The Cynical Saxophonist

Well, I have recently submitted my petition to become a member of the oldest fraternity in the world, the Free and Accepted Masons, or Freemasonry, or even Masons for short.  My grandfather was a Mason and I would have to say that my original interest in the fraternity stemmed from him.  Never knowing him, because he died when I was young, really kept me from asking him questions or even experiencing Masonry through him.  However, once he and my grandmother passed away I was able to look through old photos and documents of his.  In those treasures I found pictures of him in Temple wearing his regalia.  I also found his membership pins, including his 32-degree Scottish Rite pin.  After finding these things I had an enormous draw to the organization because I was curious what it was about and why my grandfather had this as a major part of his life.

A couple of years ago I thought I was going to be able to take the first steps and fill out a petition.  Unfortunately, I was in the middle of switching teaching positions, moving to my current school in Orange county, as well as trying to purchase a house.  I realized that it wasn’t the right time because I wouldn’t be able to dedicate as much time to the fraternity or learning the material as I would want or need to.  Even after this decision the thought of joining never left me.  Over the next couple of years I would continue researching the organization, reading articles, and watching shows about the Masons.  Yes, I know the shows present a onesided, often ludicrous view of Masonry, but hey, I was really, really interested in learning and seeing stuff about them.

Finally a few weeks ago I took the step, I contacted a friend of mine who happens to be on my band booster board, as well as a Mason, and I told him I was interested in joining.  He was very excited and took the intiative to get me a petition.  Due to crazy circumstances we were never able to meet up to exchange info and to give me the paperwork.  So, I took it into my own hands, contacted the Grand California Lodge and they hooked me up with the number of my local chapter.  I contacted the WM of the lodge and he wanted to get together.  Being it was close to the weekend and they had already had their stated meeting he thought it would be a great idea for us to meet at a local DeMolay officer installation ceremony.  So I did, and it was REALLY cool!

I finally had my petition in hand.  I took it home, filled it out, wrote my check, and was ready to begin.  I meet the WM the following Tuesday at his lodge.  I handed over my materials and he proceeded to take me on a tour of the lodge.  I instantly feel in love with the Temple, it was old and had a really cool historic feel to it.  It is hard to put into words the feelings that came to mind when I was there, but I just remember I was in awe.  The old furniture, the dim, but plentiful lighting, the hangings on the walls.  It was the total package.

Since then it has been a couple of weeks and I have been in contact with some of the members off and on.  Being they only meet once a month, and the fact I turned my petition in literally a few days after their monthly stated meeting, I have had to wait some time.  My petition is going to be read at the meeting in about a week and a half.  From there if they decide to let me proceed they will send out three members to investigate me.  I am somewhat nervous about this whole process.  Not because I have anything to hide, or because I am not a good man.  My finances are in order, and I don’t have a criminal record, but it is more so the fear of the unknown.  You don’t know what they are going to ask, or who they will be, or the type of impression you will make on them.  Knowing that it only takes one black ball to keep you out of the fraternity it is kind of nerve-racking. 

Regardless of all this I am so anxious to get the process started.  I have noticed from reading many other Masonic blogs that the hurry up and wait thing is pretty common throughout the whole Masonic nation and world.  It’s ok, because I was brought up with the idea that anything good is worth waiting for, and I also understand that there are certain policies and procedures that they must go through.  I know that this whole process is designed to make sure that only the most desireable and worthy people are allowed to join.  They don’t want to admit everyone, and that makes sense.  Afterall, the members of the group are what will ideally determine the reputation of Freemasonry to the world.  While my impatience grows, so does my anticipation and excitement.  I can’t wait for things to get going.

In my reaserch I have read many things about the esoteric nature of the rituals and goings on of the fraternity.  To me this is perfectly fine, and I am actually used to it.  In college I was part of a National Secret Music Fraternity.  We had secret grips, words, signs, etc.  We also had rituals and things we did to graduate new members to the ranks of the organization.  I have always been a huge fan of symbolism and the inner, not so obvious meaning of things.  So I welcome the secrets and rituals of Masonry because I think it is great to reflect on those types of things and to learn new stuff.  I am also excited for the bonds that will be made with my hopefully soon to be new brothers.  I think that, along with being part of something ancient, helpful, caring, and as special as Freemasonry will be amazing.

I hope to continue posting through my journey of reaching the sublime degree of a Master Mason.  Wish me luck, and I hope to someday be a full member of this great fraternity.