Masonic X-Markers.

**Warlock** · 15th January 07, 05:42 AM

How many X-Markers are Masons. I was just wondering as I have had a few comments from Brother Masons.

**McClef** · 15th January 07, 06:22 AM

You can find a fair bit of coverage in Rex's "A Mason?" thread.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...hlight=a+mason

I'm at best a "step-Lewis"

**Kilted KT** · 15th January 07, 06:23 AM

I've actually just petitioned a local lodge.

**Pour1Malt** · 15th January 07, 10:17 AM

ai have built a few wa's an dykes in me days...

but ai'm no Mason...

**Dreadbelly** · 15th January 07, 10:23 AM

Is there no help for a widow's son?

I have only recently thought about getting involved with the masons, only because I am extremely impressed with what some of the locals have done for charity. These people are more than just show and circumstance, these people are amazing.

But I don't know how to go about doing so.

**highlandtide** · 15th January 07, 10:43 AM

ask 1 2 B 1

**McClef** · 15th January 07, 01:01 PM

In the old days, at least in the UK, you were supposed to wait to be invited but it seems a lot has changed.

Last week I visited Beamish, a museum in NE England and they have a Masonic Temple which was transported and rebuilt, with the blessing of Grand Lodge and local lodges.

A new openness which can only be for the good in extending understanding and interest.

**Frank McGrath** · 15th January 07, 06:34 PM

I am a traveling man. Door to Virtue Lodge #46 Maryland. Currently serving as chaplain.

**Mike1** · 16th January 07, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by McClef

In the old days, at least in the UK, you were supposed to wait to be invited but it seems a lot has changed.

Would you by any chance have United Grand Lodge of England evidence to support this?

It is my understanding that Masons in the UGLE jurisdiction can ask a man if he has ever considered joining the Fraternity, but cannot actually extend an invitation. In other words, you can encourage a man to consider membership, with the hope that he will ask for a petition, but you cannot invite that man to join.

Many Grand Lodge jurisdictions in the States have recently adopted this same position. It has only been in the last 5-6 years that Indiana Masons have been allowed to open these types of discussions. However, the request to join must still be entirely voluntary on the part of the applicant, because we do not solicit members. The reason for this is so that no person will ever be able to suggest that he was coerced to join.

Here is what the Grand Lodge of Indiana has to say about solicitation of members -

"Reg. 42.021. Soliciting Petitions. Solicitation of Petitions for the Degrees of Masonry by means of begging, coercing, “hard sell” tactics or promising of material or financial benefit to a non-Mason or the indiscriminate (i.e. on a large scale) solicitation of petitions is a Masonic offense. Discussing membership and offering Petitions for the Degrees of Masonry, when tactfully done on an individual basis, to a non-Mason who is known to be of good reputation and would adhere to the usages and customs of the Fraternity is acceptable and permitted. Provided, that as required by regulation each petition must be investigated and balloted upon. The Grand Master is permitted to offer programs that encourage Masons to better inform non-Masons about the Fraternity and the benefits and obligations of membership."

As Highlandtide mentioned, Masons in many jurisdictions slyly display cards and stickers that have a Square & Compass with the following inscribed on them - "2B1ASK1". The regulations in some jurisdictions still will not allow anything beyond this. I've known some Masons that would 'accidentally drop' a petition in another man's house, but even that practice was frowned on, here in this jurisdiction.

If memory serves, it was Tennessee (someone correct me if I have the wrong jurisdiction) that once required a man to ask three times before he could receive a petition.

Beuth Sim, I am a Past Master of Tippecanoe Lodge No. 492, Lafayette, Indiana.