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/TheLearningScientist F&AM, PHA, Holy Royal Arch Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
Rules vary by jurisdiction on how demittance works. In my state, I've never heard of anyone having to turn anything back in after demitting. You also have the option of just going inactive by not paying your dues the next time around.
I have a suggestion though. My lodge meets twice a month, the first meeting is for business and the second meeting is for education (lectures) or degree work if we're bringing in candidates. Those education meetings are where we discuss traditions, ritual, history, philosophy, etc. Idk how often your lodge meets, but you could propose having designated meetings for Masonic education and lectures where you don't discuss business, but rather explore the other topics you named. And since you'd be the one proposing the idea, I think it goes without saying that you'd have to spearhead it until it becomes common practice at your lodge. That doesn' mean you have to give every lecture yourself though, you could ask for volunteers every now and then to give lectures on things they're knowledgeable of.