Why did you become a Freemason?

From: "Jason Mapplebeck" <jmapplebeck@rogers.com>
To: <masonry-ask@mit.edu>
Subject: Why I Joined Freemasonry
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 15:32:02 -0400

Dear Bro. Dryfoos,

I think what first brought my attention to Freemasonry was the interaction I had with many Masons. I worked at a busy restaurant while I attended university. Many of the Masons from around the province stopped by the restaurant for a bite to eat while travelling throughout Nova Scotia, Canada. Sometimes they were wearing clothing that identified them as Masons, and other times it was simply a ring, but they all had one thing in common; they were all very nice and respectful. I inquired about the ring of one gentleman one afternoon and he explained what it was and told me that it was a way good men become better.

About a year later I asked a person that I respected what he knew about Freemasons. Oddly enough he was one. He told me that nobody joins for what they can get out of the Fraternity, and it is only going to make you a better person. So I moved around a bit working here and there across eastern Canada until I found myself settled in a city in New Brunswick. All along I never forgot any interaction that I had with Masons. Once I was settled in New Brunswick, Canada I formed a friendship with someone I did not know was a Mason. Months went by until I mentioned my desire of becoming a Mason in front of him. From there I found myself becoming part of the best thing in my life. Not for what I can take out of Masonry, or for business contacts, that is what service clubs are for, but because of that special feeling that I have knowing I am one of 8 million brothers world wide.

Now I know you are looking for essays on why we became Masons, but I think what is also important is why we remain Masons. I can tell you that as I travel from Lodge to Lodge, meeting new Masons all of the time there is no more welcoming feeling then being amongst brothers. I walk into a new Lodge and it feels better than being at home. We all know we are not getting anything material out of being a mason (money, business contacts etc) it is this other thing I can not describe that makes me thankful that I became a mason.

Fraternally,
Bro. J. Mapplebeck