Good afternoon! Without ruining the true mysteries that lie ahead, do any of you have any suggested readings I could indulge in? Given that question and providing I am accepted to start such a journey, I am NOT looking for “tell all” books regarding landmarks and rituals and so called secrets. Thank you in advance.
There are many “fun” books and guides (Freemasonry for Dummies) but until you are a Master, I’d suggest not reading anything. It does take some of the fun out of it and more importantly, in most cases, you will have to unlearn what you have learned and start over, which is more difficult.
I don’t want to rain on your parade lol, I just feel like I short changed myself quite a bit. Not only that, my first year was HARD because I thought I knew things which I did not.
I’d suggest history books that deal with Freemasons rather than books dealing with Freemasonry. Maybe even a Knights Templar HISTORY book for fun. Try out “History of the Knights Templar” and “1776” et cetera.
Well, the history of specific Freemasons is a good thing. As I said, I’d shy away from the ones about Freemasonry itself, at least for right now. Without being a Mason it is very likely that you could misunderstand something that you read. This happens because over time, Masons start using Masonic language (words) that isn’t typically heard in conversation. Once you are a Mason, you can pick these up and understand them, thus not leaving you confused.
I suggest reading about what you have learned from a previous degree as you go, once made a Mason if found worthy. Many Masons move so quickly that they don’t take very much time to fully understand what they are have just learned (which could take a lifetime). I am sure most Masons would say that there is something somewhere in Masonry that they did not fully understand. Those things are the topics you seek out to clarify, but to get to that point, you must be ahead of that section in Masonry.
Dr. Chris,
Have you been a Freemason for long? Tell me some of your story without going into obvious detail that should not be spoken…I guess what I seek isthe story up to the point where you “asked”....Thanks JC
I hope this answer does not feel flippant, but I always tell young men interested in Freemasonry to read Benjamin Franklin. Ben’s wit and wisdom are very Masonic, and his writings, especially Poor Richard’s Almanac and The Autobiography, have advice that can be easily applied to better learn Masonic lessons. Better yet, both can be found for free online. It is no coincidence that we use Ben in our mini documentaries as the quintessential Freemason.
My favorite Ben quote: When you wake up, write in your journal, “What good will I do today?” and in the evening answer in it—“What good did I do today.”
Bob…your answer was fine! I wish I was that “young” man you mention! Not that young any more. Thanks for the help. Like I said, I think I am just anxious and want to dive in. Patience Lad…Patience!
Dr. Chris,
Have you been a Freemason for long? Tell me some of your story without going into obvious detail that should not be spoken…I guess what I seek isthe story up to the point where you “asked”....Thanks JC
Sure-
I have something to attend, and afterwards I will do so, tonight.
I highly recommend “A Pilgrim’s Path” by John Robinson. (available from amazon.com) It reveals no secrets or esoteric work. John Robinson,(not a mason) wanted to research Masonry, and write a fair and balanced report. He thought that since he was not a Mason, he could be objective.
He was so impressed with Freemasonry, that he decided to join. I enjoyed the book immensely.
Well, my story up to the asking part is a long story. It started when I was working at Tiger stadium (LSU Football) on a state contract doing oxygen quality monitoring for an environmental (asbestos abatement) company. I met this guy named Jessie from New York. I noticed an odd ring that I remember my great uncle wearing with a number 32 on it. I asked about it and we had a long conversation about Masonry. He invited me to visit his lodge in New York but after the contract was over, I never saw him again. I was 21 then.
Fast forward a few years. When I was in college I was doing my homework laying on my couch and I glimpsed up at my tv. It was muted but it was on the history channel. I turned the sound on and I caught 2 or 3 Mason shows in a row. I recorded the last one. I watched it over and over. I started reading (a bad move) and I became fixated on being part of a family that my family members were part of for so long. I became fixated on a few things that were incorrect as well… or at least I think they were. Pre-circa 1717 stuff so I don’t know. I was 24 then.
Fast forward a few years again. When I started working for LSU hospitals I ran into a Mason who worked for LSU and I remembered that guy Jessie from years ago that worked with me at LSU stadium. So I started regaining that interest. I lost it when I moved on short notice (land dispute), so it wasn’t due to Masonry. Anyway- I saw a “2b1ask1” bumper sticker and I started looking around. The local lodge here is quite hidden in plain sight in a huge building in the middle of downtown… and I never noticed, so I went looking online. Their website had not been updated since 1999… yeah… I know, thats horrible lol. So all of the contact information was incorrect. So I came here actually. The guys here got me in touch with the Grand Lodge of Louisiana and they got me in touch with a guy named Don. Unfortunately he had moved from the area but when I emailed the entire lodge, he was the only one to respond (and the only one with a valid working email address). He helped me get in touch with the right guys and I had a meeting scheduled for a nice seafood restaurant. Oddly enough when we went in the District Attorney was having a private lunch and they thought we were invited so the DA almost picked up the bill. After the meeting/meal we went to one of their vehicles, I asked for a charter and the rest is history.
I hope this answer does not feel flippant, but I always tell young men interested in Freemasonry to read Benjamin Franklin. Ben’s wit and wisdom are very Masonic, and his writings, especially Poor Richard’s Almanac and The Autobiography, have advice that can be easily applied to better learn Masonic lessons. Better yet, both can be found for free online. It is no coincidence that we use Ben in our mini documentaries as the quintessential Freemason.
My favorite Ben quote: When you wake up, write in your journal, “What good will I do today?” and in the evening answer in it—“What good did I do today.”
Bob Heruska
Boston MA
Bob…I took your advise and got the Autobiography! I will let you know how it goes. JC
