How Many Masonic Brethren

[ringadingh]

This is a thread Ive meant to start for quite a while, now. Ive noticed that there are a few masons on here time to time, and have always wondered to know a bit more about them, and where they are from. If you are one, let us know a bit about yourself and how masonry has been involved in your life.

I'll start with myself; I joined the lodge back in 93 and worked my way up, I became master of the lodge in 2000. Also in the mid 90's I joined the Scottish Rite and received my 32 degree there.
And about ten years ago I became a Shriner in the Rameses Temple. And no I don't drive around in a gokart, or a minibike but I do sometimes wear my fez. ;)
I used to be very active in all three bodies but the last few years have had me working primarily on afternoon shift, therefore I havn't been able to take part in many functions.I found that for me its been a great organization and has really taught me a few things about how to conduct yourself. I still take part in whatever I can although its slim lately.

Now its your turn.

[cactusjack]

I'm not a Freemason, but I'll throw my two bits worth in...

When I was in college I took a Humanities class and we went on a tour of the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City to study the architecture. I don't know if all their temples are like this, but they had a number of rooms, each built in a different style of architecture. It was a very impressive building and a very interesting tour.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I know they do a lot of good things all over. Sometimes I wish I had become a Mason but just never did. My hat is off to all that are.

[brote]

Steve,
I started my journey in 1987 when I took my EA Degree in Morning Star Lodge in Worcester MA. in 1988 I became a Master Mason. Morning Star Lodge was chartered in 1773 and our first Master was Isah Thomas, the printer of the Massachusetts Spy. George Washington sat in the east at our lodge and in our building we have the chair he used along with the apron. I went on to join the Scottish Rite, Valley of Springfield as a 32*. I have moved in my job and never committed to the chairs. Once I moved to Atlanta I joined the Shrine and took the York Rite Degrees. The most impressive thing that has happened to me in our fraternity was raising my son as a Master Mason. Not to many years after I had the privilege of serving as Tyler for my son during his tenure as Master. I really got a kick out of calling him Worshipful. I manage to get to Blue Lodge during the year but I have left the shrine. I don't find many Mason's there, you may know what I mean. So Mote it be......

[Dave]

Are not most fraternal organizations drying up? FYI, I'm an Elk.

[brote]

Hey Bro. Dave,
I'm a PER from Worcester, MA # 243 and yes, I believe most are dying a slow death. Not enough people who enjoy the "Fraternal Organizations". When they are gone, they will be missed because of what they do in there local areas. I also belong to the American Legion and VFW.

[ringadingh]

Here in my area most lodges are still doing ok, a few have amalgamated, and only one has gone into darkness.
Our list of new members varies year to year, sometimes its a quite year with only 3-4 being initiated, other years we are doing double degrees. Lately we are on an upswing.
I was the Chaplain the last few years at my lodge, up until I started working afternoons. I belong to Sharon Lodge#97 which is one of the older lodges in the area, being chartered in 1858.

[wheelie]

I was raised 28 years ago in Neoga Lodge 279 (small town lodge) I have been installed in all but two chairs treasurer and secretary. I have been WM so many times I lost count. My Father, and I did the Scottish Rite together and then after my oldest brother got through the blue lodge we all three joined the Shrine at the Anzar Temple. It was the first time a father and two sons had joined on the same day. Neoga Lodge closed after 150 years and we merged with Toledo IL. My Masonic family tree goes at least all the way back to my great grandfather Noah Campbell. After he got off the boat from Scotland he helped build the first lodge in Rohland Arkansas.

[fish]

I'm not a mason but I'm a member of the KMA.
Ever since the beginning of September when we got moved to middles things were down hill at work. So I became a KMA and I'll let it be known on 2/8/2011






OH! so you want to know what KMA is?










Kiss My Ass club, sorry couldn't resist isn't retirement good :)

[ringadingh]

And I was just gonna ask Larry

Sounds like your leaving at a good time. Enjoy it and go fishing. ;)

[nomadtom69]

Thats sort of like the KOTA club Kiss Old Toms A##

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I'm not a Freemason, but I'll throw my two bits worth in...

When I was in college I took a Humanities class and we went on a tour of the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City to study the architecture. I don't know if all their temples are like this, but they had a number of rooms, each built in a different style of architecture. It was a very impressive building and a very interesting tour.

Some lodges are simple country lodges, while others are very opulent in their design. Ive seen some that are unbelievable in their detail inside with ornate furniture that looks like its from a castle. Some European lodges are among the most fancy in the architecture. I just seen pics from a lodge in Cuba that make most lodges pale by comparison.

[wheelie]

Retired, I'll be retired tomorrow.....tired today retired tomorrow.

[billmac]

In 1974, I was raised to Master Mason in the Blue Lodge.

I have not sat in Lodge in many years for various reasons, mainly logistical.. However I have paid my dues for nearly 37 years and tried to live as taught by my respected brethren.

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by Dave

Are not most fraternal organizations drying up? FYI, I'm an Elk.

I think they all have they're ups and downs, overall they are most likely slowly declining. There is a lot more competition out there now for your free time, and how to spend it.

There are some Elk and Moose lodges here, but they are far and few between, I never here much about them.
Knights of Columbus are a little better known around here.