Another question,

[Goose5]

In my first post on this forum I asked a petition question. I stated that I was getting it from my real brother who has been a Mason and a past master for many years. His Lodge was back in Ohio. Well, he has been dragging his feet. I approached him a couple of weeks ago. I learned today why. I wanted him to be at least my second line signer. My brother called the Master of the Lodge I am petitioning. He called the Grand Lodge to make sure my brother could sign the petition. My brother does not belong to a Lodge here in Colorado. They answered yes he could sign.

My brother called me and admitted that he could not sign because his Ohio Lodge had suspended him for non-payment of dues. The plot thickened when he told me he had borrowed money from another Lodge member and had not paid him back. I have no problem proceeding without my brothers involvement.

Here is my question. The Master of the Lodge I am petitioning is a friend of mine. He is going to want to know why my brother's name is not on the petition. I know my brother is going to want to join this Lodge when he can and I don't want to screw that up for him. Is telling the truth the best policy here, or is there something I can say that really doesn't help or hurt my brother's situation?

[machinisttx]

Your brother will most likely need to catch up on his dues(in TX, I believe that means two years worth of dues) and then get a certificate of demit from the last lodge he was a member of before he will be eligible for membership at another lodge. His suspension means he cannot visit a lodge, nor have any masonic communication with a member in good standing(at least in TX).

It will neither help nor hurt him to tell the WM why your brother's name is not on your petition.

[jetboatdriver]

Excellent answer Machinistx. All I would add is honesty is the ONLY policy. The WM may not ask.

[Javelin]

Its a really good idea to get your life membership in the Masonic lodge.

:)

[bassman-dan]

Its a really good idea to get your life membership in the Masonic lodge.

:)

Yes, and IIRC, it is transferrable in the event that you should ever move.

[machinisttx]

Its a really good idea to get your life membership in the Masonic lodge.

:)

I'm working on mine. Locked it in at $500 before it went up a year ago.

Next will be Chapter, Council, and Commandery.

[RED64CJ5]

Not to change the subject, but we just voted to raise our Endowed membership fee to $2,500. The amount of money coming from Grand Lodge doesn't pay our bills... Essentially the Endowment members are a drain on our lodge with rising costs. Endowment does not equal Life membership... At least in Texas. You become an Endowed member to Endow your lodge with funds that will come in beyond your life on this earth. Many look at it as a way to getting out of paying dues in the future. Whatever you do, Life member, Endowed member, make sure you are supporting your lodge financially within your means. Many organizations, regrettably Masonry included, have to contend with freeloaders.

[Fernman]

Life memberships here are 12 years of dues at whatever the current rate is, I haven't been able to afford it as of yet, but I am thinking it might be a worthwhile investment shortly.