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When I first joined my lodge I was charged what I assume was a "membership fee" (not to be confused with a "yearly dues"- or so I was told) Then when I was up for my FC, I was told there would be a fee for that degree as well as another fee when I came up for my MM. Is this all "on the level"...

Actually, I think a better analogy would be: Entered Apprentice: This is the "Associate's" degree of Masonry. It means you have actually started the journy. Fellow Craft: This is the "Bachelor's" of Masonry. It means you have shown proficiency and should be taken somewhat seriously. Master...

I would think not. The purpose of the meeting is to get to know you, your family, etc. BEFORE the lodge votes.

Sounds about right. My lodge only has 2 meetings per month, and one of them is usually always cancelled. So everything moves at a snails pace.....

Thanks. Actually, I was asking in terms of thread topic the Investigative Committee. That being said, I was curious to how many never even make it to a "vote" and why. But since you brought up the topic, when I had my IC I actually asked, what happens if someone get "black balled" and was...

Speaking of acceptance, I'd be curious to know what the "ratio" was of petitioners that get turned away. I get the impression that membership is SO low, that most petitioners get "rubber-stamp" approval.Can anyone share any experiences where someone got turned away, and why?

Agreed 110%

Thanks Browncoat! Now that you put that perspective out there; I respectfully feel I would prefer the opposite. Now I'm not trying to segregate professions at all; but as they say "birds of a feather, flock together" -or- "while in Rome, do as the Romans". That being said, most of the guys...

Is Knights Templar an appendant body of Scottish Rite or York Rite? Seems like I've seen it listed as part of both. (??)

Brother Morris is a GREAT author! I loved this book, and find myself constantly going back to it as reference!

Got it! Understood. (didn't know that, since after I turned it I never saw it again)

Great response! Thanks Brother Fuller! Here's where I think my "expectations" have perhaps gone awry..... First....as I already mentioned, perhaps I've READ too much, and taken my reading a little to literal. I need to adjust my thought processes and expectations. Thank you all for making me...

Bro Steve, When you say "dark" are you referring to lodges going "dark", as they do in the summer? That brings up an interesting question- If lodges "go dark" in the winter, and also in the summer (Jun-Aug ?), exactly what months of the year are (most) lodges actually "in session"?

This truly excellent feedback! It's really putting things into perspective for me. What I'm realizing that you can't always take everything you read as gospel. Many of the books I've read convey they Craft much, much differently than the real-world experience I've had thus far. Don't get me...

(not sure what a "top line signer is", but my "mentor" is the WM.) As mentioned that lodge is very small, and other than myself and another recent EA, all the other members are officers-- at least the ones that come to lodge meetings.

This is all GREAT insights coming in, and MUCH appreciated. Here is another question: Should I bring up my concerns to the WM?

Yes, the lodge I am a member of is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Michigan.

Very good point-- I suppose I never thought about it that way. Before petitioning, I read, and read, and read and read some more. Not to sound conceited, but I feel like I probably do know more about freemasonry (historically) then some of the less senior members. I'm constantly researching...

Not the easiest thing to do, when don't know anyone at other lodges either. It's a crap-shoot all the way around.

Are my concerns something I should share with the current WM? Or would stepping up and saying something be considered offensive and unappreciative?