Why did you become a Freemason?

Message-ID: <20040717055520.81627.qmail@web40108.mail.yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2004 22:55:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tim Fox <t_fox123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Why I Joined Freemasonry
To: masonry-ask@mit.edu

It's so wonderful, it's almost impossible to say in words.

The beginning of my journey down the pathway of Freemasonry began, surprisingly enough, with a comic book tract: Jack Chick's anti-Masonic piece, " The Curse of Baphomet." At the time, I was by no means fond of Masonry. The wild claims of the tract, however, got the better of my curiosity, and I searched out the opposing view.

As I read the fundamentals of Masonry, I came to a slow realization: this was not a society of persecution, conspiracy, and secrecy; rather, it was one of enlightenment, charity, and love. When I looked at the list of famous brothers throughout the centuries, the only thought that came to my mind was "What is it about this fraternity that draws men of such character from all races, countries, and creeds? Their teachings must be great indeed."

So my search for the Light began. I approached a few men at my church asking for a petition. After the various interviews and nominations, I was in. One of my church friends, Maury, took me to the Clinton Lodge #54, where I was to be raised. We started with a meal before the big moment came.

I must admit: the first moment was terrifying. I had heard various rumors about the Masons, and I didn't know what to believe. Maury told me not to worry, and that he would help me through it. I would learn who to put my trust in.

Today, I am an entered apprentice. I realize exactly what Maury meant. The knowledge I know now, and the joy it gives me, is almost indescribable. It gives me a measure by which to live my life. I am on my way to becoming one of the great stones of that temple in the sky, built without hands.

In closing, I'd like to thank Maury for being there to help. I barely knew you before this time, but now I'm glad to call you a brother. I'd also like to thank my dad for being such a strong influence, and I hope you'll join up again one day.

And finally, thanks to the man who, without all his hard work and talent, I would never have known the joy of being a Freemason . . .

JACK CHICK.