- NEW!
by Jessicax23 on January 21st, 2007
Of course it's not illegal! To ask or to belong.
EDIT - I stand corrected. It's Eastern Star that requires a blood relation (or did when my mother joined in the 70s). For the freemasons, here are the general reqs:
Generally to be a regular Freemason, a man must:
Be a man who comes of his own free will.
Believe in a Supreme Being.
Be at least the minimum age (18–25 years old depending on the jurisdiction).
Be of sound mind and body (Lodges do not deny membership to a man because of a physical disability; this is largely a historical holdover, and if a potential candidate says there will be no problem, he will be taken at his word), of good morals, and of good repute.
Be free (or "born free", i.e. not born a slave or bondsman. As with the previous, this is largely a historical holdover, and can be interpreted in the same manner as it is in context of writing a will. Some jurisdictions have removed this requirement).
Have character references, as well as one or two references from current Masons, depending on jurisdiction.
(from wiki)
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Comments
I don't see how your Mother could have been a Freemason. It's a male only organization. Most Lodges require an age of at least 21 and be recommended by at least two existing Lodge members. That doesn't get you in, it just starts the ball rolling. The references you speak of aren't supplied by the applicant, rather they are compiled by the Masonic Lodge.
by scubabob on January 26th, 2007
I didn't say my mother was a mason. She is a member of Eastern Star, as was practically my whole family. I'm missing the part where I said otherwise. ????? My answer also clearly states that you must "be a man" - direct quote. By the way, those lines are copied/pasted from wiki, where they were sourced appropriately; please see wikipedia's article on "freemasons" for the source.
by Jessicax23 on January 27th, 2007
I don't trust wiki as an accurate source. It's not reliable anymore due to vandalism. It is also to blame for the misunderstanding. Where you have copied "Be at least the minimum age (18 25 years old depending on the jurisdiction),should also include male. I don't mean to sound condescending, but proof read wiki from now on and, posting a source verbatim ( cut and paste) is frowned on here for most things other than direct quotes. My remark about your Mother being a Mason was because of how you worded your answer originally. I can see now what you meant. Oh...I won't be looking at any wiki source. It's far from accurate. I saw it. I'd much rather go directly to a verifiable source such as http://grandlodge.on.ca/index.htm .
by scubabob on January 27th, 2007
again: ***IT SPECIFICALLY SAYS YOU HAVE TO BE A MAN.*** Why should it also say "male"? - I don't know any men who aren't! Also, my original answer didn't mention my mother at all. Your source is only relevant to one chapter in Canada; that's hardly the most appropriate source for a question about freemasonry in general. If you debate any of the requirements I posted, please correct them individually, with better sources.
by Jessicax23 on January 27th, 2007
I 'm saying that it's wording can be misleading. "Be at least the minimum age (18 25 years old depending on the jurisdiction)." It says nothing specific there. That's why I posted that " I can see now what you meant" or did you not bother to read that bit? Guess not.
by scubabob on January 27th, 2007
I understand that, but you said it "should also include male" - and it does, so I'm not sure why you brought that up. The age limit is given as a range because every chapter is different. In some chapters, you can be 18, and in others you must be at least 25... so saying "be at least the minimum age (18-25, depending on the chapter)" is the most accurate and descriptive way to communicate it. I'm glad you now understand what it means, but I really don't know how the wording could possibly be called "misleading."
by Jessicax23 on January 27th, 2007
Then Jbarbie...you are one of the few females that would take wiki's explanation as gospel, as you copied as strictly pertaining to "male". The age limit is definitely not at the low end of 18 as a inducted Brother. For consideration as a potential Brother, possibly but not until 21 is reached at a minimum for full Brotherhood in a traditional Lodge.
It's misleading in that the wording doesn't say male, just like you have the word "mankind". Does mankind mean male only? Nope. It's inclusive in a broad, accepted sense. It's not correct, but it's how the word is interpreted. Got me now? I think if you liked your answer to a Lodge or to the main site, it would lend a better air of credibility. Wiki just doesn't cut it anymore, especially since I saw the article on African Elephants that claimed they were capable of supersonic flight. :)
by scubabob on January 27th, 2007
was that claim sourced? I'd be very interested in seeing that...
by Jessicax23 on January 27th, 2007
They removed it months ago, but it just goes to show how rampant the vandalism is. Using wiki as a single source is just not a good idea anymore. The articles are not always written by experts in the field in question either.
by scubabob on January 28th, 2007
In the jurisdiction of The Grand Lodge of Oregon, 18 is the minimum age. I would know, I've been a member for almost 10 years, I joined when I was 18.
by jbigie on June 23rd, 2008
bigie.. how do you go about joining a lodge? I have one in NY but the website offers little information http://www.nymasons.org/cms/
by LuckyLefty on October 8th, 2008
http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/3139949
by jbigie on October 8th, 2008
I am not acquainted with anyone who disclosed that information to me. Is it safe to ask people I know if they are members? Can I ask you to help me join?
by LuckyLefty on October 8th, 2008