Newbie from Essex

[slimjim93 0]

Hi,

just a little about myself, 

i am 26 years old male, born and bred in Essex, i am currently a Sales executive trainee for plywood and mdf,

i have 3 step daughters and 1 on the way, not really a sports person unless it has an engine in none of this running malarkey, 

iv been looking into freemasonry for sometime now, just not sure how to go about it to be honest,

 

i have read up if i was to send my details to the Essex lodge it would be looked into and would be recommended to a certain lodge, weather that is true not,

 

just any advice would be helpful, hope to hear.

Edited February 3, 2020 by slimjim93

[Cornish Emigrant 2]

Great to see your interest. What a wonderful age to be looking at becoming Freemasonry as well. I left it far too late in my life to ask to join; always thinking that if they thought me suitable someone would ask! This link should take you to the very person who can best help you in your County. https://www.essexfreemasons.net/get-involved Best regards - Geoff P.S. Hopefully you do explore and join and find it as rewarding as many of us elder stagers do. One thing I'd say from my experience is don't let anyone try to rush you into joining side degrees. Make the best of Craft Freemasonry and join any others when and if you feel ready. 

[Sontaran 90]

Philip Lovelock is the Provincial Secretary for Essex. Drop him an email (on the page Cornish E mentiioned) saying you are interested in joining. If you're in the Saffron Walden area, I can put you in touch with the Walden Lodge secretary directly (Walden is my lodge's parent so I know many of the members, including the secretary as he's also a member of my lodge)

Tell him a bit about yourself and say WHY you want to join - that's extremely important. Tell him what you hope to get out of being a member, and what you can offer in return - you know the kind of thing .. a commitment to attend meetings and to learn what being a Freemason means, to help with lodge social events when asked .. even Provincial level events if asked.

You'll also need to say where in the county you live as it will dictate which lodges/centre he will pass your details on to. They'll also wnat to be sure that you are financailly secure as it has been known for men to attempt to join thinking that masonry can help them get a job or a 'leg-up' at work (it won't), so make sure you say who you work for and where. Also tell him what your interests are as those will pay a part in where you'll feel most at home.

Edited February 3, 2020 by Sontaran

[Mike Martin 142]

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

As well as the advice above, feel free to ask questions here as well.

Despite what some people choose to believe about us Freemasonry is actually a very open and welcoming Fraternity.

[slimjim93 0]

Hi,

thank you for coming back to me, i will defiantly be in touch, has anyone got any info/links of insights etc or books more like educational before making a commitments to get an understanding, i see what you mean by people beliefs like conspiracies but more the line of actual facts and not myths, i understand to much cannot be said so anything withing limits would help.

 

thank you again,   

[mindmagic 40]

Hi and welcome.

I'd like to suggest that you avoid reading books on Freemasonry; they contain lots of spoilers which will take the edge off your initiation. I made that mistake and regretted it. You can read the information, and watch the videos, on the Grand Lodge website at https://www.ugle.org.uk/ , although I personally think that there are too many spoilers even there!

The best way to find about Freemasonry, and whether it and you suit each other, is to talk to local members. I should point out, though, that the more you put into Freemasonry, the more you get out of it. While many members are happy to just sit back and watch the various ceremonies, you'll enjoy it far more if you take an active part, working your way through the various offices and up to the Master's Chair. Taking part in the ceremonies, especially as Master, can give your self-confidence a tremendous boost.

[Sontaran 90]

3 hours ago, mindmagic said:

Hi and welcome.

I'd like to suggest that you avoid reading books on Freemasonry; they contain lots of spoilers which will take the edge off your initiation. I made that mistake and regretted it. You can read the information, and watch the videos, on the Grand Lodge website at https://www.ugle.org.uk/ , although I personally think that there are too many spoilers even there!

The best way to find about Freemasonry, and whether it and you suit each other, is to talk to local members. I should point out, though, that the more you put into Freemasonry, the more you get out of it. While many members are happy to just sit back and watch the various ceremonies, you'll enjoy it far more if you take an active part, working your way through the various offices and up to the Master's Chair. Taking part in the ceremonies, especially as Master, can give your self-confidence a tremendous boost.

I concur.

[Mike Martin 142]

If you're intent on reading before your Initiation you should avoid ANY books that claim to be about philosophy/belief/explanation of Freemasonry as those written by Freemasons assume an audience of Freemasons so start with you already knowing the content of at least the degree ceremonies and those written by non-Masons are just guess work and so real chocolate teapot territory. ALSO beware books that loads of non-Masons tell you to read so all the Dan Brown and Bob Lomas stuff because again your Masonic BS filter does not work until you have actually been through the degrees and are able to spot the made-up stuff.

There are some very good books about the development of Freemasonry in England and if you look in the books section you'll find a few reviewed there.

[mindmagic 40]

Also, by the way, avoid any books by American authors. Freemasonry in the US, while based on the same principles, has many differences to the way we do things in England.

[slimjim93 0]

Hi,

 

thank you all for your replies,