How many traveling brothers are members on the forum. NW#407

I am not... but I do business with and have hunted with good men who are

Pine #203 PM

I'm not a mason....both of my grandfathers were and I have several friends that are....great organization....

Artesia #406

Roanoke #668

Baylor 1235

Idaho Falls, Idaho Eagle Rock #19 PM

Warren #56

I thought this would be about those cheap asphalt slinging "Irish travelers" losers

I was going to ask what the seasons and bag limits on them is and if there is any restrictions on baiting or using steal-able items to lure them in

Gus Garrison #1273.

George R. Reeves #396

I am not trying to be rude in any sort of way, but what is the masonic all about and what is the point of membership?

I ask in all humbleness as I have no experience with this at all and have heard about it but don't understand anything about it...

x2

Masonry is really the original fraternity, and many organizations that have followed use similar initiation rites in joining.

Others can add their thoughts, but to me it is a group of men with similar values joining together for camaraderie and benevolence. Most lodges perform some type of community engagement, and many provide scholarships to selected local students for continuing ed. Organizations like Scottish Rite and Shriners of America are extensions of freemasonry, and as many know, these organizations fund hospitals focused on children in need.

The principle stated goal of the organization is "to make good men better". This is done through the altruism along with the lessons learned through initiation. Any man can become a Mason with some basic limitations - background check, sound mind and body, and belief in a higher being. Most American Freemasons are Christian, but brand of belief is not as important as the basic belief that we all answer to an authority greater than mankind. I've been asked if it is a religion and the answer is an emphatic NO, but it is based on that basic belief that you must believe in something greater than yourself. If not, any broken promises you make provide no repercussions.

Way more info than you may have wanted, but hey, I'm on my soapbox! The initiation rites are based mostly on lessons of how to live your life in a meaningful way, how to treat your fellow man, and especially, how to treat fellow Masons. Some say it is a SECRET SOCIETY and I disagree. You can find all you want about freemasonry online, but you will not hear it (we hope) from the mouth of a Mason. We have all taken an oath that we don't reveal the internal workings of the Lodge - not because it is nefarious, but more because we hold it to have very special meaning that must be learned in context. Plus, there is honor and dignity in keeping your word.

Finally, lots of people will say they've been interested, but never joined because no one has ever asked them to join. True, and they never will be. One of the "rules" of freemasonry is we don't recruit. However, once we are asked, we very much enjoy sharing info and how to become involved.

I have found Masonry to be one of the most rewarding activities I've ever undertaken, but like many things, you get out of it what you put in.

Appreciate the info Dalroo. How does one go from rank to rank, is it a time in type thing or is it based on acts of goodness or service? Again just curious. Grew up a Boy scout so that's all my reference is for ranks/advancement..

Great question! There are really only 3 "ranks" which we call degrees - Entered Apprentice (EA), Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. You enter as an EA and go through initiation and then work with a mentor to learn the ritual and dialogue. And fyi - the work is esoteric and not written, so the mentor is providing spoken dialogue which the candidate then recites back taken small sections at a time until you can repeat the entire work verbatim. It sounds challenging, but really is not that difficult as it is crafted into questions and answers - the candidate is asked a question and then provides the proper answer.

Depending on your memorization skills, time available, and lodge requirements, this process can take from a few weeks to several months. Once your mentor feels you are ready a time is set for you to demonstrate (to the best of your ability) your progress (examination) in a Lodge meeting, whereby you are recommended to proceed to the next level. It may happen, but I've never seen a candidate not receive approval to progress.

The same process takes place for Fellowcraft degree and after examination the candidate is recommended to proceed to the Master Mason degree. The only difference in the Master's degree is there is no subsequent degree for which to proceed.

Technically there is no higher degree than Master Mason meaning that all Master Masons are in effect equal. Now some may choose to join the appendant bodies (York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine) but there is no requirement to do so, instead solely based on the individual's desire to become further engaged. The appendant bodies have their own rituals and degrees, but to my knowledge none require memory work or examination.

Very well said brother Dalroo.. 2B1ASK1
NW#407

Ridglea 1341

Very well put, Dalroo. You summed it up way better than I could. My reason for becoming a Mason, was my Grandfather. I loved that man and wanted to be like him in every way that I could. He was a Mason for years, so I became one.

Southside 1114

Webster Groves MO #84.

I would gladly have traded some memory work instead of having to walk the hot sands of the Shrine.