Hello
I was thinking of asking as it were. But I work the 3pm till 11pm shift. How would I be able to meet the meetings requirments of the lodge. I have sent an email to the local lodge in my town (Southbridge) but figured I would ask here as well.

Ken, you don’t say where you are; but there are, in some places, lodges that meet on Saturday. Not many, unfortunately; in the entire state of Maryland, there is only one. But if you’re lucky, there may be one near you. If you let us know where you are, we may be able to search around and let you know. That would be ideal for you. I’m sorry to say that you probably wouldn’t get much out of joining a lodge which you can’t attend.

Hello REYoung

Yes location would be helpful. I am in Massachusetts. I agree not being able to attend helps no one. Hopefully something can be worked out though I was planning to attend the open house on 3/27

Ken:

There is a daylight lodge out here in Western Massachusetts in South Deerfield. it is Mount Sugarloaf lodge.

Ken28:

Here a twist:  Just over the border in Conn. ( Mass residents can apply to go across borders)
The Lodge knows how to get it done.
Putnam Lodge #46

They Meet Saturdays
On or Before the Full Moon

Meetings 7:30PM
10:00AM in March, June, September, December
http://www.putnamlodge46.org/

Masonic Temple
265 Route 169
South Woodstock

Please address mail to:
PO Box 46
South Woodstock, CT 06267

Tell them I sent you, (then, maybe duck!!!)
Good luck,
Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator

Thank you for the info.

Here’s a strange question. If I become a mason at a one lodge can I switch to another lodge when I do. I just cannot see belonging to a lodge in a differnet town or state when there is one right in my town.

Yes I have actually sent an email and got a response from a member of the lodge in my town.

Once you are a mason anywhere, then you are a Mason everywhere.  When you are a member of a lodge, you have visitation privileges, worldwide. So, you can join the lodge in your city of residence, and visit lodges in nearby cities, or other states and countries. You can also belong to multiple lodges, simutaneously.

Ken 28:
Your scenario that I propose is not too unusual. Your town is several minutes by car away from the DayLight Lodge and the State of Conn Grand Lodge is very similar to the Comm of Mass Grand Lodge. You may choose to affiliate with the local town lodge after the Third Degree. That lodge will apply for you. Think: dues will be paid to that lodge and the GL of Mass.

For the reader: Not every State allows the privilege to Affiliate with another Jurisdiction, example is the State of Penn. Also, not every Lodge allows for the multiple memberships to other Lodges within and without their jurisdiction, example: The Lodge of St. Andrew, in Mass. via the Charter of that Lodge. One must research the ability.

In your case there is no issue, but consider the need clearly.

Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator

Multiple memberships can be confusing.  Some states permit their members to affiliate with other lodges, in different jurisdictions. Some states permit their members to join only lodges within their jurisdiction. You need to check with your home lodge, prior to applying.

I was actually thinking of the South Deerfield Lodge. Thought I have yet to contact the lodge itself.

I do believe the quality of time you put into your Lodge and being a Mason is more important to the quantity. You can hang around and attend all you want but if you arent involved, but if you arent doing anything, the amount of time you are there isnt really mounting to much. yes, I would rather you be at the Lodge but more importantly, I would rather someone be doing more with the amount of time they have than just hanging around.

Which is my concern. If I did in fact become accepted and made MM but then because of travel issue did not attend meeting or do things with or for the lodge, I would feel I have let myself and the people who helped me down. Which is why I would rather join local. But I have a few option I am considering. Just need to get more info. Which I am in the process of doing.

Thank you all for the insights and advice.

Hello all

I have been in contact with someone from the lodge in my town. He has come up with a few idea that may actually help with my work schedule. He did mention about having to attend some meetings during the week but only a few and I have some idea’s about how I can make that work.