Why did you become a Freemason?

From: "skip burks" <tcbiii@bellsouth.net>

Date: Fri, 13 Feb 1998 22:26:59 -0500
From: skip burks 
To: dryfoo@MIT.EDU
Subject: Essay for Freemasonry

Why did I become a Freemason?

Well one reason for it is because both my father and grandfather are Masons. My grandfather passed away several years ago, but he was very active in his blue Lodge. I saw what Masonry did for both of them in the manner in which they both conducted their lives. They both were honest, upright, and faithful men. This is what the fraternity teaches us.

I did not know what to expect before I petitioned my lodge for membership almost three years ago. I had an idea about what it was about because I had grown up around it, but I did not join just because I wanted to be "curious: and see what it was all about. I joined because I knew there were some type of teachings instilled. A certain way to act and conduct oneself.

What have I gotten out of Masonry? Well that is a big question, because anyone who is active in the fraternity is going to get something out of it. There are several things I have gotten out of it from good friendly fellowship twice a month, to a way of life, a belief, and a desire to want to help my fellow man. There is one thing that Masonry does for you that probably no other fraternity or society will do, when you are down and out, and need help you can always count on a Mason to help you, whether you are a Mason or not. Children who have run away from home, or need some help can trust us, because we are good, we are pure well maybe not pure, but, we can be trusted to do the right thing.

Masonry is a great tradition and fraternity, those who talk badly about it are the uninformed. Contrary to popular belief there is nothing "secret" other than our ritual work and our modes of recognition. If it is printed it is open for anyone.

There is one night I will never forget as long as I am living. It was June 1995 the night I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. I had my father raise me, the Past Grand Master of Florida, and I had my grandfather's apron on. What more could a man ask for? My father stood up and said "Tonight I walked in with a son and tonight I am walking out with a brother." The feeling that gives you is totally unexplainable.

That is my explanation of what Masonry is to me and what it has meant to me. I could go on in more detail, but I think those involved with the Fraternity understand where I am coming from. I hope I was able to help the young person asking about Masonry.

Fraternally Skip Burks, Senior Warden Duval Lodge 159 Jacksonville, Fl