[Rolez]

What is the ballot box?

[BG_TRBL]

Simply stated, it is a way of voting. Ballot box is a way that the membership of the lodge can vote, placing their approval or rejection of the individual being balloted on.

[RoughAshlar]

Originally Posted by Rolez

What is the ballot box?

My lodges last ballot found a chocolate centred mint in the box...

[Ashlar521]

Originally Posted by RoughAshlar

My lodges last ballot found a chocolate centred mint in the box...

LOL , OUTSTANDING !!! Did they run out black cubes ?

[bdsbjmin]

Hello Gentlemen.

My name is Ben, I am 39.

I have been raised in a community within which there are numerous Lodges.

My Grandfather and Great Uncle were both members for their entire lives.

My father was not so fortunate. He succumbed to alcoholism.

As a young man in my teen years and twenties I attempted to follow in his foot steps. As a result of my actions I committed several violations not representative of a man who passes the most mediocre level of moral turpitude. I ultimately ended up with several criminal charges for alcohol and drug offenses.

I have since spent the past 11 years without a drop. I have worked my way through a political science degree and am enrolling in law school. I understand through trial and error the damage my choices caused to our community and to my family.

I attempted to become a member of the lodge within which my Grandfather had belonged. When the members interviewed me, they were very pleased. Then, just before concluding our meeting, one asked if I had ever been convicted of a felony. I answered honestly that I had. He kindly expressed that he wished he had not asked. He stated that other than this scar on my moral character, I was exactly the kind of person who would become a good Mason. The lodge voted, with the knowledge of my history, and I was turned down.

This was 6 years ago. The gentleman suggested that I try again later. Quite honestly I am apprehensive about doing so, because of the chance of being turned down again.

My Grandfather was the best man I ever had the privilege of knowing. He was kind, non-judgmental, generous, and light hearted. He was strong, determined, level headed and successful. He was supportive of the community and the people he was in contact with. He reached out to others to help make their lives better. To me, he is the ideal of how a man should be. And if Masonry had anything to do with influencing his values and behaviors, I would like to learn as he did.

I would value your feedback regarding what I have written. Be it positive or negative. Thank you for your time.

Benjamin

[cemab4y]

I would certainly encourage you to apply again. In most states, a felony conviction, will NOT automatically bar you from Masonic membership. Many masons use alcohol, some to excess. I would hope, that the lodge to which you apply will look at the "whole man", and see, that you are obviously of good moral character, and that you have been able to turn yourself around.

From what I have seen on your post, I would be glad to be your first-line signer, and I would have no problem, having a man of your personal integrity in my lodge.

[BG_TRBL]

I would also suggest that you choose to re-apply for membership. You will have to go through another "investigation" however, be forthcoming to the investigators and tell them what had happened. To reiterate, that type of "scar" and with your moral development since should be a very good indicator to the comittee. Please be sure to ask the individuals what if anything could ensure an acceptance this time. Generally speaking, if anyone is rejected, it should be a masonic reason, even though these may include law infractions, generally they are more of a moral nature. I can only assume that someone within the lodge you are attempting to petition knows you personally, if you know any of the individuals and consider them "friends" then you may wish to approach them to leve on your behalf in the lodge. I wish you luck and good travels on your way to our venerable institution.

[Ashlar521]

First off , I congradulate you for overcoming your past and bettering yourself , and being very honest and up front about it . I know a couple of fine brothers who have had troubles in their past like you have stated who have turned their lives around and went on to join a lodge and become very fine Masons . More than a few of us had had troubles in our youth , but we've grown up , have taken responsibility for actions and became men .

Like the other's have stated , by all means re-petition , be up front and honest . If what you said is true , which I have know doubt that it is true , I see no reason why you shouldn't be approved . What you have done with your life in the last 11 years speaks volumes of your moral integrity and that should , in my honest opinion , supercede your past indiscretions . I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted .

[bdsbjmin]

Thank you very much for taking time to reply to my post. Your insight and opinions are very valuable.

The gentleman who originally asked me the question regarding my past behaviors did say that he would be the first to willingly take my petition to the Lodge again. I think I will wait until the summer is over, as I know the Lodges are dark through the summer months, and ask him to help me initiate the process in the fall. I plan to begin law school in the fall of 2009, so if I am accepted I will have time between fall 2008 and fall 2009 to devote to learning the materials for the degrees.

Either way, I am very appreciative for the supportive advice you have provided for me. Take care.

Ben

[jvlighting1]

Ben...Don't be a stranger. Keep Visiting Freemasons Hall. Good luck in law school and with the petition in the fall.