Hello everyone.. I was curious Do Scottish and York rites take in Hispanics? I’m a 23 yr old Loan officer from Brooklyn married with a child, and I always been interested in the Craft but I don’t know any Mason’s and frankly I am nervous that I’ll get rejected. I like what they stand for. I’m just one who loves to learn. I don’t believe to much in religious books but I do believe in a creator and I do believe their is a “Supreme Architect” some where that is beyond our understanding.

What interest me more is, that a lot of my personal views are the same as freemasonry (from what I read so far)..I guess I’m really asking is their a Bias in the craft do you think? I’m not gonna lie I am not a rich guy or anything but I do have a small Finance company and I do what I have to do for my family… any light would be helpful

Thanks in advance

Ivan P.

Hola! Thanks for the question, and I am delighted to meet you (electronic hand-shake). Masonry is a non-denominational, non-sectarian organization, that accepts men of all races and creeds. The great liberator, Simon Bolivar, was a freemason. Santa Ana and Diaz were masons.  Bernardo O’Higgins the Liberator of Chile, was a Mason.  Educated in England but returned to his country to lead them in their fight for independence form Spain. Benito Juarez, First Native-American President of Mexico,was a Mason.  He reestablished republican government there.  So, the answer is definetly yes, Masonry accepts men of Hispanic heritage. There are lodges all over Latin America, and there are even working lodges in Cuba. (Fidel Castro is NOT a Freemason, but the Cuban government has no problem with Masonry).

A point of clarification:  Although the York Rite and Scottish Rite accept Masons of all races and ethnic backgrounds, you must first be a Mason in good standing, before applying to either of the Rites. So, if you wish to petition one (or both) of the Rites, you must first complete the degrees of Symbolic Masonry, and become a Master mason. 

Masonry is not interested in your financial condition. Masonry is NOT a rich man’s club. There is a fee required to apply for and complete the degrees, as well as an annual dues payment required of all members.  These fees are very modest, and have kept well behind inflation. Dues for my lodge are $65 per year.

Freemasonry regards no man for his worldly wealth or honors. All Masons meet together as equals and put aside their power and position in order to gather in harmony.

Keep in mind that (in most cases), you will not be asked to join Craft masonry (nor the York/Scottish Rites). The decision must be your own, without any outside influence or pressure. If you decide that Masonry is right for you, let me know, and I will help you locate a lodge in Brooklyn. 

Here is an excellent “capsule description” of Masonry.

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

I wish you good luck and an excellent journey in Masonry.