How to determine which lodge to approach

Hello everyone,

I am interested in becoming a member and would like to begin meeting or talking with some brothers who are in the fraternity. My issue is that I live in South Florida and there are quite a few lodges in the area. I wasn't sure if its appropriate to visit different lodges to feel them out or should I just visit the lodge closest to me.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I'm sure others will give you some good advice but a couple of little things I do are

Check this site and write down all lodges in area. https://lodges.glflamason.org/public/Lodge-Search.aspx

Go to their FB page and website of each lodge. I just check for activity. Typically, FB and updated websites are the first thing younger petitioners look at when deciding. If the lodges are making an effort there then chances are there are young men knocking on its door. I'm making an assumption that because your in your thirties you would prefer to be around a younger crowd.

Both distance and how well it "fits" you are factors when choosing a lodge. I'd first narrow it down to distances you are willing to travel, because I mean realistically, if it is a burden to make the trip, you'll likely not make it. Once you determine which ones are in your "zone", visit all of them and see how they feel to you. If none of them feel right, then maybe expand your zone. Don't rush the process of choosing a lodge as it is an important choice for sure. Take your time to find the right one for you.

Here is the web site for the regular Prince Hall Affiliated Grand Lodge in Florida - http://www.mwuglflorida.org/ Be sure to pick a lodge from their list or from the list on the web site of the (for lack of an official name George Washington affiliated) Grand Lodge of Florida posted by Bro Morris above.

It is appropriate to investigate more than one local lodge before petitioning. Each lodge has a slightly different local culture or focus. Also, once you are a Master Mason it will be time to visit other local lodges and you will already be familiar with where they are. You may want a lodge close to home or close to work or between the two locations or some other location.

Introduce yourself by email or paper mail. Do not wait for or expect a reply. Knock on the door around an hour before their monthly meeting. Introduce yourself and explain your situation. Once you have decided which to petition start asking for a petition each month.

Thanks for the advice guys. I reached out to a couple of lodges by email today and I have already received a call back from a brother who invited me to come by this week. The person I spoke with was very helpful and gave me some great advice over the phone. I am looking forward to visiting but at the same time I'm a little nervous.

I'm planning to visit at least 3 lodges in my area within the next month.

Not sure how it is in Florida, but in Manhattan, there are some lodges that are organized my brothers of the same profession. I am a pre-law student, and when I become a lawyer, I may look into a lodge that is comprised primarily of other lawyers. The same is true for a lodge that is mainly for people in advertising. Depending on your profession, you may want to check with your GL to see if there any lodges like this where you reside.

Thanks NY Light

305Gipp said:

Thanks for the advice guys. I reached out to a couple of lodges by email today and I have already received a call back from a brother who invited me to come by this week. The person I spoke with was very helpful and gave me some great advice over the phone. I am looking forward to visiting but at the same time I'm a little nervous.

I'm planning to visit at least 3 lodges in my area within the next month.

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Greetings I am a Prince Hall Master Mason from Florida may I ask what lodge you selected & could I be of any assistance I'm in zone 3