Letter of the month: June 2008

From: "Bruce & Pat Wyrwitzke" <scubaduo@charter.net>
To: <masonry-ask@mit.edu>
Subject: Masonry Question
Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 19:34:25 -0700
Message-ID: <LHEALFODIOBDHBIPOEJEGEKDCBAA.scubaduo@charter.net>

I have recently petitioned a local lodge for (is it?) membership. It has been a long time coming... I have been talking to a longtime Mason friend for over 15 years about this step. Now, as I near my 60th birthday, I've decided it is time. My Grandfather was a Mason. I was moved by his Masonic funeral over 40 years ago: by the wonderful things his Brothers said about him at that funeral (these were things I already knew and thought how wonderful that his friends knew them, too). I decided then that I one day wanted to be a Mason.

Thank you very much for the work you have put into this website. I have bookmarked it and am sure I will visit it more in the future.

As for my status - my petition has not been brought up at a meeting yet (tomorrow evening), but my wife and I have been invited to partake in the potluck barbecue before the meeting. Uncertain, yes, but I look forward to this journey and the challenges presented.

Again, thank you for the website!

Bruce Wyrwitzke
Astoria, Oregon

Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:21:29 -0400
From: A Page About Freemasonry <masonry-ask@mit.edu>
To: Bruce & Pat Wyrwitzke <scubaduo@charter.net>
Subject: Re: Masonry Question

Dear Mr. (and soon, I hope, Bro.) Wyrwitzke,

Thanks for that letter. I hope it all goes well for you at the lodge, and that you will soon be taking your first steps in Masonry. As of this month, I have been a Master Mason for 25 years, and I can still remember my first night in the lodge so clearly. I'm glad you've decided that it isn't too late to take that first step -- you have so many wonderful memories ahead of you.

Please let me know how things go with your petition and ballot, and write again after your first degree, with your impressions of the ceremonies. I would very much like to publish that letter, and this one, with your permission.

sincerely,

-- Gary L. Dryfoos
   A Page About Freemasonry
   now at http://MasonryPage.org/

From: "Bruce & Pat Wyrwitzke" <scubaduo@charter.net>
To: "A Page About Freemasonry" <masonry-ask@MIT.EDU>
Subject: RE: Masonry Question
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 06:38:49 -0700
Message-ID: <LHEALFODIOBDHBIPOEJEMEKECBAA.scubaduo@charter.net>

Thank you for responding, Gary (I hope that it is not out of line to call you by your first name)! Certainly, you may use anything you see fit... your site is a wonderful wealth of information... good, positive information... just what the organization needs! I could not believe that there are only about two-million members in the United States. Freemasonry seems to be in the same shape as our labor unions (another of my beliefs), these days. I believe that is truly a shame.

I want to jump in with both feet. When I asked another friend if he minded my using him as a reference, he asked where he could get a petition... that he had been thinking of it for a long time, too! Come to find out his dad is a long-time Mason as was his step-dad. In fact, he said he was certain that his step-dad's picture was on the wall at the lodge (confirmed by my sponsor!). At a mere 48 years old (and my 59 years), I understand the lodge is looking forward to the infusion of youth! :~)))

Again, thank you very much for writing. I see it as valuable support in this endeavor. I will gladly keep you informed of the progress (I know there is a process... I just have to believe in myself and think positively).

Bruce