2. Introduction: My Interest in Freemasonry

I joined the Freemasons at the instigation of my wife, whose stepfather was a longtime member. She said that he got a lot from being a Freemason and that I might enjoy it, as well. The time was ripe.

I knew little about Freemasonry. My mother’s father was a Mason but he died when I was seven so I hardly knew him. I remember pictures of him in Masonic regalia, and there was a ceremonial sword in the house, a memento. I suspect other of my forbears were Masons but have no hard knowledge of this.

I was leery of the Masons only because of their reputation for secrecy. Of course, I knew that many of our Founding Fathers were Masons. And it is not like I believe the sort of Dan Brown conspiracy theories that are bandied about. I just thought the Masons were not for me. I have not been much of a joiner, through the years, but now see the value in such a community.

I should explain that Mason and Freemason are synonymous terms. I am just learning this stuff myself, and am confused about much. I may err in my understanding, but if I do, I will correct misprisions as soon as I am aware of them. More objective views can be found elsewhere, what I write here is my subjective view.

Masonic secrets are a small part of Freemasonry. As noted in the handbook that I was given, “Masonic buildings are clearly defined and Masonic philosophy and symbols are discussed in books accessible to anyone.” The few secrets that I have encountered are private matters, like those of a family. So far, the secrets have proven pretty mundane.

As I think on it, I know only a couple of Masonic secrets, one being how to identify another Freemason. My knowledge does not actually extend that far. I know how to identify myself as a candidate, that is, an initiate. The way of identification is secret, which secret I promised to keep, but Freemasons are not enjoined against self-identification. I was even given a Masonic decal along with the handbook on Freemasonry, so I guess one can publicly be a Mason.

Freemasonry is for men only, which makes me uncomfortable, because I do not like exclusion. Affiliated organizations for women, girls, and boys exist, as do occasions when all may gather, like the Sunday breakfast, and various parties and celebrations. The Masons specify that race, creed, and all that are not considerations as to who is fit for freemasonry.

To become a Mason, one must state a belief in God. No further restriction on religious belief exists. I am fine with such a declaration. “As all men are alike (tho’ infinitely various),” as William Blake wrote, “So all Religions & as all similars have one source.” I can fit my understanding of the world (Buddhist in inflection) into Masonic terms.

As to why I became a Mason—in truth, I am not fully a Mason but a candidate at the initiate stage—there are several attractions:
1. I like the historical element.
2. I like the idea of having an organization to belong to. I have not belonged to an organization since being a Boy Scout.
3. I like the sense of service that surrounds the Masons. The Masons are busy doing charitable work, both for members and their families, and for the world at large.

Though the organization includes various officers and official leaders, it is a tenet that all Masons are equal. I have felt genuinely welcomed in all my interactions at the Lodge.