
There's a lot of truth in the following conversations


#: 188040 S7/Craft Lodge Issues
    28-May-99  21:27:10
Sb: #188039-freemasons
Fm: Mike Thomas 112540,636
To: john t. betts 112404,2562

John:

>Why should a any young man choose to become a mason when most masons are old
>and only support their lodge out of a sense of duty rather than any benefit
they are >receiving?

It is  my hope is that a man joins the Lodge for the benefits he can bestow
upon his fellow-man, and for the good he can do. One of the main problems with
society around the world is all the followers of the "Me" generation,
regardless of age.  Prehaps this is an over simplification, but if I knew a
man was joining "for the benefits" he would receive, I would vote against his
entrance.

To give direct answer to your questions:

>Why should a any young man choose to become a mason when most masons are
old...

One advantage to the young man is the experience to be gleened from men who
have "been there, done that". Assuming that young man is teachable and not so
consumed with everything he thinks he already knows that he can't learn
anything from the experience of others. It's a sad person who must learn
everything by what he suffers in the school of hard knocks.

> and only support their lodge out of a sense of duty

I think you misjudge many of the motives of these "old" Masons. Certainly,
there is a sense of duty, and even Obligation. Why does a young person think
such is a negative? On the other hand, there is a pride and satisfaction in
supporting and helping the community, the Lodge, and the Craft - and being
united with like minded men working towards a common purpose..

> rather than any benefit they are receiving?

Let me list a few of the "Benefits" I've received:
1.  Organizational Skills in planning and helping Lodge Functions.
2.  Leadership Skills in dealing with varied personalities to accomplish a
common outcome.
3.  Financial Training in assisting and planing and Organizational Budget.
4.  Logistical and Supply Training in forecasting the needs of many social
functions, such as food - materials - facilities for varied events.
5.  Experience in Bereavement Counseling helping a widow or Brother who has
just lost their spouse,  plan for the Funeral as well as future necessities of
life.
6.  Increased mental faculties strengthened by the study and understanding of
the "Work" of a Masonic Lodge.
7.  Increased Tact in resolving disputes that invariably occur as any group of
people work together.
8.  Greater empathy for those in need or going through hard times, as I became
involved in relieving anothers suffering.
9.  A support group of non-judgemental friends helping me to get through my
own trials.
10.  Training in leadership principles in Seminar Settings that would rival
the most expensive commercial training.

Each of these has inadvertently made me more valuable to my employer and thus
indirectly increased, my wages, my standard of living, and given me a higher
quality of home life. No benefits? I disagree. After all of this, however, my
most valued "benefit" has been that I've been able to give to others. All the
benefit I've received has been secondary and as a direct result of my service.
Those joining for "mercenary motives" and not willing to give of themselves
will indeed be sadly disappointed.

Mike Thomas, PM

#: 188041 S7/Craft Lodge Issues
    28-May-99  21:37:05
Sb: #188039-freemasons
Fm: Michael Poll/Sysop 110046,1751
To: john t. betts 112404,2562

	>>Why should a any young man choose to become a mason when most masons
are old and only support their lodge out of a sense of duty rather than any
benefit they are receiving?<<

Hello John,
	Welcome.  Thank you for your comments.
	Your question is one that all Masons should ask themselves.  Why
*should* any young man (or any old man) join Freemasonry ?  Any one who joins
Masonry for reasons of entertainment, social benefits or hopes of personal
gain would be better off never joining.  A Masonic lodge meeting is second
rate entertainment at best.  Anyone who feels that it is only duty that keeps
them in a Lodge, should, IMO, quit.  Any one who feels that they are not
getting enough "benefits" from Masonry should quit.
	Being a Mason requires a real hunger in your soul for personal growth
and a true desire to learn and serve.  It is a great mistake to believe that
Masonry is right for everyone - it's not.
	Why should any young man become a Mason ?  Well, my friend, it is my
opinion that Masons have always been Masons in their heart long before joining
any lodge.  One who is not a Mason at heart will not be one before or after
joining a lodge.  Being a Mason is a life long journey that is *not* for
everyone and *not* to *ever* be considered an easy task or a rewarding task in
the material sense.
	Your question makes very good sense to non- Masons.  For me, your
question might as well be, "Why should Masons eat."  Being a Mason is not
something that I do out of any sense of duty or any seeking of reward. I am a
Masons simply because I am a Mason.  That's about it.
	Best,
	Michael R. Poll

