Will be petitioning next week

billbradford · 07-25-2008, 02:33 PM

Just wanted to say hi. I'm 33, and a computer systems admin at an energy services company in Houston.

My grandfather was a Master Mason, and wanted me to get involved in DeMolay when I was younger, but work and school pushed it by the wayside (and I was under the impression back then that Freemasonry was something that only older guys did). Anyway, I've gotten interested in it again the past few years, and finally got off my rear to ask around about it now that I've been settled here in Houston for three years. I'm sure that there are Masons at my employer, but I just don't know who's who, so I emailed a number of local lodges and asked for an introduction and how to get started.

To make a long story short, I had a great sit-down and dinner with fellows (I guess I can't call them "Brothers" till I'm initiated) from Gray Lodge #329 last night, and will be turning in my petition paperwork next Thursday.

I look forward to the journey ahead.

(edited to change wording)

Mystic knight · 07-25-2008, 04:29 PM

Until you are initiated. Raised is when they make you a Master Mason. Good decision Bill. It will make your life richer. Be patient as the process is slow. You may have to wait three to four months before the big night. Keep us informed.

D. W. Brown · 07-25-2008, 07:55 PM

I also waited a long time myself Bill. I was nearly 40 before i decided to join, primarily because I wanted to wait until I got back home near my father so he could be involved. Unfortunately by the time I got back home my fathers Alzheimer's and overall health had deteriorated to the degree he could not attend. He did know at least for 5 or 10 minutes at a time and seemed proud. During one of his moments of clarity he gave me his Masonic ring, which I had admired since I was very little. I still wear it today and will till I will hopefully give it to my son one day.

billbradford · 07-25-2008, 11:12 PM

My father is not a good person and is not involved in my life, but fortunately I had other good role models around growing up.

I called my mother last night to get a copy of my birth certificate for the petition and she was overjoyed to hear that I want to become a Mason. "George would be so proud if he was still with us!"

D. W. Brown · 07-25-2008, 11:25 PM

Sorry to hear about your father but glad to hear you had some respectable role models.

Jayman · 07-26-2008, 11:22 PM

I look forward to being able to call you Brother.

chgregory · 08-02-2008, 04:43 PM

Brother bill,

You can call us brothers, even if you are not initiated because we are participators in a brotherhood. As you gain light in masonry, things that are unclear will become clear and things you have yet to dream will become real. Trust your brothers, always be ready to offer a helping hand and wisper good council in their ear. If you can say you are willing to do that you are already a brother, the other stuff is am important formality, but it is how we (and you) feel and treat each other that makes us brothers.

S&F,

billbradford · 10-06-2008, 10:56 PM

An update - the process took a bit longer due to a new Secretary getting settled in at the Lodge, but I made it through the interview process and the vote last Wednesday night was all favorable!

My initiation as an EA is scheduled for this Thursday night the 9th of October.

cgedmonds · 10-06-2008, 11:13 PM

It's always a good feeling to know that men are still searching out the light of true brotherhood.

chgregory · 10-07-2008, 09:41 AM

Ride um cowboy! Welcome to the brotherhood.