A humble hello from England

indigotheory

New Member
Hi all. I'm a 31 year old guy with a degree in counselling and psychology with long term plans to train as a counsellor. Currently I manage a drop in centre for mental health in my hometown. We are a registered charity and the place is ran by a team of trustees.

I've been curious about freemasonry for quite a few years (read a few books and lurked the forums) and I'm convinced I've come across quite a few during my time.

My reasons for why I - think - I may be interested in freemasonry are history (I believe my hometown has significant roots in freemasonry), knowledge, self empowerment, personal and professional development, symbolism, friendship and feeling to be a part of something (as later on in my life when I'm a qualified counsellor it's fair to say I won't have many work friends if you know what I mean, and theres some serious boundaries and codes of practice to adhere to). I also think that putting time and effort into something and being committed to doing so is very worthwhile (I see this happen most weeks in the job I do. We do some very charitable work and what we do is of great benefit to the community). There is also the element of mystery that attracts me of course.

I'm attending a white table evening later on this year in my hometown. what I've been wondering is theres a guy who's now retired from his job who lives 3 doors up from me who has apparently been a freemason for years. He's a friend of the family. Is it worth giving this guy a knock for a quick chat to tell him I've been invited to this event? Or just leave it and wait to see if I see him there kinda thing?

I am also sure I read somewhere that there is a graduate entrance into freemasonry if you have a degree etc?

Any comments welcome, here I am, first post!

Best wishes
 

goomba

Active Member
In most places you must ask a Freemason to become a Freemason. I approached both lodges I am a member of without knowing anyone in them. All men who petition Masonry go through the same experience as all other Masons. Welcome to the site.
 

trysquare

New Member
I would speak to the Brother first, tell him of your interest. As my Brother mentioned, you must ask to become a Freemason.
 

indigotheory

New Member
Thanks for the comments. Yes I'm aware of that, which is why I'm 50/50 about having a chat with this guy. Also since I enquired at my local lodge this guy has recently started coming into the drop in centre and every time we have spoken when he leaves he gives me this firm handshake and calls me brother. Could be complete coincidence.
 

indigotheory

New Member
I did this morning!

It was really weird. I was just about to leave for work and the postman was knocking at the door with the MacNaulty book I had bought of eBay. So I'm signing for that and this guy was walking past!

So I called him over for a quick chat and just told him I was attending this white table event in a couple of months and just asked a couple of basic questions. He seemed very enthusiastic about his experience so far and he told me how far into it he is etc. Whatever he told me just sounded like it's all very worthwhile and what you get out of it is basically what you make of it.

He also said if you have any questions just give me a knock and I'll tell you what I can!
 

jason

Seanchaí
Staff member
Greetings and salutations. Don't be afraid to ask. Most of us are friendly only a few bite. ;)
 

2SONDAD

Husband, father, son, Mason.
Greetings! This really is a very friendly place- I've never been bitten and even made a friend or three.
 

indigotheory

New Member
Of course!

Anything else? Ive been reading the MacNaulty book, very interesting. It seems like they will want to know a lot about me over a dinner table, so smart dress, and it's a chance to find out some more about what happens and a good chance to pick up a petition form?
 

jason

Seanchaí
Staff member
We really do not have any dinners like that in our area. So not sure really what would go on there. Not sure if we have any members here who have been to one. Its gotten quite over the years here.
 

indigotheory

New Member
Hi all, quick update, I attended the White Table event, felt like a spare part the start of the night, had the tour, great meal, true Freemasons like to eat! Had a good question and answer session and few drinks in the bar afterwards, left feeling part of the furniture, that was how welcome they made me feel.

So I applied, the chap who lives closest to me proposed me, had a visit from my seconder and they both think I'd be well suited to it all, and their both at hand for any questions in between, which is nice to know.

Interview tomorrow night!
 
Hi there, I'm not sure how I missed this topic :(

I too am in England and am happy to answer any questions you may have you might even like to join the UK based Masonic Forum (details in my sig file) that I run which would help you to interact with more English Freemasons and widen your intel pool.
 

indigotheory

New Member
Hey mike, thanks for the reply, the interview went very well, their having a ballot in two weeks and I should know in about 6 weeks!

Thanks for the info about the forum, I'll take a look
 
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