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I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some questions

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 10:51 am
by Dances-With-Clouds
Good morning Gentlemen,

I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some questions I have please.

I have been interested in becoming a Freemason for some years and would like to continue giving back to others as well as continuing my own progression, including, hopefully, through masonry.

I have spent some time reading through much of the wonderful forum areas here on Lodgeroomuk, I’ve also visited http://www.ugle.org.uk http://www.supremegrandchapter.org.uk + a provincial Grand Lodge and some local lodge / masonic centre websites.

I have always enjoyed carefully researching and selecting any path prior to being lucky enough to being involved, be it my continuing 20+ year career in the aviation industry or my hobbies in / out of it (including enjoying not just being part of something but the history and linage too), I’d like to think my interest in becoming a mason will be just as enjoyable.

I notice that many lodges including their Provincial Grand Lodges provide a venue location for many other / sub / local lodges to meet at:

Q1: Are all of these many lodges available for potential new masons to join? Is there information literature available (including numbers of members, facilities, centre opening hours, I’m guessing some larger centres will have staffed hours) to aid a potential new member in selecting a particular lodge of interest?
I.e. One of my local Masonic Centres seems to have 15 lodges, 6 Chapters + Mark, Ram lodges, Ancient & Accepted Rite Chapters, Order of the Secret Monitor + Ancient & Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.

Q2: Are Chapters a continuation of Masonry via the Royal Arch? I guess Mother & Daughter lodges are self-explanatory, maybe! What are Conclaves, Mark & Ram Lodges?

Q3: Is it possible / usual to be a member of more than one lodge?

Q4: Lastly, do some lodges have particular interests, for instance, is there a lodge where members have an interest in aviation? If so, where would someone interested find such information?

(50)

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 11:46 am
by Guy
Where in NE Hants are you? From your description it sounds like Farnborough Masonic Centre you are referencing. I'm a Farnborough Freemason and would be more than happy to meet you and answer your questions.

Guy

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:07 pm
by Dances-With-Clouds
Hi Guy,

I live approximately 6 miles from Farnborough!

You are correct! I had viewed some of Farnborough Masonic Centre lodge’s information, Wokingham and Sindlesham too.

Guy, that is a very kind offer! Yes, I love to do that / meet up, let me know when suits you.

With the kindest regards.

Paul.

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:14 pm
by Guy
Paul - check your private messages.

Guy

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 4:14 pm
by MrBenn
I've welcomed you elsewhere, it's good t see that Guy has taken you under his wing - he is an experienced freemasonry and a very nice chap to boot - you are in good hands!

The organisational side of freemasonry is quite baffling at first, especially once you discover the other orders.

Simply put, you apply to join a lodge, that lodge will interview you and, if accepted, you will then be initiated into that lodge and become a member there.
That lodge exists in in a province, and both the lodge and the province are part of a Grand Lodge.

In business terms, the lodge is a branch, the province is regional head office and the Grand Lodge is HQ

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Mon Oct 26, 2015 6:48 pm
by Dances-With-Clouds
Hi MrBenn

Thank you very much for your welcome and reply.

It’s also very kind of Guy to give his time, I’m looking forward to meeting him next month.

“Baffling”, yes, there are so many Lodges too!
Is my query relating to researching with regard to selecting a particular lodge for potential membership appropriate?

(50)

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 5:57 pm
by Guy
Dances-With-Clouds wrote: Is my query relating to researching with regard to selecting a particular lodge for potential membership appropriate?

(50)


Yes it is - I am what is known as a 'contact officer' locally and part of the role is to put prospective candidates in touch with relevant lodges. We can chat more in a couple of weeks.

Guy

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Tue Oct 27, 2015 6:22 pm
by Dances-With-Clouds
Hi Guy,

That’s wonderful.

If in the meantime there is any literature available, for me to read up on about the various lodges at Farnborough (History, background etc. etc.) please let me know.

Looking forward to meeting you.

(50)

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Fri Nov 06, 2015 9:07 am
by The Uninitiated
You are in great hands with Guy... he was my first point of contact when I approached Province about joining!

I'm a near neighbour too, so am happy to help where I can...

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Mon Nov 09, 2015 12:54 am
by Dances-With-Clouds
Hi Andrew,

Thank you.

I will look forward to hopefully bumping into you soon too!

(50)

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Tue Sep 25, 2018 3:11 pm
by eckywan2
Just came across this again
Good questions dances with clouds ond great offers od support too
SO
How did it turn out?

Welcome and special welcome for you ( to all) in Scotland

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 12:38 pm
by Guy
Without stealing his thunder - he's now a Master Mason and contributing to local masonry in lots of ways.

Re: I wonder if you would be so kind as to answer some quest

PostPosted: Wed Sep 26, 2018 7:31 pm
by eckywan2
well done bro Guy
and welcome dances with Clouds
now fly up here for some real freemasonry