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aedifico42| On Petitions…

Posted at: 10:44 am

     I got an email today from a brother who wanted me to send him two petitions for membership.

     I refused.

     As the Master of my Lodge, I want to meet these men first.  I want to know who they are and learn about them.  I want to know what they do and how they spend their free-time.  I need these guys to meet and mingle with my brothers before they can presume to apply for membership in our brotherhood. 

     I am demanding that the profane world come to grips with the fact that we are, and should be, an exclusive organization.  We are closed to the outside.  We welcome those WE CHOOSE to welcome.  And this welcome is a group decision…not to be made by one random member. 

     Some feel this is an attitude that does not treat all men “on the level.”  Some feel that exclusivity is only for those who feel they are better or different than others.  Some people, even our own brothers, feel like this attitude will shrink our fraternity. 

     They are all correct, and I agree with them all. 

     Freemasonry is not for everybody.  It was never meant to be for every-man.  Sure, we teach humility and treatment of our brothers as equals, but we also swear not to share certain ‘gems’ with the outside world.  The benefits of our secret knowledge is not shared because we selfishly guard the real secrets.  So it is, so it has been, and so should it be.

     So why is it, then, that we should not jealously guard the portal?  Why should we not demand more from those attempting to become part of our sacred circle?  Why should I allow any random Tom, Dick or Harry from off of the street to throw down a check and submit a petition?

     If that man is not willing to come to my Lodge, meet my brothers and present himself to my Craft as a genuine petitioner in the truest sense, then he does not even get to look at that sheet of paper.  Simple.

     Until we get the guts to do the right things, for the right reasons, our Craft will continue to deteriorate.  Guard well that which you have my brothers.  Diluting your Lodge and allowing mediocrity at any stage of the game can only harm the Craft in full.  Be strong enough to take the hard-line. 

     Once we make-up our minds that, sometimes it’s ok to say ‘No’, then, miraculously, life in our Craft will become much, much better.

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