Why did you become a Freemason?

Date: Sun, 20 May 2007 11:33:26 -0400
From: Jeffrey Blaisdell <jdb967@optonline.net>
Subject: Why I Joined Freemasonry
To: masonry-ask@mit.edu

Why did I join?

I joined because the opportunity presented itself to me, out of the blue, in a way I never saw coming. I was talking with someone (a Brother, as it turned out,) about symbology and perspective in life, prompted by a discussion about Rosslyn Chapel, when he asked if I was a Travelling Man. My answer was rather absurd, taking him literally, to which he leaned closer and asked, "Are you a Mason?" I answered No, but that I had always been interested in them. I knew many great men had been Masons, men of character and strength. He suggested I get "Freemasons For Dummies" and consider seeking membership. I did, and was initiated on April 19, 2007. My 2nd Degree is scheduled for the end of this month, and I have requested that, if possible, I be elevated to Master Mason on my 40th birthday in September.

I have been doing a lot of reading, on the web and off. I have come to realize that, in my heart, I have always been a Mason. This quote in particular says it all for me, from the 1823 Farmer's Almanac:

"A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestricted rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of punishment which the law might inflict; they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world. A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessing he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle."

That is me, plain and simple. I was a bit unsure of joining the Masons, but felt something was calling me. The quote above tells me I did the right thing. Simply put, I joined because I had to.

Jeffrey D. Blaisdell
Poughkeepsie Lodge F&AM 266