Hey, I have encountered a new dilema: How to pick a Lodge? What should I keep in mind when picking one? I read the 20 Lodge names “near me”, but I got no clue on how to pick one. Should I start by checking the ones which have an attractive name? Or does it really matter which one to pick?

What I basically need to know, is if all Lodges are the same, or if depending on the Lodge, some values change, or if maybe I should look for the Lodge right for me. In any case, I’d be very thankfull if anyone could guide me a little on this, because I’d like to contact a Lodge ASAP to begin finding out a some more about joining.

Thanks for the help,

Martin

This question really does not have an answer. In some locations, there is only one lodge for each neighborhood.  For example, in Warren County KY, there are six lodges. The county is cut into “precincts”, where each lodge has a unique geographic area. Some cities in the USA, have “concurrent jurisdiction”, where multiple lodges share the same “precinct”, and any man can join any lodge in that city.

There is no right or wrong way to choose a lodge. I suggest that you select a lodge, that is within an easy commute of your residence.  Keep in mind, that once you are a mason anywhere, then you are a mason everywhere. You can visit and fellowship with any lodge, around the world, or across town. Your annual dues card, is your “admission ticket” to freemasonry worldwide.  You may even choose to join multiple lodges (I belong to three different lodges).

I suggest that you locate a lodge right away, that is within an easy commmute. Contact the lodge secretary, and request a petition. Once you are a Mason, then you can attend and fellowship with other lodges, and if you desire, you can take out multiple memberships.

Good luck to you.

Martin-

The twenty lodges near you are divided among a couple of locations.  Start by deciding which location makes the most sense for you.  Once you’ve determined the best location, contact a couple of the lodges and express your interest in learning more about their lodge.  Let them know you’re exploring which lodge would be the best fit for you. After you’ve spoken with a couple of lodges you should have the opportunity to meet with a some of the members. At this point, you’ll probably have an idea as to which lodge would make the most sense for you.  Once you’ve made a decision, let them know you would like to petition them for membership.

As to your question about the differences between the lodges, the primary difference are the members who make up the lodge.  That is, each lodge has a different “personality” because of the members of the lodge.  Beyond that, the lodges are comprised of men from all walks of life.
-Robert

Thanks alot for the help, the only thing is that when I get the “20 lodges near me”, theres like 6 diffrent lodges in the exact same lcoation, same adress. Then maybe 4 other who also share the same adress, yet they all have diffrent names.

So in the end the locations are the same, only that I have about 6 options from each location to pick. This makes it hard because I dont wanna miss out on any who might fit my personality better.

But I’ll do as you said, I’ll contact a coupel of them, see which matches my personality better and start from there.

Thanks again

Relax. In large cities, often several different lodges will share the same lodge building. This enables a sharing of costs. Also, different lodges can meet on different days of the week. Also there might be a Saturday morning “breakfast” lodge for people who work on night shifts, or cannot drive at night.

You may even wish to join multiple lodges, and be a full voting member of more than one lodge. I have belonged to multiple lodges, simutaneously, because my career has required me to make frequent moves.

Good luck to you in any case!