I am wondering, whats everyones thoughts on approaching a friend, co-worker or whatever and asking them if they are a mason. Do you just come out and ask? Or do you try to bring up the topic?

Steve:
This is a question that comes up. And as you are close to the Master Mason status, there is still some room for your learning ahead. Well, a recent post on “subtlety” kind of hit the issue.
We as Freemasons are not obliged to “Check Freemasonry at the Door” when we leave the Lodge Building. If you wear your Subtle indicators of Masonry, they will search you out. It’s like an unspoken message. We will know. Do you have to ask? Not really. Will you become adept at those traits? Yes. Simple conversations can incorporate those items that will identify brother masons.
It’s all new right now so be patient.

Ronald Doucette - Forum Moderator

Bro Doucette-

I do appreciate your words, and yes I am just at the beginning of my learning. I will guess that once I become a MM, some of the subtlties will become more apparent to me. I am sure there are little things that one MM will be able to pick up on from another Brother without having to simply come out and ask. I have met a few guys that I have wondered if they were but I didnt ask because I didnt want to be forward….some of the guys I work with know I am going through my degree work but they are not masons and ask a few questions. If I have not been able to give them a correct answer, I have told them I didnt know but I would find out and get back with them. I figure honesty is the only policy.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking a man, if he is a Mason. I was intrigued by Masonry, and I asked a man about it. He gave me some answers, and soon I was asking for a petition. As I progressed through the degrees, I learned more ways to identify a Mason.  After 28 years in the Craft, I am still learning more about Masonry.  I am confident, that you will, too.

And it is perfectly permissible, to discuss Masonry, with other people who make inquiries. Maybe you will peak their interest, and they will ask you for a petition.

I would say go for it - of course at the right opportunity . . . after all, isn’t the motto “To be one, ask one” ?  That statement requires a bit of openness if you ask me.