I have done some research on the Masons and I have a few questions..

I was honored to know a lifelong Mason that passed very recently. He was someone I looked up to and would like to look further into Masonry, some thing he wanted me to be involved in.

I have looked into the values and beliefs and it seems to intrest me.

I am curious as to what I can expect in a realistic way. 

In other words, what do Masons do and enjoy as a group?

For example I was in Scouting for many years and going in I knew to expect to get into camping, hiking, learning as a younger man and in return teaching when I got older, and many memorable campfires, something Jimmy enjoyed may he rest in peace.  I had a blast in scouting and still help the Troop out whenever I can.

But I am trying to figure out what to expect after becoming a Mason.

the only thing i can answer is. us brothers enjoy each others fellowship. the other thing i can suggest is to find your local lodge and ask them all of your questions. iknow that they wont bite you.lol but they are there or here to ask questions i realy cant answser that in a realistic way. it is a big step to join our wonderfull fraternity.
and i am pleased that you are very intersted in our craft. like i had mentioned contact your local lodge. you can find them on the internet and depending on where you live there should be a grand lodge web site they can help you
there. fyi

enjoy!!!

Actually that’s a very good question. And I am happy you asked it this way. Much different and better than asking, “What’s in it for me?”

I agree with the above Mason that you should check out a Lodge near you, as every one is different. If you click on the http://www.askafreemaon.org link above you will come to a home page that allows you to go directly to the home page of the Grand Lodge near you—most of these have Lodge locators where you can find your nearest one.

I will say that you will no doubt have an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship of men of all ages—of every sect and opionion—and meet people here and around the world you may never have met otherwise.

And you will have the opportunity to practice Charity in your community.

Freemasonry teaches wise and serious truths that a man can use to make himself a better man. It’s not a coincidence that before so many great men found their greatness, they were Masons first. But can you “expect” that? No.

Greatness is not handed to you on a silver platter. Should you ask to become a Mason and be accepted to receive the degrees, your future brothers will put together what is basically a “play” on your behalf. They will study and recite - from memory - ritual that has been handed down word for word for centuries, and use the oldest tools of antiquity to present them to you in an allegorical form. Although the ceremony is beautiful—and you may think you understand it—it can take many years to fully understand the meaning of the words you hear.

You can count on the fact that your brothers will help you just as others helped them. Close friendships will be formed. Confidence will be built. And in your travels anywhere in the world you will never be found wanting of a true and trusty friend you can count on.

As I said, your question is much different than the one my own younger natural brother in Texas once asked me, “Bob, I know you love this stuff, but if I get involved, what’s in it for me?” I told him if that was what he was asking, there there wouldn’t be much in it for him at all.

Bob Heruska
Past Master
Columbian Lodge
Boston

Thank you for your candid information.

I understand that you are unable to give me a play by play of activities, and I would not expect that some things are best left to experience, but you certainly have filled in a few blanks.

I would never ask ‘what do I get out of it.’  While I understand some asking this, I just think the position of the question is coming from an ... almost covetous position… and thats not what I am trying to get across.  I am merely curious, possibly nervous, about what to expect.

It is certainly true that you only get out of it what you put into it.

As the local lodge is not active all the time, only on meeting nights it seems, and I don’t want to intrude on thier activities by simply showing up at the wrong time, is the respectful approach to email them?

As I have read on other posts it seems that the lodge here may not be caught up with the internet and may not recieve my message in a manner that would represent my intentions well, something I hope to help change as a Network/Internet Professional.

I would approach a Mason if i simply knew one, and I would not be suprised if I unknowingly do.

What is the proper, respectful approach here?

You are doing everything correctly.

And you shouldn’t worry.

We can probably help on the forum if you let us know where you are -we won’t chase you down. :)

Other than that find the Lodge on a Lodge locator or in an online phonebook and call. Leave a message. The Secretary will get it. Or leave an email. Perfectly acceptable.

It may take awhile. Just be patient.

It could never hurt either to show up before a stated meeting (on the door or on their Website). Dress in a simple sportcoat and tie since you don’t know what their protocol is. You can never go wrong there. Or even a coat and button shirt. Avoid jeans. Just show up and say you are interested. Many of our members did just that. Bring a book or your Ipad.

They may ask you to come back or may ask you to wait and have dinner with them afterwards. Don’t talk too much. Ask questions—but listen to the answers.

And remember that YOU are the lifeblood of organizations like ours. If you weren’t, Freemasonry would only have been a 70 year old institution in the history books.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Thank you for all your help here, I have responded to Bob via private message.

Again thanks for the help and insight from you guys!

You are receiving good counsel here. I noticed one of your comments Q. It is certainly true that you only get out of it what you put into it. (END) This is true, up to a point. You need to understand, that Masonry is more than the sum of its parts. When you become a Master Mason, you will receive Master’s wages. These wages are symbolic, but valuable, nonetheless. If you labor in our quarries, you will receive much more than you put in to Masonry.

I have received friendship, camaraderie, wholesome recreation, and opportunities to serve my fellow human being. As a Shriner (a concordant body of Masonry), I have been privileged to transport children to our hospitals. Hospitals, that I have had a stake in building and operating, by the way. I have participated in the Scottish Rite, and thus have been able to enhance my understanding of the philosophical, and historical aspects of the Craft.

I encourage you to pursue your desire to participate in the Gentle Craft. Should you decide to petition, then you will labor with us, and our working tools will become your working tools. The Greatness that is within you, will find the means to manifest itself. May the Great Architect of the Universe, guide your steps.

Beautiful sentiment, Brother Charles

I think that some people expect that when they become a Mason (especially a Master Mason), that the sky will open up and they will bear witness to some great mystery or divine revelation. This type of “Great Expectation” most often ends in disappointment when the newly raised brother wakes up the net morning and realizes that he is…pretty much the same.

For me, the benefits of Masonry have been much more personal. Masonry is a camaraderie, but it is also a tool for personal reflection, which is what I am most attracted to. In my opinion, it doesn’t so much ‘teach’ as it does ‘reinforce’ the lessons that we all know, but often forget. A good example is at the end of the First Degree, when the brother is taught a valuable lesson in charity. One of the most profound lessons that we are asked to reflect upon is a very short phrase uttered in the Third Degree while a F.C. sits next to an Acacia tree. Master Masons know what I am referring to. It is a very simple yet profound reflection on the friends that one chooses. To me, it is beautiful and profound.

In short, the benefits of Masonry don’t come like a lightning bolt out of the sky. Rather they come like a cool breeze whispering into the “attentive ear”.