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Not Even A Freemason Yet...

by Gerrit van der Linde
(Johannesburg, South Africa)

I have recently petitioned to a local lodge and have been honored to pass the formal interview with a unanimous yes vote.

The ballot for my acceptance in the Lodge is due in a few weeks and am hopeful that this will go as well as my interview.

You will ask why (and I have been asked, like all Brothers-to-be) I want to be a Freemason... The answer is not one I take lightly and for the love of me, can not answer in one straight sentence.

I have met a Freemason(I recognized him as a Freemason by his ring he wore proudly) many years ago(around 1990) and was amazed by his personality and in general, the mannerism in which he conducted his day to day life. Contrary to what I only learned recently I was of the belief and under the impression that to become a Freemason you have to be asked by a Freemason and not ask a Freemason.

The day before my interview I found out that my grandfather has been a Freemason, and all of a sudden the only two Freemasons I ever knew made me realize that this is not just by chance a characteristic of an individual gentleman that made them such exceptional men... The common denominator was Freemasonry.

Thus, almost 23 years later I am now standing in front of the Doors, about to enter the life of being a Freemason.

But, this is not yet the answer as to why... Why I want to be a Freemason.
The answer in one short sentence might be strange to some but to me it is... Because somewhere inside me I just know that it is where I belong, and that it is the right thing to do.

If Freemasonry helped build my Grandfathe's humble, wonderful personality and character, then my wish is that through the teachings of Freemasonry I will become more and more like the man he was...

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Aug 04, 2014
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Joining a Lodge
by: Gerrit

Rapheal Bansah & EugenioConcepcion

The questions you ask about joining Masonry and a Lodge is one that you need to explore and find out from the Master and Brothers of the local Lodge close to you. You will find a contact number either on the Lodge building or in the local Yellow Pages/Telephone directory.

Speak to the Brothers of the Lodge and they will definitely answer all your questions to the best of their ability.




Aug 02, 2014
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Happy about this family
by: Rapheal Bansah

help me to learn more and join this family one day

Feb 28, 2014
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New EA
by: Gerrit

It has been a long journey from the time I posted the first comment on this page.

And today I can proudly say that I have competed my First and even though the reality of it is still sinking in, I am proud to be able to say that I am part of this wonderful family.

Jan 27, 2014
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EA's Unite
by: Rusty

I recently joined the Freemasons and was raised to Entered Apprentice 1/14/14. It was a truly wonderful experience and I am studying hard to get to Fellow Craft.

My goal is to finish the degrees by the end of the year. I agree that joining Freemasonry was something I felt I needed to do.

Jan 25, 2014
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Update...
by: Gerrit van der Linde

Since I wrote the initial post, a lot has happened and I am not hoping that I might be able to become a Brother... Hope has turned to reality!
And in one month from today on the 26th February I will be initiated into my First Degree.

I was also privileged to be invited to attend our Lodge's annual Robert Burns Night in this week. It was the first time I met up with the Brothers whom balloted me into their Lodge(except for the few Brothers I met during my interviews) and visiting Brothers from other Lodges.

I think the only one there who felt like a stranger was me when I arrived...but, that soon dissipated as I was welcomed with warmth and open arms and immediately felt like I've known these people for years.

All I can say is that if this is a taste of what is to come...then I know I have made the right choice and my only regret is that I have not asked all that many years ago already...


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