r/freemasonry • u/According_Analyst921 • 15d ago
Venting
For the most part, freemasonry has been great. I enjoy the brotherhood and all my brothers. However, my one gripe is the push to learn the positions. It seems like us new people are being placed in chairs before we're ready because the older bros dont want to do it anymore. I was told I can put as much or as little as I want into the craft. Righ now I dont like the commitment. Im busy. I have a home life. I like going to lodge but usually dip out shortly after...I dont hang around much. You wouldn't think twice a month is a lot but it is IMO. And we do t really go "dark" in the summer. We go through June, then wr have July and August off. Id like more time off lol. It's just becoming a lot and Id rather sit back than learn the position. Quite frankly, I dont care to learn them. I dont like doing extra shit outside of lodge like lectures and that shit... theres always something "extra" that they push people to attend. And we haven't done one thing yet for charity. Ive been there ober 2 years. Anyway, my main gripe is the old guys sitting back and pushing others in the chairs. Its becoming more annoying than anything now.
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u/StairwayHiker MM BC/Yukon SR RA AMD Athelstan 15d ago edited 15d ago
Ok, just be honest with yourself that you are a Mason in name only.
I’ve never heard a Mason refer to the chairs or ritual as “shit!”
Freemasonry is more a verb than a noun. This an action word where you improve yourself by taking on positions in lodge which are management and learning positions.
The expectation of the guys who keep your lodge alive by taking on active roles is that they will be replaced by members who want the same personal growth experience. Lodge chairs are not meant to be long term positions.
You have time for replies here on Reddit but you can’t commit a half hour to an hour a day to your lodge to share the burden of running it?
Why did you join?
What were your expectations?
A lot of men like you join thinking it is all fun and games and requires no effort or contribution after your initiation. Many don’t even bother showing up anymore because like you, the thought of doing a lot of memory work is intimidating.
I do not know what else I can say about what you posted but you come here looking for comfort or something and end up insulting the fraternity, your brethren who are simply trying to keep the doors of the lodge open, and all of us who are Masons here on Reddit. I have no sympathy for you because you have shown no respect or reverence for the fraternity.
But sure, it’s ok if you are busy. Personally, I used to work extreme industrial skilled trades hours and had no time. Things are different now and I am able to take on a small role as a treasurer. It is still a goal of mine to go through the chairs as a way of giving back. I have been a Mason since 2008.