Hello, I am interested in becoming a freemason. I am currently in the US Air Force, serving in England, RAF Lakenheath. I have 2 more years here. My state of residence is California in the city of San Fernando. I have been wanting to join for over 8 years now, but have never knowingly met a freemason. Is there any hope for me out here or will I have to wait till I return to the US?

Hector R Herrera

Hi, Hector-

Thank you for your question.  More importantly, thank you for serving.

The first thing you should try - if you haven’t already done so - would be to talk with some of the men you serve with and find out if any of them are Masons.  Freemasonry and the military have always been closely aligned.  I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a lodge near the installation where the Masons from your base meet.  They might even meet on the base.  Start with the men who demonstrate high character and integrity.  Masons do not tend to promote the Fraternity or their membership, but if you approach them they will be more than happy to talk with you.

If that doesn’t get you anywhere, your next step would be the Grand Lodge of England, http://www.ugle.org.uk.  There is no citizenship requirement for membership and you could join a Lodge there.  Upon your return to the states you could then join a Lodge wherever you live.

Good luck as you begin your Masonic journey.
-Robert

May I add my thanks for your service as well.

The US Air Force and Freemasonry have a long and splendid history. “Hap” Arnold, the founder of the US Air Force was a Mason, as well as many of the pioneers of Air Power. May I suggest you visit:

http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/journal-files/Issues/Dec03/military.htm

I am a civilian engineer, posted to Iraq, and we are undertaking to establish a masonic lodge, for US military and civilian personnel, in Iraq.  There are many military lodges located on US bases around the world.

I suggest that you seek out any masons on your duty station, and ask around. You will be able to locate a lodge in town, where you can submit a petition.

I assist in a discussion board for military Freemasons, any person interested in military Freemasonry is welcome to participate. Please see:

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/1350075960001

here is a discussion group for British Freemasonry.

http://www.lodgeroomuk.com/forum/index.php

Please PM me, with your name/address/email, etc. I will connect you with a UK Freemason, who will assist you.

I wish you success in the quest for light.

"The US Air Force and Freemasonry have a long and splendid history. “Hap” Arnold, the founder of the US Air Force was a Mason, as well as many of the pioneers of Air Power.”

Thank you sir for sharing that information. As a member of the USAF I was unaware of this. I am interested in joining and I found a lodging near where I am stationed.  Do I just walk in and start talking to a member?

John Simpson

May I add my thanks for your service! I am former US Air Force (1973-1978). I am now working as a civilian in Iraq. We say in Masonry “2 B 1 ASK 1”! You are certainly encouraged to ask a Mason in your neighborhood, for advice and assistance in petitioning (applying) for Freemasonry.  I wish that I had been a Mason, when I was on active duty.

Here is an excellent “capsule description” of Masonry:

http://www.masonic-renewal.org/freemasonry_explained

The participants on this board will also be glad to assist you.

Welcome to Freemasonry!

Hello,
My father invited me to be a freemason. I moved to massachusetts, he know lives in punta Gorda Florida.
I needed time to think on the proposal; i was young at the time.
I asked a recruiter member once after that in fitchburg.
So I am asking a third time. How do i become a FreeMason? Do i have to move back to florida? or can i become one here after meeting with someone?

Does lineage matter? I know my great grandfather was a member, and my grandfather was an archbishop, from the documents i’ve seen since a child.

I really would like to become a member of this distinguished Organization. But i do not know know the steps I need to take in order to follow the footsteps of my ancestors and relatives.

Sincerely,

Frederick L Barrows

I am delighted to assist you petitioning Freemasonry. You have made the important first step, you have decided to inquire. Masons say “2B1 ASK 1”.
If you are currently residing in Fitchburg, Mass, we can assist you in petitioning a lodge there. You need NOT have to move back to Florida.

You will have to contact the lodge in your neighborhood, and request a petition form. You will fill out the information in the form, and return it back to the lodge. Then you are on the way to becoming a Mason.

Many masons have family members, that are Masons. My father and both my grandfathers were masons. But it is not a requirement, to have family members who are masons, to join.

Here is an excellent capsule description of Masonry, and an explanation of the petitioning process.

http://www.masonic-renewal.org/freemasonry_explained.htm

Please PM me, with your name, address, telephone, email and I will assist you in locating a lodge in your neighborhood.

Welcome to Freemasonry!

For Massachusetts Resident Frederick:

To help you get to the point of your needs: go to http://www.askafreemason.org
This is the Offical Site of the Massachussetts Grand Lodge to help individuals like yourself.

The best way to get information is to talk to a Mason - either in person or online designated to assist you. The “Find a Lodge Near You” feature has the name and contact information of a Brother for every lodge in our state. He will answer your questions and provide you with additional information; and, if you would like, find a convenient time to meet, introduce you to some other members, and tour their building. You may have some of the same questions as many already asked - so take a look at the FAQ’s.
We have this service down to a science and are ready to personnally assist you.
Best wishes- Ron Doucette, Moderator