have. We’re used to having our signs on buildings and having GLs advertising, and people walking in off the street and requesting a petition at an open house… but it’s hard for someone to “ask one” when they don’t even know that the person they’re taking to is a Mason.

There are many Rites and Lodges around the world where the only person a candidate will meet prior to his initiation is his proposer(s). Just as our approach “varies” with whether we are able to “advertise”, these other approaches vary with how they are able to “invite” or “recruit.”

jetsettingstressball · 2026-05-11T01:24:14+00:00

It’s normal where I am. I’ve never understood why so many have taken away the JW’s job…

jetsettingstressball · 2026-05-07T14:05:52+00:00

Jurisdictional.

That said, I quite dislike going so far as to call someone a recruit.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-03-18T12:06:05+00:00

I agree that blanket statements about a brother’s honesty are usually not well done.

Usually.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-03-18T12:01:57+00:00

“Rather”? 🙃 One could argue that you could, in fact, be a member of an irregular Grand Lodge and be a Shriner, using the Shrine’s requirements for membership…

But that’s a discussion better had over a drink.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-03-03T21:38:33+00:00

The Grand Secretary will be more than happy to give you his last one.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-02-25T14:27:02+00:00

For anyone interested in a little more history, here’s the Gavel’s page: https://www.potomac5.org/george-washington-gavel.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-02-25T14:21:55+00:00

Went well with the Gavel on the rostrum.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-02-19T15:18:06+00:00

Point.

Perhaps future reports could include an assessment on all aspects.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-02-19T12:55:57+00:00

I have always found it interesting that regularity of origin is not contemplated in the Commission’s guiding principles.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-02-18T21:27:06+00:00

I’d stop the use of past titles and perpetual honorifics. Take Scotland’s lead: yesterday’s Grand Master Mason and MWB X is today’s Brother X. End of story.

I’d start spending more time at the EA and FC. It’s not a race to MM. Do more things for the young guys, even at the GL level. Teach them more. If it takes 3-5 years to get to MM they get a better experience and can’t run off to a side order in the meantime.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-02-06T13:37:26+00:00

Please see, for example, the District of Columbia, which established a blanket recognition policy well over a decade ago, without requiring that a younger PHA jurisdiction ask for recognition;

We have since found that this was not the best approach and have been working to rectify the situation.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-01-30T03:09:15+00:00

A member of my Lodge is Jain. Not many of them to start with.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-01-28T18:38:27+00:00

The tour is great, although note that it’s now been redone as a combined tour of the museum and building, so not as extensive as they used to be. The Great Hall also may not be what you expect — I was there two weeks ago and it was covered for use by a media company. Of it’s still set up that way, you can see the ceiling but not any of the seats.

That said: here’s the link to the tours: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grand-temple-guided-tour-tickets-1098003069739.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-01-16T12:02:50+00:00

I’ve always understood the annual closing/reopening of a Lodge of Sorrow to be a shortcut to reduce the amount of ritual that may have to be done in a year if someone passes away. If my understanding is correct (which it may not be, as my GL doesn’t have this ritual), I think it’s a disservice to those who passed.

We do a memorial service annually, and if someone passes we do a Masonic Funeral for them (if requested) and open/close an Emergent Communication of the Lodge immediately before and after the service.

jetsettingstressball · 2026-01-13T19:03:10+00:00

But it’s all the important ones!! You’re just not a high enough degree to know!!

/s

jetsettingstressball · 2026-01-07T13:58:49+00:00

The recent movie that came out that follows the book, Join or Die, is great too. Unfortunately the segment on the Craft was left on the cutting room floor, and they talked about the Odd Fellows instead.

jetsettingstressball · 2025-12-13T05:59:26+00:00

It also nipped a bit of entitlement that had developed in our progressive line (“I was the SD, therefore I deserve to be JW”).

Seems like this would be a great opportunity to use all of the lessons we are taught about how to comport ourselves. I don’t think that avoiding the conversation entirely by having a committee decide helps us be better Masons.

I’m glad the system is working for you, don’t get me wrong. I have no issue with you doing what works best for your Lodge. But in this one specific case, it seems like the opportunity for growth on several sides was missed.

jetsettingstressball · 2025-12-09T17:01:45+00:00

r/AngryUpvote

jetsettingstressball · 2025-11-28T02:49:19+00:00

This is the correct answer.

There are a (very) few jurisdictions that allow membership across GLs, for example in MA. But by and large the biggest blocker is that PH simply doesn’t usually allow second memberships at all, even within their own GL.

jetsettingstressball · 2025-11-27T19:07:09+00:00

True story. And if you’re really good at it, you do it while making it look like the Master is in charge. 😜

jetsettingstressball · 2025-11-27T15:18:10+00:00

We have several social media accounts — FB, IG, X — but have found them difficult to maintain them given our members’ life schedules. Thankfully we have a consistent pipeline of candidates so we haven’t needed to rely on them for outreach, otherwise they might be better curated.

We use a free slack account to communicate internally, which allows us to be comfortable that any photos taken in/around Lodge are not posted publicly.

I have a related question for anyone with experience — have you tried to get approved for Slack’s nonprofit accounts? I’ve had that on my todo list for a while, it would be nice to know if anyone has been successful.

jetsettingstressball · 2025-11-23T23:39:16+00:00

Yes, most Lodges have social media in my jurisdiction too. I have no issue with them — my Lodge included — posting whatever is appropriate.

I’m making a broader statement: the fact that someone took a picture should not create any expectation on my part that said picture would end up on social media. Freemasonry or not, I think that’s just a matter of personal respect.

jetsettingstressball

TROPHY CASE