From Experience to Meaning

Being a Young Freemason

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by
jweium
, 07-24-10 at 11:54 PM (638 Views)
I apologize in advance if this blog can be a bit philosophical. I recently was raised as a Master Mason a few months ago. However, being 22 years of age, I have encountered many obstacles and questions of Freemasonry. Being raised as a Master Mason was probably one of the greatest days of my life so far cause I can truly see that all men within this fraternity are united and equal no matter what walks of life they come from. I have met many brothers who have helped me along the way to be a Master Mason. I thank all of them and all of you who are reading this.
There are several problems though that I would like to address in which some brothers could answer. The first being at a young age and I mean no offense to elder brothers, how can we attract younger members at around my age level? I currently attend a university and am a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. I see many similarities as to how Freemasonry can impact fraternities and sororities by implementing them. It amazes me as to how Freemasonry can be in everything although we don't know it yet. The second question I would like to address is the welcoming attitude to so many brothers when I visit other lodges within Texas. Why are they so kind and offer me food before lodge? They could choose to reject me, but instead they don't. Why are so many people ignorant of the fact that Masonry does not harm anyone but rather helps them? Especially people who may know very little about the fraternity, why do they insist that we are "evil" or we are a "religious cult" or "we want to take over the world." ?
There are many more questions, however I do not wish to make this blog lengthy. Instead, I will continue with more philosophical blogs on which I have encountered later. May the Great Architect of the Universe Bless you all!!!
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  1. rhitland's Avatar
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    The short answer on membership is we are behind the curve. We some how got in the light of pop culture somewhere Masonry has never been and most GL are at a loss at how to capitalize on this fame. Masonry is everywhere right now but our numbers ore on a down fall. The first step is at the lodge level and starts with you. Start a small webpage and add to it as you discover light for yourself. Keep the laws of GL in mind but otherwise get after it. Change is not always easy.
    On the second point of why everyone thinks we are evil. I would ask you to check your EA charge and it is pretty clear we are not allowed to argue with those who ridicule our fratenity, bottom line is that it would be a waste of time. Many write books against the craft to make a buck as many do for it.
    Updated 07-28-10 at 08:57 AM by rhitland
  2. trey_odom's Avatar
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    hey bro congrats on being raised .... i was just raised myself this past may... and it so far it has saved my life.. i feel like i was born again .. and my heart renewed ..
    i was brought up in a pretty Pentecostal church. were you eat sleep and breath jesus christ and his word.. .. but sometimes the spirituality can smoother you .. when i first started asking my friends about freemasonry .. some say its a fraternity wit secrets .. some said it was a colt , etc ... i did the research myself .. and went to dinner at lodge on my own accord .. i found myself that there was nothing wrong wit it .. so i petitioned .. and never will i regret anything .... and now .. i dont care what ppl think..... just b a light at the end of peoples tunnel .. b an example and prove people wrong .. i work at a church . and many people are shocked how ive changed . some people have rejected me . some care for me more . many of my friends ask many ?'s .
    and with the food.... they are just giving bc what they were givin . they are being an example of how the craft should work. carry on the legacy as great men have done before us .
    there are often times were we cant trust people .. u can always trust your brothers. and keep your guard up, heart pure, and remember what your wm left you in charge of in the NE corner. and stay true to the good book in which you took your obligation .
    i am about to do scottish rite this fall . and i am looking forward to it..
    hit me up on here .. id love to chat more .
    Updated 08-09-10 at 02:15 PM by trey_odom
  3. jwhoff's Avatar
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    jweium and trey_odem,

    welcome aboard! jweium, i think of you quite often and wish brother W.L. was still with us. i knew when i saw you tagging along with him at cypress lodge that you would be asking the "right" questions.

    gentlemen, i suggest you both pull out the blue pamphlet given you at the time of your raising and get started reading your way to some light. all you will be out is postage. just download the form from the grand lodge and start ordering. follow the list of book suggestions from grand lodge and i promise you will find more light.

    i suggest you both start with "traveling in foreign countries." then, after a reasonable amount of time and when times permits you should join one or more of the rites: Scottish or York.

    as to your two questions, they are struggles we all face. do not worry about what others think of us. they often put us down in one breath and tell you they can count on us with the next breath.

    do not be one of those masons who pushes for numbers ... we need quality. be patient, i'm seeing four of five petitions coming from folks in your age group. get yourselves ready to begin teaching these candidates! we have three younger MMs at cypress who some of us have guided into instructor positions. their young pupils are very excited to be learning from one of their own, and these young instructors are thriving. when they get stuck, they come over and ask for help. just like i do. please, you do the same.

    be patient and often! keep riding that edge and grasping for "more light." you're going to be surprised at what you find out! you have all those years before you. WOW! to have made this choice at your age.

    God bless you both ... jwhoff
  4. dstrickland's Avatar
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    this link provides interesting insight into your questions regarding why freemasonry has been disdained
    http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca/anti-masonry/index.html
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