Not Accepted
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