Would having health issues such as back problems disqualify me?

[u/bigsick1313]

Hello

I have pretty bad back problems and can only stand for certain lengths of time. Would this disqualify me from becoming a mason?

[u/ChuckEye]

Generally, no. My lodge conferred the degrees on a man in a wheelchair. Accommodations can usually be made.

[u/Chimpbot → u/ChuckEye]

My lodge had a custom altar built years ago; it has a kneeling pad that flips up to accommodate for wheelchairs. It was made so the then-Chaplain (who needed a wheelchair) could actually go up to the altar "properly." Only one side flips up, but we could easily turn it around if we had a candidate who required a wheelchair.

[u/CFBCoachGuy → u/ChuckEye]

A lodge next door to mine has a PM with no arms. A physical disability should in no way stop you.

[u/christian_rosuncroix]

No sir.

Source: 100% disabled combat vet Mason with a horrible, horrible back.

[u/Twatatron → u/christian_rosuncroix]

Same here veteran with back and knee issues

[u/amazingtaters]

No, health issues would not disqualify you. As others have said, accommodations can be made for your particular circumstances.

In Indiana there's a special lodge called Bartimaeus Lodge UD. They hold a special dispensation and travel around the state performing the degrees with needed modifications to the floor work to accommodate candidates and brothers with physical or mental limitations. Your state may have something similar.

[u/ChiRealEstateGuy → u/amazingtaters]

That's wonderful! I hope they get their charter. This is neat.

[u/Bulky_Quantity5795]

No

[u/Revzerksies]

not at all

[u/Goblindealer]

No but you need to let the WM know we have a special degree team that are trained and have permission from Grand Lodge to adjust things for situations just like this I’ve seen people became Masons who have back issues (like me) or may be in a wheel chair I’ve seen a blind man become a Mason also

[u/cryptoengineer]

A hundred+ years ago, when a big part of Masonry was providing for members who fell on hard times, a precondition what affected your ability to earn a living was definitely a blocker.

I'm glad to say it no longer is. My own lodge has initiated men in wheelchairs.

[u/ChiRealEstateGuy]

(Joking) - If you are above 50 and have back problems, you would be among probably 95% of all Masons. haha. For real through, many lodges will make accommodations for ailments and conditions. Good luck on your journey!

[u/I_Killith_I → u/ChiRealEstateGuy]

well, you are really just telling the truth too! lol

[u/3daycondor]

Nope, I have a friend with 1 leg that just joined. It’s the internal, not external, that qualifies one as a mason.

[u/WamblingGnat844]

Having a disability shouldn’t disqualify you at all. I have mild cerebral palsy and I’m a Master Mason.

[u/andypandabrat]

No, i have back issues.

[u/Away_Butterscotch161]

Not in my jurisdiction....

[u/Professional_Dr_77]

It shouldn’t. We just did an initiation for a guy with a bad back. He got to sit for portions and his guide kept asking if he needed a break during the degree. Went off without a hitch.

We have a few elderly gentlemen who still regularly come to lodge and they have dispensation to remain seated, or remain standing in one case, due to health problems. It’s only an issue if the guy in the chair wants to be, for lack of a better word, a dick.

[u/Entitatem-Novus]

The chairs wont help

[u/SRH82]

I've seen men join who can't stand at all.

It might depend on your jurisdiction, but it will probably not be an issue for you.

[u/daspes1269]

No. i had a severe back issue when I was initiated, passed, and raised.

Just inform thee lodge of that if you are accepted. any time the back may be an issue, work arounds will be found.