The begining of a journey

Became a Master Mason tonight Proud to join a long list of distinguished Americans

Lodge #105
Alva, Oklahoma

congratulations to you as you start your journey of a lifetime of fun and learning.  You'll find there are quite a few of us on this site.

I never understood how come 20 years ago it was a big secret, today guys brag about it, put stickers on their lunchboxes, wear shirts with the logos even have stuff on their cars displaying the logos.  I'll admit I know very little about it but the whole thing has always seemed strange to me.

It is no secret.  Every Lodge has their name on the door, most have signs with meeting dates, etc.  Men for years have displayed the square and compasses on their rings, etc.  There are many pictures of George Washington and other notable Masons.  It is not a secret society.  Just like any other fraternity, there are secrets (passwords, grips, etc) that are a part of the ritual.  The reason for the secret is that they are all a part of the education and rituals that experiencing helps you to learn so you understand the underlying things they teach.  The big secret is that it is an organization that makes good men better.  To find out more, just ask a Mason if you are interested. Masonry is not a Christian or religious organization, they do require a belief in a supreme being though.  Freemasons in this country contribute over $1million a day in charity, with the Shriners hospitals and special olympics being a couple of the more widely known ones.

Congrats my Brother! It is a fulfilling organization, but you will only get out of it, what you put into it.

Ryan E. Newman P.M.
Old Fort Lodge #537 F. & A.M.

Congradulations Anthony, I was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on April 19, 1975 at Western Star Lodge #9 in Springfield, TN. On the 14th of November, 1975 I received the 32 degree at the Grand Lodge in Nashville, TN. and on 12th day of December, 1975 I was received as a Noble of the Shrine. I can say that it has been a honor and a privilege to have my name associated with such great and noble organizations and I hope that you receive as much pleasure from your future travels as I have in my past.