Discovering Freemasonry

As some of you may know by know, I was initiated an Entered Apprentice in Freemasonry two months ago. While I was searching for information regarding freemasonry, I came across a great blog by a Brother in Canada. He has journal his path in Masonry, I thought this was a wonderful idea that may help dispel some of the myths behind Freemasonry. His website is in my links and I hope he does not mind I will be using some of the titles of his entries.

I didn't discover Freemasonry, but rather it found me. Ever since I was a small boy the term "Mason" and "Lodge" were familiar to me. My father, who is a very intelligent man, used to listen to a very peculiar radio show in our homeland, the hosts of this radio show were Masons, and every Sunday afternoon my dad would tune in and listen as he was making dinner.

At that point in time I was too young to understand what the deal was about, but I filed it away in my mind for later perusal.

Once I became an adult and living in the United States (where stigmas and biases are less pronounced towards the fraternity), I researched the society. It helped inmesly that I was near a wonderful library in Salt Lake City and the Masonic Temple was within walking distance of where I was living at the time.

I researched the fraternity in depth, and made a phone call to a Mason to find out more. Unfortunately, my inquiring phone call was not returned and a new stage in my life had started. By this time I was married, going to school full time and working full time. In addition, I was also an active member of my Church, and all those responsibilities left very little time for other interests.

Once I graduated from the University of Utah and was able to settle down with my first real job, I revisited my notes on Freemasonry. By now I had accumulated a 2" binder with information about it. I did even more research, read more books and decided to go to a "meet up" to see what Masons look like and ask questions.

The meet up was very informal and at the local Chili's.  This meet up is open to everyone and I even took my wife and daughter.  By then I had also had a chance to tour the Masonic Building in Salt Lake City.  I was able to ask questions at the meet up and was very impressed with the quality of men the Masons were and the openness in which they answered my inquiries.  They were very polite and pleasant to my wife, the very example of gentlemen.

With this favorable impression, I made it a habit of attending every month to investigate further.  After a few months I made the decision to join the local lodge. By then I had known a Freemason for 6 months and was able to submit my petition to Wasatch Lodge#1.

Shortly, after I was voted in by the lodge and was initiated.

What attracted me to Freemasonry is the history the society has and its ability to survive for hundreds of years in hostile conditions. I love one of their mottoes to "make good men better" and the true spirit of brotherhood that exists in it. I find it to be a great social outlet with men that I know are doing their best to become better people. 

It is amazing to me, that you can still find a place where men of different creeds, political inclinations, and social status can come together and treat each other with respect and dignity.  It is also a fantastic network of people that are willing to help you succeed in your pursuits.

The fraternity has provided me with great friendships and has provided me with additional opportunities to serve others. Freemasonry is not a religion, however it does encourage you to find your own faith and be an active participant in the religion of your choice.

In the meantime if you have any questions regarding my journey or Freemasonry please leave a post or email me.  I'll do my best to answer them or direct you in the right way.