I've been asked to join the Freemasons

[Little Pete]

Sheets Tabuer said:

And God said unto moses "to you"

Outstanding sir!

[Rude-boy]

DRFC1879 said:

Bloody heathen... Paul Chuckle is the only true god.

I suppose in its broadest terms, science could be a "higher power" than anything man-made.

I have not been active for many years for a number of reasons but in my little head i always squared that one away in thinking that whilst i don't believe in any God or Gods each time i go to the science you always have the question "And what created that..."

It was also away helpful to think of them as the Grand Architect as that in itself seems to remove religiosity from it in my head. As you say 'science' could as easily be the higher power.

[DRFC1879]

Sheets Tabuer said:

DRFC1879 said:

Bloody heathen... Paul Chuckle is the only true god.

And God said unto moses "to you"

+1.

[The Mad Monk]

DRFC1879 said:

I've not read the whole thread so apologies if this has been mentioned elsewhere. I briefly considered looking at application to my local lodge about a year ago but was put off by the condition of - if I correctly recall the terminology - "belief in a higher power".

I'm not sure how much you're allowed to share on that front but I'd be interested if it is a complete deal breaker.

The normal procedure in most English lodges is that a candidate is interviewed by the lodge committee.

The first question you are asked is 'do you believe in a Supreme Being?' i.e. a God, whether that be a Christian God, Allah, Buddha, or any other.

Normally there can be no compromise on that. It's up to you whether you lie about or not. But lyng isn't a very good start, is it?

[anonymous-user]

The Mad Monk said:

DRFC1879 said:

I've not read the whole thread so apologies if this has been mentioned elsewhere. I briefly considered looking at application to my local lodge about a year ago but was put off by the condition of - if I correctly recall the terminology - "belief in a higher power".

I'm not sure how much you're allowed to share on that front but I'd be interested if it is a complete deal breaker.

The normal procedure in most English lodges is that a candidate is interviewed by the lodge committee.

The first question you are asked is 'do you believe in a Supreme Being?' i.e. a God, whether that be a Christian God, Allah, Buddha, or any other.

Normally there can be no compromise on that. It's up to you whether you lie about or not. But lyng isn't a very good start, is it?

That's exactly how I thought it worked. You had to believe in a supreme being, not a "higher power" or whatever,

Seems like loads on here joining and just making it up though or even saying a supreme being is science or stuff we don't know yet.

[DRFC1879]

Ah yes, "supreme being" was the wording that put me off. I remember now that I thought I could potentially square it by thinking of the human being as supreme (compared to everything else on Earth) but it would be a bit of a dodge. I thought that being dishonest would be a bad start to anything so decided against it.

[8Ace]

Reading this thread with some interest. How do you decide which lodge to join - there appears to be lots of different types / emulations and I have no idea what that even means, let alone which is more appealing. Is there anywhere that shows which lodges are large / thriving and which are smaller?

I'm only 38 too - would prefer joining if there's more of a wider age range. I can fit in though, I do drive a jag!

How does FM compare to Round Table too? Looks like similar goals on the face of it, but RT looks a bit younger and without the theatre.

I'm near Wokingham, if that helps

[The Mad Monk]

8Ace said:

Reading this thread with some interest. How do you decide which lodge to join - there appears to be lots of different types / emulations and I have no idea what that even means, let alone which is more appealing. Is there anywhere that shows which lodges are large / thriving and which are smaller?

I'm only 38 too - would prefer joining if there's more of a wider age range. I can fit in though, I do drive a jag!

How does FM compare to Round Table too? Looks like similar goals on the face of it, but RT looks a bit younger and without the theatre.

I'm near Wokingham, if that helps

Well, if you are seriously interested, the Freemasons would like to hear from you. There is quite a large centre at Sindlesham, which is not far from Wokingham.

https://www.berkspgl.org.uk/

I notice there is a heading "How to become a Mason". The phone number at Sindlesham is 0118 978 7625. The box says that the centre is closed today. try giving them a ring tomorrow, ask for the secretary and see how you get on.

If you don't have any joy, come back here and ask. My lodge meets at Sindlesham.

[Atomic12C]

I was asked if interested to join a few years ago, but declined due to not having the time and also because I didn't think it was really for me.


I do have one question though... is it accurate that the Freemasons target 'recruits' from specific job backgrounds in order that things such as planning applications, business ventures, legal decisions etc. are likely to involve their members and have influence?

Reason I ask this is that I know of two Freemasons who have had suspiciously easy rides on some property developments

[sc0tt]

I met a fella in town last week who was travelling on his own. He followed us round for a few pints (was from Canada) and turned out he was a freemason.

I learnt you have to believe in a higher being though which rules me out.

Seemed a good gig though.

[Saddle bum]

Atomic12C said:

I was asked if interested to join a few years ago, but declined due to not having the time and also because I didn't think it was really for me.


I do have one question though... is it accurate that the Freemasons target 'recruits' from specific job backgrounds in order that things such as planning applications, business ventures, legal decisions etc. are likely to involve their members and have influence?

Reason I ask this is that I know of two Freemasons who have had suspiciously easy rides on some property developments

The answer to your questipn is - No.

[steve2]

8Ace said:

Reading this thread with some interest. How do you decide which lodge to join - there appears to be lots of different types / emulations and I have no idea what that even means, let alone which is more appealing. Is there anywhere that shows which lodges are large / thriving and which are smaller?

I'm only 38 too - would prefer joining if there's more of a wider age range. I can fit in though, I do drive a jag!

How does FM compare to Round Table too? Looks like similar goals on the face of it, but RT looks a bit younger and without the theatre.

I'm near Wokingham, if that helps

Chris, I was in Round Table for ten years and am still involved although I have moved into 41 club(ex tablers) I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone as I have had the most amazing time having fun, doing amazing things, visiting different countries that we are twinned with.
I have been a mason for 4 years and things are done differently but still is very enjoyable and a great learning curve.
Look up your local Round Table and have a chat with them likewise with your local lodge

[Davie_GLA]

Atomic12C said:

I was asked if interested to join a few years ago, but declined due to not having the time and also because I didn't think it was really for me.


I do have one question though... is it accurate that the Freemasons target 'recruits' from specific job backgrounds in order that things such as planning applications, business ventures, legal decisions etc. are likely to involve their members and have influence?

Reason I ask this is that I know of two Freemasons who have had suspiciously easy rides on some property developments

No. You might get some flooring done or tiling or even some lights put up cheap but the days of the Craft opening up life changing career options are largely over. But, not quite always

[silverfoxcc]

MadMonk

Me too Sindlesham

What Lodge?


And can i have first dibs on 8Ace should he join we can even must a first XV!!!

Edited by silverfoxcc on Monday 26th June 21:58

[The Mad Monk]

Davie_GLA said:

Atomic12C said:

I was asked if interested to join a few years ago, but declined due to not having the time and also because I didn't think it was really for me.


I do have one question though... is it accurate that the Freemasons target 'recruits' from specific job backgrounds in order that things such as planning applications, business ventures, legal decisions etc. are likely to involve their members and have influence?

Reason I ask this is that I know of two Freemasons who have had suspiciously easy rides on some property developments

No. You might get some flooring done or tiling or even some lights put up cheap but the days of the Craft opening up life changing career options are largely over. But, not quite always

No more so than anyone you met through a group activity. Nothing sinister in it at all.

[The Mad Monk]

silverfoxcc said:

MadMonk

Me too Sindlesham

What Lodge?


And can i have first dibs on 8Ace should he join we can even must a first XV!!!

Edited by silverfoxcc on Monday 26th June 21:58

8226.

[Fer]

Any Berkshire Masons - have you heard about the upcoming Centenary meeting at Sindlesham? There's an installation, centenary and banner dedication. Hopefully all will go well, as we have the top brass in attendance, and, as secretary, I am just a little more stressed than usual.

It should be a great meeting, if any one in interested in hearing more, just shout.

[Henners]

Someone is going in the chair next week...



Although the ritual seems pretty straightforward for the installation, for my bit anyway.

[silverfoxcc]

Fer

What is/was the date?

And i am out of the chair after 2 years next week!

[Fer]

silverfoxcc said:

Fer

What is/was the date?

And i am out of the chair after 2 years next week!

It was last night. We had a full visit from Province, but all in all it went well.