I peitioned my local lodge shortly before they went dark for the summer. I didn’t have a connection per se, I just introduced myself at an open house last year & it went from there. The current WM is the closest thing I have to a sponsor right now, he’s been my main point of contact since expressing interest.
I was invited to the lodge’s welcome back picnic and was supposed to be investigated then, so that they could vote on my petition at the first meeting. It seemed like we all had a good time—except None of the investigating commitee showed up, and they were supposed to get in contact with me to arrange something so that my petition could proceed. Two stated meetings have gone by since then, and I’m starting to feel like I was pre-blackballed by the investigating comittee before even getting that far. But, I realize that there could be plenty of other factors holding it up—just feels like I should have gotten a phone call of some kind by now.
What do I do? Initiate more contact, or just be patient?
What do I do? Initiate more contact, or just be patient?
If you petitioned a lodge just before they went dark, it’s not unreasonable that you’ll have to wait a bit more before you hear anything. At least as far as things are done in Massachusetts, their first meeting back will involve their annual business meeting, and possibly the election and installation of officers as well as the potential for an official visit from the DDGM. This is a busy time of year, Masonically. Consider also that once an application has been accepted, it needs to be read in to the lodge minutes, then published in the communication the following month, then voted upon; with the investigation committee meeting in the meantime to give their report prior to te vote. So assuming they meet in September to proceede with your application, you may not hear back from the lodge until December.
I understand this can be frustrating, and I remember it well from when I first petitioned, but I can only suggest you wait the time with patience. One thing you can do is to drop by the lodge on their open house on the 17th of October and say hi.
I encourage you to contact the WM, and just let him know the situation. Keep in mind, that the officers of your lodge, and the investigating committee are volunteers, and they have family and career committments. Also, paperwork gets overlooked, and with the lodge being shut down for the summer, anything can happen. It is perfectly permissible to be pro-active, and to inquire about the status of your application.
Here is an interesting link, that you should read:
If it makes you feel any better, when I first expressed an interest in joining, I was forgotten about as well for a little while. The lodge was transitioning between Masters and officers, and before I knew it, a year had gone by. Then I was contacted by the new Master (thanks BOB!!) who apologized profusely and got the ball rolling for me.
Those things happen from time to time unfortunately, but I doubt very much that you’ve been pre-blackballed. It doesn’t really work like that.
I would just keep talking to the WM and eventually they will pull it together.
Dear Steve H. of Ohio,
You seem like an educated articulate man of many interests. It is rare that one of solid stature falls through the cracks for long. That said, the Master of the lodge works closely with the Lodge Secretary. Each have tasks and many schedules. They are aware of you in the list of, maybe, other candidates looking for membership. Remember the adage: ” the squeeky wheel…” and make the call. Now, I have worked with the Grand Lodge of Ohio on some items in the past and it is well organized. If some time passes and you feel unable to make the right connections or feel slighted, you have the right to search for a Lodge in your vicinity to pursue a positive outcome ( I do assume that your petition has yet to be read in a regular lodge meeting). My first instinct is to get that commitment from the current situation. All will work out. I do remember a brother Dan Madore and his petitioning my Lodge. He did not have the tools of this Forum available at the time. He is a great member and a great officer of the Lodge now. But, You have all the tools!
Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator
This email is a good one. And the Lodge is doing everything in order. It is not unusual for things to take this long—sometimes longer.
If the Secretary has told you this is the process, you now just need to be patient. Do make sure that the people you put down as references can speak to your good character—and that their contact information is current. It may not be a “formal” investigation, but your references will be contacted. They do not have to be Masons.
Then just wait for the call. You do not have to do anything to prepare for your initiaion if you are so accepted.
One quick thing—when I was Master, I did have a couple of prospective candidates ask if they could help out in any charitable activities while they were waiting for the vote. If you do talk to the Secretary, it never hurts to put that kind of enthusiasm forward. I never turned down an applicant who was willing to help—and you’ll get to meet some of your future brothers in the process.
Interesting post, as I petitioned in November 2017, underwent the usual police and credit bureau checks, but was voted on and initiated in February 2018, without ever meeting with an Investigating Committee! The only ‘official’ visit to my home was made when the WM accompanied my mentor to begin working on my EA catechism. Is this unusual?
For my lodge is is. [month 1] 3 members of the lodge go out and meet the prospect. 2 brothers and a past master. They interview the prospect and report back to the lodge. The lodge [month 2] hears the interview of the prospect and on month 3 we vote. Some times voting is also in month 2 if business is low.
Of course there is great variety between lodges. In fact, when I joined my lodge, there was no home visit either, and our lodge has not regularly visited candidates in their homes since we are in the middle of the city and people generally tend to commute into the city for lodge meetings, making it more challenging for investigation committees to meet at an individual house in any direction outward from the city.
