When Did You Become A Mason?

What made you a Mason?

Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason?

How were you prepared?

Probably like most of us, if not all of us, these questions made no sense to me as a new EA. Starting out, they just seemed like random questions that were a part of an ancient tradition. They had no real meaning to me.

Now, they actually make sense to me and, in various ways, have begun to form the way I think about Masonry and what it teaches me. Each of these questions are answered for the candidate, but in reality, these are questions that all of us should think about seriously.

It was the moment I took my obligation that I "became a Mason"; but was it? That's what I thought at least when I became an EA. I repeated some words and was introduced to my brethren. Wasn't that what made me a Mason?

It wasn't until quite a bit later that I realized the second question comes before the first chronologically. Where was I first prepared? This gave the first question a whole new meaning for me. It wasn't about the obligation. And, in actuality, it wasn't even about becoming a part of an international brotherhood. It was about the heart.

As good citizens, we obey the laws of the land. We treat others fair and we try and look out for our fellow man. We do what we do because it is morally right. But, if we had no desire inside to be good men, or in this sense "better men", then would it really matter to us if we had good morals? We would just be doing these things just to the extent of staying out of jail, or not getting caught.

In the same way, Masonry teaches some wonderful things - love your brother, help those in need, control your passions, etc. All of these are great things, but taking an obligation and becoming a Mason is just an action if you don't understand where you were first prepared.

The motto of Freemasonry is well-known, even to those who know very little about the Craft:

Making good men better men.

It is more than just a saying. How do you take a bad man and make him a better man? It can't be done. As the chaplain of our lodge put it so well, Only God can take a bad man and make him good. It is through the teaches of our faith and also the help of the Masonic lessons, that we are able to grow from good men into better men. To those who join Freemasonry for more than just the privilege of being called a Mason, and pay attention to what it teaches, to me, they will begin to discover the true "gold" in Freemasonry.

How were you prepared to be made a Mason? Do you understand why your were prepared the way you were? Confusion was a constant companion throughout my three degrees of Blue Lodge. In my head I knew everything had to connect somehow. Even though I didn't understand why certain things were done the way they were, I believed they were done for a reason. In time, I was able to look back and understand what it meant.

I was prepared in a way that taught me humility. As human beings, it becomes all too easy to think of ourselves to be better then others (because of our career, family name, etc.). Unfortunately, this is the basis of the race issue we've been dealing with for far too long. Pride, in its own right, is a good thing. It encourages us to look nice and work hard. But, if not controlled, it can cause damage.  Masonry regards no man for his worldy wealth or honour.

Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

~ I Corinthians 10:12

Masonry helps us realize that no matter what your position in life, every one of us meet on the level. No brother is greater than another. You may never be Grand Master, but what about Steward or Lodge Education Officer in your local lodge. If there is no "official" chair that needs filled, remember that the seats on the sidelines are just as important.

In Closing

As you progress through your Masonic journey, whether you are the newest EA in the northeast corner or the eldest Past Master in your lodge, think about what is said in Opening, Closing and Degree Work.

It is understandable that there are many who, because of family or work obligations, cannot be active in their local lodge. But, for those who no longer regularly attend their lodge because they aren't getting anything out of it, take time to think about what is said in lodge. It's easy to think of it as just a bunch of words said in an old ritual that doesn't fit into our daily lives.

If we can began to understand why certain things are said and done, then it's at that point that Masonry impacts us at a deeper level than just memorizing ritual or enjoying fellowship with our brothers.

These three questions are just an example of the many indepth teachings that Masonry has which can help us as good men become better men.

My Story: Bro. Rik Linebaugh

My masonic story starts Back in the 90s. I was recently divorced and looking for a new direction in life. I was bar tending at a local bar in Youngstown and saw a Masonic ring on a friend’s finger. I thought, what a cool ring! I had seen Masonic emblems on cars before and inquired what they were for. He told me he could not give me details but if he ever saw a person on the side of the road that had an emblem on his car, that he would stop and render aid. I said like AAA huh! He laughed and said “Yeah kinda”. I asked him what it took to become a Mason to which he replied, “You have already taken the first step”. I had no idea what that meant. I was introduced to yet another Mason which was also a regular at the bar and received a petition which they both had signed. It was a petition for Argus Lodge #545. I knew another Brother from Argus and asked him about things, thinking that since we worked together once and went to school together that he would surely tell me. All he said was to fill out the petition and send in the dues and he would see me thru the next steps. I am not sure exactly why I did not follow thru, whether it was time, money or the unknown but I had regretted it for some time. Thru the years I had thought about that petition from time to time and wished I had joined.

Fast-forward to 3 years ago. While attending some council meetings in a city I had recently moved to with my family, I befriended yet another Mason who had known some of my family for quite some time. This sparked my interest in Masonry yet again to which I asked the proverbial question a second time, “what does it take to become a Mason”, to which he answered, “You just took the first step”. I was then presented a petition a few days later for Allen Lodge #276 in Columbiana, Ohio. I thought to myself that I would follow thru this time.

I soon learned of other friends who were in the fraternity and one of them had plans for me! I learned from the start, at the investigation, that Freemasonry was the direction I had been missing in my life. My family were regulars at church, active in the community and my wife and I were becoming philanthropists. I wanted to serve the community, and this was a huge resource that had endless opportunities. I met some genuinely nice people so far and freemasonry had made an impression on me.

With the help of my mentor and friend Bro. Richard Simpson, we studied a few nights a week and I returned my Exams in 2 weeks each time. I was ready to be the candidate for a special multi lodge Master Mason degree at Negley Lodge #565. After my raising I had stepped in to fill a void at Jr. Steward and helped my Lodge wherever I could. I learned a lot in a short amount of time and was never told anything discouraging. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. It was not long until I started “using” the working tools of freemasonry to improve myself.

One of the most important things I have learned is the value of work. The more I put into something, the more it rewards me. The more quality I put in the better the outcome. The more knowledge obtained the better the understanding. This Philosophy alone has helped me move up the line quickly. It has also taught me the value of other people that have helped me progress in masonry.

I was featured as a “Monday Mason” by the Grand Lodge and asked what Freemasonry meant to me. I responded with one word, “Opportunity”. Masonry gives us all the opportunity to meet, converse and interact with people we would never have had the opportunity to do so in a regular environment. It does not matter the occupation, intelligence or status of a brother in Lodge, we meet on the same level. To me, this is a valuable resource to gain knowledge and improve myself by the interaction alone. When does a shop foreman working for a steel company get to pick the brain of a doctor or a mechanic have the opportunity to gain self-improvement from conversing with a lawyer on a regular basis, a postal carrier and a company CEO, Etc. and not even know the person? It is rare outside of the fraternity.

I have been fortunate to meet many Masons from different states. I had the pleasure of attending a multi lodge raising of myself by masters in the 24 th district as well as a multi-state Grand Lodge conferral of degrees in Indianapolis. Freemasonry is an “opportunity” to improve one’s self simply by the fellowship of brothers in a worldwide fraternity and gain lifelong friends along the way. Brothers, a word that means so much more when you apply “opportunity” and is why I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for me in Freemasonry… The ring is pretty cool too!

What Happens Now?

Spring through Fall of 2020. What happened? What in the world was going on in America?

So far this year has brought one thing after another. As we slowly overcome the COVID-19 Crisis and many return to work and everyday, normal life, now we come to another Crisis. Across the country protests erupted into riots, and in many places, still continue. In the midst of it all, statues, monuments, government buildings and masonic lodges and temples have been vandalized and destroyed.

The issue of racism has once again sprang to the forefront of the American public. Everyone believes they have the right solution to the problem. Unfortunately, this is not an issue that will disappear over time. Racism has been a struggle in our great country for over 200 years. So what's the answer?

A few weeks ago a Prince Hall brother posted a video on a topic that I would like to reiterate here. For 236 years, Mainstream Masonry and Prince Hall Freemasonry had stood as two separate members of the same family. I would not suggest that both Grand Lodges give up their history to combine. What I am asking is that as brothers, we put differences aside. We forget about skin color. We forget about nationality and backgrounds.

How can we expect our society to put racism behind us, if we still allow it in our local lodges? It may be a hard truth, brothers, but to make a difference in the world around us, change must first begin in ourselves and our lodges.

So, what happens now? Now, we move forward. We accept our brothers for who they are...our brothers. We help our culture move forward by realizing skin color is just that...just a skin color. 'We all bleed the same.'

 

My Story: Worshipful Brother Brad Lankford, K.Y.H.

During World War II, my grandfather became friends with several Masons. Their behavior made my grandfather decide that he, too, wanted to be a Mason when the war was over. The WW2 generation is generally regarded as “The greatest generation”.

About twenty years ago I was taken by how divided we were as a nation. I felt as though there had to be things that I could do to make my family better, to make my church better, to make my community and state better. In short, I wanted to make America great again. At the time this wasn’t a controversial phrase. I looked to what my grandfather, and men like him, did. They went to church. They went to work. They joined civic organizations that helped people. The phrase “God, Family, Country” was written in everyone’s hearts.

I was doing “some” of that. I went to work. I went to church. I was praying for my community, state and nation. However, I wasn’t a part of any group or civic organization dedicated to anything greater than their immediate community. I looked to the example of my grandfather and asked to become a Mason. As Robert Frost stated, “and that has made all the difference."

I became a part of a society of friends and brothers. I am a part of a group that donates over a million dollars per day to various charities. We donate to Special Olympics, to Shriner’s hospitals, and everything in between. We feed the poor, we build Alzheimer treatment and research centers. We work to help with the adoption of “hard to place” children through Adopt America. We provide scholarships. The Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP) enables core teams of faculty and staff to effectively identify and refer at-risk youth. This three-day intensive training seminar is provided to local schools by the Freemasons of Ohio.

I am not just a man, I am a Mason.

My Story: Worshipful Brother James R. Hall, R.S.S.

I joined our great fraternity on August 28, 2013 at East Palestine Lodge No. 417.

About 14 years earlier I had expressed interest in Freemasonry to my girlfriend (currently my wife). She said I should look into it but, as many find out, I didn’t know who to talk to.

Fast forward to July 2013 I had the chance to work with WB Ryan Cresanto for the day delivering furniture. We talked about everything there was, Lodge wise. By the end of the day I had filled out a petition and had it turned back in! Before I knew it, I was on my journey to the East!

I became Master of East Palestine Lodge No. 417 for the 2019 year. In the same year I was also chosen by the Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction to be featured in their 28 Days of Masons. This was where a different Mason from the 15 states is highlighted each day.

Along with being part of the Valley of Youngstown Scottish Rite, I am also a member of the Youngstown York Rite bodies and petitioned the Al Koran Shrine/Youngstown Shrine Club (on hold due to Covid). I was also inducted as the 12th Brother accepted into the Royal Scofield Society at Grand Lodge in Marietta last year. I was proud to be 1 of the 14 Masons from across the state of Ohio to be inducted into the Inaugural Class and is the reason why I am currently serving as Chancellor of East Palestine No. 417, 1st Vice - President of the 24th Masonic District Association, District Prospect Manager, and Social Media Chair of the Royal Scofield Society.

I can truly say that Freemasonry has changed my life! It has instilled a sense of self confidence that wasn’t there before. It has also given me so many great friends and memories from across the district and state. If I could have changed one thing in my journey it would have been to have started this journey earlier! The saying “The more you put into it, the more you get out of it” is a perfect saying for Freemasons! I’ve put so much into it and have been rewarded ten fold for that. The beauty of it all is that we have so many Brothers across the district, state and world and they’re all in your corner. They all want what is best for you and vice versa.

I’ve never regretted a day that I’ve been a Freemason and look forward to inspiring new Masons everyday!!

My Story: Worshipful Brother Jason W. Short

I became a MM in July 2007. I started to run the chairs and then in 2012 I took a break for personal reasons. I came back and started the chairs again eventually becoming Master at Negley in 2018.

I also became the President of the 24th District Association in 2018. The next year I became Worshipful Master of Jenkins Lodge #471.

In 2019 I was given the honor of being a face of Ohio Freemasonry. In the same year I became a District Education Officer for the 24th District.

I am a member of Negley, Allen and Jenkins Lodges. I am a member of the York Rite in Youngstown, Ohio and Scottish Rite Valley of Steubenville. I belong to Eastern Star, the Knight Masons of Ireland and the Grotto. I am also an Ohio Masonic Home Ambassador and Volunteer.

The people you meet and the stories you share are just a small part of the larger puzzle. Masonry has taught me to be a better person, a better leader and a better father. It has helped me tone down my somewhat wild personality and think about the choices I make and things I say.

Freemasonry is one of the best things I have ever done.

Kindness Will Never Be Outdated

I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that it feels as if this quarantine has lasted forever. Many of us have had to use our imaginations in a way that we haven't done since we were children. We have no option but to do our Spring Cleaning. Outside things like gardens, flowerbeds and woodworking projects are getting done like never before.

Many of us are getting use to seeing faces over video chat or hearing familiar voices over the phone instead of seeing each other in person. Some of us are missing "good old conversation". Others might even be enjoying the seclusion and are thankful for not having to mingle with the general public any more than necessary.

However you feel about the quarantine (whether you think it is right or wrong), remember that an individual's actions and attitude, now more than ever, show the true character of each one of us. How you treat the person who accidentally rubs against you at Walmart or Home Depot, or react to the person who rudely coughs and sneezes on you while buying groceries shows those around you what kind of person you really are. When something unexpected happens or someone makes a rude comment is your first reaction kindness, or do you you snap back and think about launching something at them. In the life of a Mason, kindness should a defining trait of who you are.

 Unfortunately many of us can say that they personally know Masons who care about no one other than themselves. There are others who, because they have the title of Warden, Master, Past Master, etc., they deserve more respect than the other brethren in the Lodge. If we, as brothers, have trouble treating each other with kindness and respect, then how can we go about our daily lives treating our fellow man with kindness.

Most of us are proud to be a Mason and display symbols on our cars, homes, clothes, etc. And we most certainty should be proud. But, are you proud just to have the title "Freemason" and to tell people you're a member of "secret society", or are you proud of what the fraternity represents and how it has changed you life?

In everything you do and in everywhere you go, remember you represent a fraternity who stands for brotherly love, relief and truth. Your actions may determine how someone views our fraternity.