I am very interested in becoming a mason and i am 20 years old. I have spoke with someone from a lodge near by, filled out a petition, and now waiting for an interview. i have read that u need to be of high moral standing and i do hold myself to that standard now but i have made some bad decisions in the past and broke the law. for example, dwi and fighting. Since then ive made some changes and i like to think of myself as a moral and honest person. so im wondering if this will be considered when voting me into the lodge? i guess i just have to wait and see what the brothers of the lodge think but if some one could give me insight on this that would be great. thanks

Well bud, its going to be up to the judgement of those who are voting. Explain this in the interview, thats the best advice I can make. When did you last get into trouble? Good luck.

We all make mistakes in the past. Explain the situation and say you are looking for better standards in life. You will be expected to put something back into the local community by helping charity causes and if you know any Freemasons talk to them about their Masonry experiences and how it has changed their life. They will not have any influences over the interview committee but you will have some idea of what will be expected of you. In general, be yourself, speak the truth and good luck. The committee is very freindly and know what you are going through as everyone has been in your place at one time.

Peter makes a really good point. Give back to the community and start doing more community type activities like volunteer, food drives and so on. Call your city hall and ask about what you can do to volunteer your time.

At the end of the day, you only get out what you put in, as in everything in life!

Amen

Let us know how you get on.

We have all made mistakes in the past.  I too was worried about the same types of things.  These past events held me back for many years because I was to afraid of being judged and being turned away. Light comes to those who seek it. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you.  It is only when we are in darkness are we not aware of our ignorance. When my investigation committee meet with me I told them them up front about my past mishaps because I wanted to be up front. I later learned that we are all upon the level. So I say this to you, do not be afraid to turn in your petition. You will never know until you do.  I lost many years because I was worried about what others might think.  Good luck
Bro C.J

This post was last modified: 12-11-2007 02:34 PM by tr_squid.

tr, that is a great way of putting it, well thought

you will always get honest open replies here.