Who are the freemasons in the group?

[Cyrus Cassidy #45437]

I'd like to know more.

 

For starters:

- No, I do not believe Alex Jones or any of the other gobbledygook. I believe it's a fraternity that uses symbols and ritual to build brotherhood. The "secrecy" is part of that. In fact, there is a lot of psychological research demonstrating how this type of behavior is extremely fraternity-building in men.

 

- I understand the "blue lodge" versus the groups you can join after achieving the degree of master mason. "Appendant bodies," I believe they are called. Which one would you recommend? Can you join more than one appendant body? Does anyone ever NOT join an appendant body? I assume you are supposed to remain active in your blue lodge and the appendant body is an "extra?" I know some, but not all, appendant bodies require someone to be a Christian, which I am. Would you recommend one of those or a different one?

 

- How expensive does this get? The regalia doesn't look like it would be cheap. What other costs might there be?

 

- I have reached out to a local blue lodge and they are inviting me to a pre-meeting dinner (meetings are, of course, off limits to non-members). 

 

-I guess the vast majority of the work to be done to advance to the different degrees is mostly memorization. Is the memorization in regards to rituals, or other things? For the appendant bodies which offer more degrees, are they also memorization-heavy?

[Gracos Kid]

[Gracos Kid]

The above post I think describes what most would learn a legitimate member of the Masonic order would appear to be....I know there are many who proclaim that the Masons began as a satanic worshipping group of undesirables.  I can also verify that anyone can wear a Masonic emblem and that does not mean that one may necessarily adhere to the Masonic teachings.....It is my opinion that those who decry the Masonic Order as a repulsive group to avoid do not know the truth of the fraternity......

[Cyrus Cassidy #45437]

1 hour ago, Gracos Kid said:

The above post I think describes what most would learn a legitimate member of the Masonic order would appear to be....I know there are many who proclaim that the Masons began as a satanic worshipping group of undesirables.  I can also verify that anyone can wear a Masonic emblem and that does not mean that one may necessarily adhere to the Masonic teachings.....It is my opinion that those who decry the Masonic Order as a repulsive group to avoid do not know the truth of the fraternity......

Look up Leo Taxil and how he admitted to having fabricated all of this.

And, to be blunt, the wild conspiracies and accusations were NOT the subject of my inquiry. I've already researched that well enough to put it aside. My questions are all for people in the fraternity to help me understand the fraternity itself better.

Edited May 28 by Cyrus Cassidy #45437

[Gracos Kid]

I believe all of your questions will be addressed when you attend the meeting at the local Lodge, but will try to assist in your understanding.

 

To join the Masonic Lodge you will have no costs other than a minimal fee for each of the first three degrees.  There is no regalia to purchase unless you yourself wanted to purchase a ring or tie tack/pin upon completion of the degrees.  The only cost will be your time, which will be spent as you are being coached/mentored to memorize the symbolic journey to which you will have begun.  There is nothing written down per se as it taught by word of mouth.  You are not obligated to continue your Masonic journey through the other degrees unless you choose to learn more along that journey and it would be up to you to continue.  There of course would be initiation fees as you delve further along to other degrees.  One of my coworkers and best friend was a member of Scottish Rite Masons, the 32nd degree, and I know of no man that I respected more in this life than him.  If you apply yourself to what you will learn, it will take a good man and make him all the better as far as I'm concerned.    In spite of what some may say, although Masonry is not a religion, it is based on Biblical morals and principals and is not promoting any certain denomination.  

 

From the perception I have of you from reading your posts I believe you will find yourself as associating with a fraternity of like-minded men who will become respected friends.    

[Texas Jack Black]

2 hours ago, Gracos Kid said:

I believe all of your questions will be addressed when you attend the meeting at the local Lodge, but will try to assist in your understanding.

 

To join the Masonic Lodge you will have no costs other than a minimal fee for each of the first three degrees.  There is no regalia to purchase unless you yourself wanted to purchase a ring or tie tack/pin upon completion of the degrees.  The only cost will be your time, which will be spent as you are being coached/mentored to memorize the symbolic journey to which you will have begun.  There is nothing written down per se as it taught by word of mouth.  You are not obligated to continue your Masonic journey through the other degrees unless you choose to learn more along that journey and it would be up to you to continue.  There of course would be initiation fees as you delve further along to other degrees.  One of my coworkers and best friend was a member of Scottish Rite Masons, the 32nd degree, and I know of no man that I respected more in this life than him.  If you apply yourself to what you will learn, it will take a good man and make him all the better as far as I'm concerned.    In spite of what some may say, although Masonry is not a religion, it is based on Biblical morals and principals and is not promoting any certain denomination.  

 

From the perception I have of you from reading your posts I believe you will find yourself as associating with a fraternity of like-minded men who will become respected friends.    

 Sounds like adult Boy Scouts

[Cyrus Cassidy #45437]

4 hours ago, Texas Jack Black said:

 Sounds like adult Boy Scouts

That's literally what I said when I was on the phone with the Worshipful Master.

 

You guys know I write a lot. And to be frank, the whole Albert Pike / Leo Taxil nonsense as well as the existence of an Anti-Mason political party has me going down another rabbit hole of a writing project. I'm going to publish a book on it

[Mild Bill #2326]

Freemasonry is founded on the finest principles known to man. One does not have to be a Christian to belong., but one must believe in a Supreme Being. Your sponsor should be able to answer all of your questions. Remember this: Masonry is one of the finest fraternities in existence, but it is composed of humans. Some you will come to admire and respect; others not so much. If you become active, it will make you a better person. Those who are truly Masons in their hearts, are the ones you should try to emulate. If you do, you won’t regret it.

 

[Irish Pat]

I have plenty of friends that are Masons and they are all fine fellows. If you are Roman Catholic you cannot join the Masons.  If you are Catholic look into joining the Knights of Columbus. Irish ☘️ Pat

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

I have been a Mason for over 50 years. I am currently  Secretary of our Lodge in Dolores, Co. I am also a 32 Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite. I am also a Shriner. We do have a SASS pin for Masons too. My Dad and Grandfather were Masons too.

 

When I decided to join the Masons, the first question they asked me was "Why do you want to be a Mason?" My answer was that ever man that I knew that I had the most respect for were Masons. Everyone that were Masons (including Dad & Grandpa) never said a lot about Masonry and never ask me to join. The one thing I learned later is that any man is never asked, they must come freely. You must believe in a Supreme Being, take your choice. Our Lodge's motto is Making Good Men Better and it has made a better man out of me. 

 

What Lodge are you going to dinner with? I know a lot of the Masons all over Colorado.

 

 

[Cyrus Cassidy #45437]

29 minutes ago, Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life said:

What Lodge are you going to dinner with? I know a lot of the Masons all over Colorado.

 

Centurian Lodge in Monument.

[J-BAR #18287]

My father and his twin brother were 32 degree Scottish Rite Masons.  My father's funeral/memorial service was a Masonic service.  His lodge provided monthly financial support to my mother after he died.

 

I am grateful for the support his lodge gave to mom after he died.

[Rye Miles #13621]

I tuned a piano a few times for a FreeMasons lodge, in my experience they were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. 

[Kid Rich]

11 hours ago, Irish Pat said:

I have plenty of friends that are Masons and they are all fine fellows. If you are Roman Catholic you cannot join the Masons.  If you are Catholic look into joining the Knights of Columbus. Irish ☘️ Pat

I believe you are incorrect. The Lodge I belong to in Bangor, ME has a brother that is a Catholic Priest.

kR

[Dantankerous]

13 minutes ago, Kid Rich said:

I believe you are incorrect. The Lodge I belong to in Bangor, ME has a brother that is a Catholic Priest.

kR

 

I too personally know Catholics who indeed ARE Masons but they went that route in spite of the CC's view on Freemasonry. Some Protestant denominations also "prohibit" their members from participating/joining Freemasonry. 

 

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

There is a group called Hiram's Rangers that are cowboy action shooters. I am a member.

 

Masons do not ban Catholics. As I understand it, the problem is with the church. There are parts of the masonic ritual that are secret and are told only to other masons. The Catholic Church believes you can tell your priest anything during confessions. There are lots of history during the Crusades the Templars (a part of Masonry), worked together to fight  the Moslems. 

 

 

[Dantankerous]

On 5/27/2026 at 9:36 PM, Cyrus Cassidy #45437 said:

I'd like to know more...

 

My short answer is to petition the Lodge for membership and upon acceptance enjoy the degree work while working your way to the 3rd degree, the degree of Master Mason. You'll never forget it. 

[Rough 'N Ready Rob]

22 hours ago, Gracos Kid said:

I believe all of your questions will be addressed when you attend the meeting at the local Lodge, but will try to assist in your understanding.

 

To join the Masonic Lodge you will have no costs other than a minimal fee for each of the first three degrees.  There is no regalia to purchase unless you yourself wanted to purchase a ring or tie tack/pin upon completion of the degrees.  The only cost will be your time, which will be spent as you are being coached/mentored to memorize the symbolic journey to which you will have begun.  There is nothing written down per se as it taught by word of mouth.  You are not obligated to continue your Masonic journey through the other degrees unless you choose to learn more along that journey and it would be up to you to continue.  There of course would be initiation fees as you delve further along to other degrees.  One of my coworkers and best friend was a member of Scottish Rite Masons, the 32nd degree, and I know of no man that I respected more in this life than him.  If you apply yourself to what you will learn, it will take a good man and make him all the better as far as I'm concerned.    In spite of what some may say, although Masonry is not a religion, it is based on Biblical morals and principals and is not promoting any certain denomination.  

 

From the perception I have of you from reading your posts I believe you will find yourself as associating with a fraternity of like-minded men who will become respected friends.    

Thank you for this. 

   I lost my Dad at a young age, He was a Scottish Rite Mason with his 32nd degree, he was buried a Mason. This helps me under stand what it is all about. I loved him dearly and thought he was a great man, the short time I had with him helped make me a better man.

  Rob

[WOLFY]

I dunno how many here shoot at Richmond… Vesparado is a memeber of the masonic order in SF.

Edited May 29 by WOLFY

[Zeb Gray, #36839]

When I began cowboy action shooting, I was delighted to see the similarities between CAS and Freemasonry.  CAS participants use an alias, so we treat other shooters as equals not knowing about their personal lives.  We give others the benefit of doubt, "If you think it's a miss, etc." and act evenly not taking unfair advantages at the match.  We strive to improve ourselves and aid others where possible for the good of the sport.  Level, Plumb & Square.  

 

I encourage you to attend an introductory event.  You will meet many good men who only wish to make you, as well as themselves, better men.  Nothing will be done to humiliate you while becoming a Mason.  There may be costuming or actions that seem odd, but the symbolism of that will have deep meaning.  Masonry is not a secret society, however there are tokens, signs and symbols by which one Mason can recognize another.  Masonry is a lifelong learning process in which you may improve yourself and the world about you.  Masonry has various appendant bodies just as CAS has numerous shooting categories, each interesting in their own way.  

 

My initial reaction at being brought to first light nearly fifty years ago was the realization that those about me were men I respected in my community, not unlike the folks I've met in CAS.  

Edited May 29 by Zeb Gray, #36839

[Sedalia Dave]

10 hours ago, Kid Rich said:

I believe you are incorrect. The Lodge I belong to in Bangor, ME has a brother that is a Catholic Priest.

kR

 

Up until 1983 if a person was found to be a Freemason, per the cannons, they would be immediately excommunicated. Since 1983 excommunication is implied but not explicitly stated in the Cannons. 

 

As of 2024, the official position of the Catholic Church is that being a Freemason is incompatible with the teachings of the church. 

 

That said, what action the church would actually take, I cannot say.

 

https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-does-the-church-say-about-freemasonry

 

https://www.ncregister.com/cna/bishop-who-participated-in-freemasonry-event-affirms-its-incompatibility-with-catholicism

[Duffield, SASS #23454]

As a Baptist boy I went to  Sunday School where we had lessons based on the Bible. When I became a  Mason I found that I already knew every secret except the password and the handshake

[WD Farren]

I am the Master of my lodge.

[Kid Rich]

11 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

Up until 1983 if a person was found to be a Freemason, per the cannons, they would be immediately excommunicated. Since 1983 excommunication is implied but not explicitly stated in the Cannons. 

 

As of 2024, the official position of the Catholic Church is that being a Freemason is incompatible with the teachings of the church. 

 

That said, what action the church would actually take, I cannot say.

 

https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-does-the-church-say-about-freemasonry

 

https://www.ncregister.com/cna/bishop-who-participated-in-freemasonry-event-affirms-its-incompatibility-with-catholicism

Yep it is the Church that has the problem with Masonic membership.

21 hours ago, Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life said:

There is a group called Hiram's Rangers that are cowboy action shooters. I am a member.

 

Masons do not ban Catholics. As I understand it, the problem is with the church. There are parts of the masonic ritual that are secret and are told only to other masons. The Catholic Church believes you can tell your priest anything during confessions. There are lots of history during the Crusades the Templars (a part of Masonry), worked together to fight  the Moslems. 

 

 

Hiram's Ranger # 106.

kR

[John Barleycorn, SASS #76982]

My oldest son and I the evening he was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason

[MizPete]

On 5/28/2026 at 10:05 PM, Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life said:

I am also a 32 Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite.

So was FIL.  And MIL was a worthy matron in Eastern Star.

We did not know Papa was a mason until he died.

[Texas Maverick]

My father was in the Masons but I never heard what degree. He was very secretive of it and the only reason I knew he was in because I saw his ring that he kept locked up one day. When I asked he said he couldn't say anything about it. I never asked again. My FIL was a 32 degree Mason and he said a little when I talked with him but never really got into it. I never could get enough info to determine whether I wanted to join so I never went down that road.

 

TM

[WD Farren]

32nd degree is Scottish Rite.

One has to be a master mason before they can join Scottish Rite, York Rite or the Shine.

 

I am Scottish Rite but not a Shriner.

(too far to travel)

[Dantankerous]

I personally know several cowboys with whom I shoot throughout the year who are also Masons. One just recently celebrated his 50 year mark. All most excellent men. I love their friendship. 

 

WDFarren is correct. 

 

The Shrine, while an appendant body of Freemasonry, is a bit different in its mission than the other appendant bodies. Well worth looking into. 

 

If you choose to petition a Lodge, don't research too much... don't spoil the journey. Just do it. 

 

 

Edited June 1 by Dantankerous

[Sedalia Dave]

I always believed that you had to be asked before you could join a lodge. Never occurred to me that you could ask.

[Kid Rich]

10 hours ago, WD Farren said:

32nd degree is Scottish Rite.

One has to be a master mason before they can join Scottish Rite, York Rite or the Shine.

 

I am Scottish Rite but not a Shriner.

(too far to travel)

York Rite and Scottish Rite are both 32nd degree just a different path.

kR

[Dantankerous]

13 minutes ago, Sedalia Dave said:

I always believed that you had to be asked before you could join a lodge. Never occurred to me that you could ask.

Ever see the old bumper stickers that read, 2B1ASK1?

 

A man asking of his own accord is where and when it all begins. 😀

 

 

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

3 hours ago, Dantankerous said:

I personally know several cowboys with whom I shoot throughout the year who are also Masons. One just recently celebrated his 50 year mark. All most excellent men. I love their friendship. 

 

WDFarren is correct. 

 

The Shrine, while an appendant body of Freemasonry, is a bit different in its mission than the other appendant bodies. Well worth looking into. 

 

If you choose to petition a Lodge, don't research too much... don't spoil the journey. Just do it. 

 

 

I received my 50 year as a Mason in 2024 and 25 years of being a Shriner in 2018.

 

[WD Farren]

Mason are not allowed to solicit for membership.
2B1ASK1 is the method.

 

We encourage prospects to come to our breakfast and fellowship events.
Get their face seen and known to the brothers.

Some lodges require six months of this before accepting his application.

 

There is a huge amount of work that goes into the investigations, background check and degree ritual preparation work.

In my lodge, this is 9 days per month for 7 years to go fully through the chairs that lead to Master.

Ritual memory work is intense and very lengthy for the officers.

 

Lastly, do not believe the B.S. you see on the internet or social media.
One recent initiate was terrified because he read on the internet that he was required to drink a cup of goat's blood.
Pure, unadulterated B.S.

 

I will be 113 years old when I get my 50 year pin...

Edited June 1 by WD Farren