I became a Mason because of all the men I knew, the ones I really respected and looked up to when I was growing up were Masons. I wanted to be like them! And then when I petitioned to become a member, these same men went out of their way to make sure that I did become a Mason.
The times were rough, and I was in the military. They twisted and turned their schedule inside out; got special permission when needed to make sure that I could receive the three degrees. Meetings were held on odd nights when I was on leave.
That was many years ago. To this day, I try, every day, to live up to the ideals of these men. I continuously try to be worthy of the trust that they imposed in me when they made me a Mason.
I became a Mason out of curiosity, but I remain a mason because I enjoy the company of these men that I’m so glad to call my friends.
Since joining the Lodge, I’ve been introduced to men who are honest, hardworking, and genuine. They are men who aren’t afraid to be who they are, even if that means being a little rough around the edges. Someone once said that the best compliment you could give a person was to say that they were a “good man”. Well, since I became a Mason, I have met a lot of good men. Whether we’re cooking a dinner or working on a construction project, or marching in a parade, whatever we’re doing, no matter what we are working on, or how hard we’re working, it doesn’t feel like work, because we’re doing it together as a Lodge. We’re doing it as Brothers. And I’m proud not only to be a member of the Lodge, but to be a member of the Masonic fraternity in general.
I am really not sure why I became a Mason, but I know what Masonry has done for me. It has given me the opportunity to fail without consequences.
Masonry gave me, a shy, introverted, young man, lacking in self confidence, the opportunity to prove to myself that I had the ability to be more, much more than I ever thought I could be. The Lodge gave me responsibilities. If I failed, it did not cost me my job. It did not cost me that promotion or raise. If I started to fail, there was always a supporting hand to show me the way, so that in the end I did not fail.
As I progressed, additional tasks and increased responsibilities came my way. At each and every step my Brothers were there to support me. They are the reason I succeeded. They are the reason I am the person I am today; and they are the reason I will be the man I will become tomorrow!