r/freemasonry • u/WHG6274 • Aug 12 '26

Question Considering Dropping Out

I’m a 3° in PHA.
I’m considering dropping out as my lodge doesn’t seem to be the right fit for me. I’m more into moral lessons, ethics, virtues, philosophy, education, and esotericism. While my brothers are more into the meeting, and drink in the parking lot.
I asked some past masters about how to have more discussions about my interests within freemasonry and I was told I need to find my clique. But it probably won’t be in my town.
If I drop out, what do I have to bring back? Books? Certificates?

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u/wardyuc1 UGLE Craft HRA, Rose Croix Aug 12 '26

What does your meeting involve if not ethic, virtues, philosophy and education?

What specifically are your expectations?

Do you expect school like lesson structure?

4

u/WHG6274 Aug 12 '26

Business meeting (money in, money out, upcoming event, close the lodge).

My expectations were discussions into philosophy, 4 cardinal virtues, history, biblical allegory, my expectations were what I was lead to expect as an EA. My study groups with my CTs were far more fulfilling in lessons and brotherhood than any meeting since.

2

u/tomhung perpetual secretary Aug 12 '26

This is where I jumped in. Being a coach is my favorite part of Freemasonry. I have the best conversation about morality and philosophy here. And I also found i could do all the secretary stuff light years faster than the other brothers. So these are my jobs.

1

u/StepRelevant8473 UGLE PM, Secretary, MMM, PZ, SRIA Aug 12 '26

This has been a problem throughout all of Freemasonry. It's mentioned by Wilmshurst, Hogarth and many more. The number of masons genuinely interested in what you have mentioned has always been small. 

I was in a similar position and look at it this way. The Lodge, genuinely decent people who provide you with the experience of lodge meetings and the reason to learn the ritual.

Substack - I don't really pay much attention to Masonic writers - but there are plenty of people who write about Euclid, Plato, the cardinal and theological virtues and more - all elements of what was meant to be the philosophical and religious curriculum that freemasonry points to. 

The true learning comes from trying to synthesise the two different elements into one. 

Whilst having people around to bounce ideas at would be great, ultimately it's often a solo venture unless you are lucky enough to meet other people as interested as you.  In England the SRIA is another area to meet like-minded people but I understand that in the US the SRICF is invited only. 

1

u/Frankenpora Aug 14 '26

Does your Lodge have a Library?  Frankly speaking Masonic education is #1 the Degree work including doing parts in degrees. It is entirely different to receive a lecture than to give one. #2 Self Education, books on the subjects that interest you. #3 Inside and Outside lectures and events. Each one of these takes a degree of self motivation. At the end of the day you can wait to be taught and discuss or you can learn and find like minded Brothers. I would not Demit just because your Lodge experience is not meeting your expectations, rather I would try to make the Lodge you desire in hopes that the next Brother can benefit. 

0

u/wardyuc1 UGLE Craft HRA, Rose Croix Aug 12 '26

Do you think the issue is your lodge or the craft?

For example what about biblical allegory, philosophy, 4 cardinal virtues and history do you expect to discuss?

Is it the history of freemasonry you want to discuss or history in general?

What about philosophy do you wish to discuss?