Whats the best way to get info and deciding if joining is right for me?
Through things that I've read... I think Masonry is very interesting and over the past several years I go back and forth about if I should try to join or not.
I live in Arkansas and there are little lodges all over the place. I don't personally know anyone who is a member and I don't feel comfortable just walking up to some one or to a lodge and just start asking questions (I feel thats kinds rude).
What is the best way for me to find some info and see if joining any particular local lodge is right for me?
Would I need a sponsor or something?
Or do I need an invite?
If anyone could help me out or point me towards the right direction I'd appreciate it.
Thanks & Best Regards
~Stephen
Originally Posted By ItsAllCreated:
Through things that I've read... I think Masonry is very interesting and over the past several years I go back and forth about if I should try to join or not.
I live in Arkansas and there are little lodges all over the place. I don't personally know anyone who is a member and I don't feel comfortable just walking up to some one or to a lodge and just start asking questions (I feel thats kinds rude).
What is the best way for me to find some info and see if joining any particular local lodge is right for me?
Would I need a sponsor or something?
Or do I need an invite?
If anyone could help me out or point me towards the right direction I'd appreciate it.
Thanks & Best Regards
~Stephen
But that's exactly how it works.
Stephen,
If you don't know anyone to recommend you to Masonry, your best bet is to meet someone at a lodge. I would check to see if the lodge in your area has their meeting schedule posted where you can read it. You can also look in your local newspaper to see if they post their meeting dates and time. I would go about an hour before the meeting, talk to a Brother and tell him you are interested in the craft. The lodge should be able to provide you with a pamphlet and a petition for membership. I tried to link the website address for the AR. Grand Lodge, but the site is "under construction".
Good luck to you, if I can be of any assistance please feel free to ask.
Matt
Originally Posted By ItsAllCreated:
I don't feel comfortable just walking up to some one or to a lodge and just start asking questions (I feel thats kinds rude).
Stephen:
The very LAST thing it is is rude. Believe me, Masons love to be asked about the Fraternity, and you will likely find a tremendous willingness to help. You have already taken the first step - to ask, so keep going.
Remember, it's not as much "joining" as it is "becoming a Mason".
Good luck, and keep us Arfmasons posted on your progress.
ETA:
"To be one, ask one" is not one of our bylines without reason. Once you become a Mason, you will learn the deeper meaning of that.
Any proper Mason will be happy to talk to you. That is how it is supposed to work. He is waiting for you to come along and inquire about the order.
it's not rude at all.... that is how it's done.
stop by and ask questions, get a feel for the lodge. if you have several lodges close by visit them all <every lodge has a different personality.
i can promise you you will be treated like family and they will be VERY happy to see you and answer any questions you have.
You can also contact the Grand Lodge in your state. They will put you in touch with someone at a local lodge.
Just ask, as others have said it's not rude. You must ask of your own free will. And don't be surprised that you may know someone in one of the local Lodges
Originally Posted By cjfj:
And don't be surprised that you may know someone in one of the local Lodges
And/or find that there are or have been some upstanding local citizens that are/were in any given lodge. Over the years, there have been a lot of good men pass through those doors.
