I apologize for the open book that follows.

I’ve recently learned that I will not be admitted for graduate study and the news is hitting rather hard.  I am at a complete loss for the reason behind this rejection.  I pride myself on a yearning for education, the pursuit of my dreams and continued self improvement. 

I reach out to Masons, and hopefully future Brothers, with a very direct question: how important is achievement, status, wealth or other qualifying indicators upon entrance to the Craft?

I understand through various posts and correspondence with active members that Masons come from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds.  Beyond the requirement of good men seeking greatness, is there a particular background that determines acceptance to a Masonic Lodge? 

This is a rather low moment for me, but I figure who better to let in on my concerns than future Brothers.

I am a good man, but as of right now, not good enough for grad school.  Uy.  Perhaps the Grand Architect has a different education in mind.  I don’t know.

Adam

Adam,

Sorry to hear about your recent disappointment. I remember when I got turned down for grad school for the first time (I was turned down a couple of times before I was finally accepted). I felt lower than a gopher’s basement, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise when I got into another school that was far better suited for me. I graduate in 2 weeks with my Master’s. In your post you mention that the GAOTU has other plans for you, and I encourage you to have the faith to let this plan unfold.

I am a relatively new Mason, so I may not be the brother to answer your second question, but from what I have experienced, starts, wealth, privilege, and education mean nothing amongst brothers. In fact, as Masons, we meet “on the level”, where we are all equal. In our lodge we have professors who are on the same level, and are friends with mechanics. The fact that in lodge we meet as brothers, regardless of wealth, privilege or status, is one of the best things about freemasonry, IMHO.

So hang in there, have faith, and in the words of Bro. Winston Churchill “Never, never, never give up!”

Masonry is unconcerned with wealth, status, education, and all of the superfluities of life. Once, President Harry Truman visited a lodge in Missouri, (While he was president). He had to go through the same examination, and have his membership card checked, just like everyone else.

I barely got through college at all. Now I work as an engineer, on a mountaintop in Afghanistan.

I have known many fine masons, who had only a high school education. I promise you, your educational credentials are totally meaningless, with respect to your fitness for Masonry.

I encourage you to pursue Freemasonry. There is a masonically-affiliated organization calle the Wolcott Foundation, that provides scholarships for Graduate studies at George Washington University, perhaps they can assist you, in your attaining your educational goals.

amcgeever - 25 November 2008 09:58 PM

I am a good man, but as of right now, not good enough for grad school.  Uy.  Perhaps the Grand Architect has a different education in mind.  I don’t know.

Yea you’re definitely “crossing streams” here.  What does graduate school have to do with moral or spiritual worth?  Yes, taken on its own, it sucks you won’t be going this year to grad school, but since when is that related to any (non-academic) fraternity, let alone one related to spiritual/moral stages of learning?

I am new myself and can’t say much.  But don’t think this relates to masonry, or much else in life, really.

I have been accepted to become an EA in a few months.

My acceptance is a testimony to the fact the wealth, power, influence, family, connections, community standing....etc are NOT factors.

I have none of the above to offer my future brethren.

What I have to offer is a sincere interest, a sense of morality and an approach to life that is about trying to make the world a better place.

I think that in our society today, I can’t think of a group of men better situated to recognize the potential hidden in some of us, and to judge it’s sincerity and level of commitment than Freemasons.

I may be talking out of turn here, but I am absolutely convinced on what the sincere intentions of Freemasonry are about. I would not have even considered joining if I wasn’t.

Persevere, my friend, and remember that hope comes from unforeseen places, at it’s own pace sometimes. Keep the goals clear, but leave the details to a Higher Power.