Does legacy matter when applying?

WigSplitter · 12-23-2008, 23:30

I've often thought of trying to become a Mason.
My great, great, great grandfather, Gen. Edward H. Tarrant, founded the first Masonic lodge in Tennessee. He also served several terms in the House of Representatives.

Do you Masons think this could assist me in any way as far as getting an interview? I have read that you have to be invited, but I don't know anyone that's a member.

Oldskoolfan · 12-24-2008, 03:06

I just became a Mason. You don't have to be invited to apply. You just have to ask. Go down to your local lodge and knock on the door.

Bilbo Baggins · 12-24-2008, 09:56

Accually you should never be "invited" you have to ask one to be one.

**Javelin** · 12-24-2008, 10:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo Baggins

Accually you should never be "invited" you have to ask one to be one.

Exactly. And to expound on the OP's question: it does not matter if you are legacy or not. Even a 33rd degree mason is the same as a 3rd degree mason or anyone else for that matter. As men are equal by birth regardless of their financial, political, or social-econonic status.

This fundamental is extremely important to anyone who is a Free-Mason. And is why the founders of this great country (who were masons) wrote the Declaration of Independence and included that verbiage exactly.

***jetboatdriver*** · 12-25-2008, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by WigSplitter

I've often thought of trying to become a Mason.
My great, great, great grandfather, Gen. Edward H. Tarrant, founded the first Masonic lodge in Tennessee. He also served several terms in the House of Representatives.

Do you Masons think this could assist me in any way as far as getting an interview? I have read that you have to be invited, but I don't know anyone that's a member.

It will neither help nor hurt. It will be one of the answers to why you want to be a Mason. In my view you have done what is needed. PM me and I will help you get started along your way.

However the advice go knock on the door of the local Lodge is great advice

Oldskoolfan · 12-26-2008, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetboatdriver

However the advice go knock on the door of the local Lodge is great advice

Thanks for the compliment. It was the advice a brother gave me and I feel honored to pass it along.

ArodJohns · 12-26-2008, 18:02

For the OP: Like Oldskool stated, just call up the local Lodge and speak to whom ever answers the phone. (Make sure it is the Lodge though).

If all else fails, email your state's Grand Secretary and explain things to him.

Your great great great great grandfather's merits may well be recognized, but like another poster stated, it won't help but it won't hurt you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldskoolfan

I just became a Mason. You don't have to be invited to apply. You just have to ask. Go down to your local lodge and knock on the door.

I see what you did there!

WigSplitter · 12-30-2008, 21:57

Ok, thanks. I guess I'll go knock on the door.

I never thought to try that because I've never seen anyone come in or out, nor have I ever seen a car in the lot. I figured the lodges were unmanned except for when the members met, which must be in the middle of the night..

***jetboatdriver*** · 12-31-2008, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by WigSplitter

Ok, thanks. I guess I'll go knock on the door.

I never thought to try that because I've never seen anyone come in or out, nor have I ever seen a car in the lot. I figured the lodges were unmanned except for when the members met, which must be in the middle of the night..

Shoot me a PM with your email and location. I will help you get started.

Harley Rider 1955 · 01-25-2009, 23:01

An old saying: "To be a Mason...ask a Mason!

Harley Rider 1955 · 01-29-2009, 00:24

Do not be intimidated because other Freemasons must sign your petition. I found there are many more out there than I never knew.
Some may or may not ask why you want to join. I don't ask because I joined for personal reasons. If they DO ask, speak the truth and speak your heart. No man can ask more from you than that.

Spiffums · 01-29-2009, 04:15

When asked why I wanted to be a mason, I said Dad is, the men at church are, most of the outstanding older men I know are......... which I was answering these questions to the older men that I knew.

You gain entrance on your own merit. Then after you get in, it will be a nice conversation piece to talk about.