Benefitting from Masonic Membership

My question to any Masons is whether or not they've benefitted from Freemasonry, where they might not have otherwise, had they not been Masons.

I'm not referring to the real or perceived intellectual or moral benefits from being involved in Freemasonry. What I'm talking about are things like getting a job after being identified by another Mason, or not getting a speeding ticket - things along those lines.

Hi there! I've heard that they can get favored for promotions and that if you show a police officer your dues card when he pulls you over and contest the ticket, he won't show up to court.

I don't really know that much about them honestly, but I know they're Illuminati so that's dangerous!!

reply to post by Zhenyghi


Actually years back I was out of work for a bit and a fellow Mason offered me a job.
Terrible pay but the best job I ever had, well the most fun anyway.

reply to post by g146541


What kind of job? I'd work at a strip club for little money...

reply to post by Zhenyghi


I will just say this and leave it at that.

When you are recognized, you have protection.

reply to post by Zhenyghi


Have you ever seen this website?

job.kofu33.org...

I've heard that it's sometimes called "The Network". All sorts of goods and services can be advertised through this network.

reply to post by skepticconwatcher


Dayum that's insane. Sure sucks for everyone else doesn't it!

Nope. No handouts for being a Freemason.

I have gotten out of a few tickets, but those were because of my family name (a cop family and my dad is well known with the older cops).

reply to post by Zhenyghi

Becoming a Freemason doesn't make a Brother above the Law, in fact it subjects us to additional laws. If a non Mason is a criminal offender, they go to trial, pay their fine and serve their time then they are finished with it. If a Mason commits a criminal offense, they go through the legal process just like everyone else, then they must also face Masonic Jurisprudence where they may be expelled or suspended potentially for life for their offense.

Are there benefits from knowing brothers from all walks of life? Sure, but the same could be said for your church or professional associations.

reply to post by Zhenyghi


How do you mean "benefited"?

I met some guys, became very close friends, if I need anything or if they need anything, we are all there for each other. But I like to think that has more to do with friendship, right? Some new guy walks in the door I'm not going to give him anything, connect him to anyone, buy anything etc. If he's a cool guy and we become friends sure.. but just because you're a Mason doesn't mean you get special privilege.

Everyone has the same relationship with any organization. If, for instance, you belong to a church the same rule above applies. Or any social club etc.

reply to post by GardenParty


That site looks like a 3 year old made it.. and the last job (of a whopping 3) was in 2005 lol. How far did you have to dig to find that crappy dinosaur? We've walked into the 21st century.. we make Facebook groups.

Masonic Lodges are fairly common. As a stranger in a new city, a Mason can seek hospitality at a nearby Lodge, assuming regularity is satisfied.

Originally posted by Zhenyghi
My question to any Masons is whether or not they've benefitted from Freemasonry, where they might not have otherwise, had they not been Masons.

All the guys on this board would benefit if they came to New Jersey; I would buy them some beer and offer to let them stay at my house during their visit. Hell, I may even cook dinner a few times.

reply to post by AugustusMasonicus


Well I can honestly say I've never uttered the words "I want to go to New Jersey" before.. but for beer(s), home cooked meal(s) and what would surely be lively discussion who could pass that up? Likewise if you ever wanted to experience February in June and become so soggy you turn into a prune, you're more than welcome to come to Portland.

I think it's fascinating.. from a Psychological perspective, to understand how "outsiders" view Masonry. Most on here seem to think we are some kind of .. business association, or that when we meet we are dead serious. The only thing we are serious about is ritual. I spend more time with my fellow Masons meeting on the weekends, going to the bar(s), weekend bar-b-q's and so on than I do seeing them in the lodge room. So if my buddy is a mechanic and I know someone who needs a car fixed.. meh, I'll probably send them my buddy's way. Because he's a Mason? Nooo .. because I know him, trust him, and want to help them both.

It's a fraternity people, for those of us who take it seriously we take it to heart. And if we do something it comes from sincerity. It'd be one thing for me to be "Hey, Brother Augustus I'm driving through New Jersey I expect a case of beer and a steak medium rare because I'm a Mason" than for Augustus to offer because I've sorta known him for 5years... There's an etiquette to it, a familiarity, a friendship. It's not institutionalized, awkward, or expected. It's really quite normal. Hope that clears up some for the non-Masons. It might be hard to accept the general "normalness" of Masonry I know. I expected sacrifices, virgins and orgies. Instead I get bills, complaining about bills, and proposals for new bills.

Originally posted by Zhenyghi
reply to post by g146541

 

What kind of job? I'd work at a strip club for little money...

It was blacksmithing but I could come and go as I pleased as my boss trusted me when I told him I had something to do, or I just was feeling lazy that day, I never abused the privelege though.
I was also able to do many side projects as there was not always a hardcore steady workload.
So, in short it was sweaty fat guys hanging out and no strippers, I guess that could be a good thing as distraction in that profession would be bad.

Originally posted by Rockpuck
Likewise if you ever wanted to experience February in June and become so soggy you turn into a prune, you're more than welcome to come to Portland.

I may take you up on that next time I visit my brother-in-law there. You guys have a great food truck seen too.

reply to post by Rockpuck


See my original post....

reply to post by no1smootha


Is a speeding ticket a criminal offense? I wasn't really referring to some obscene crime.

Speaking of getting out of speeding tickets...

A few months ago my family and a guest were returning from a road trip. We had an unexpected delay at one of our stops, which put my rental return time in jeopardy. I was cheating on the speed, and also going downhill when I cop spotted me. I quickly pulled over 'cause I knew there was no way I could argue my speed, and going down the hill there was no way I could slow down in time.

As the officer arrived at my window, my very young son (4) was asking my wife, "Was daddy going too fast?", "Is daddy going to jail?".

Against all my expectations, I was given a warning only. I think the officer took pity on me having a van half-full of kids.

reply to post by Zhenyghi


What about it?

Not only do I know several police officers, the mayor of my city, an assistant DA, a state congress critter and I'm certain there's a few sullied lawyers in the cracks somewhere if I looked.. I've never gotten out of a parking ticket. Which I get like once every other month here. Nor did I get out of the absurd $450 ticket I got for driving in a car pool lane (which, avoid at all costs if you ever come to Portland by the way).

I'm sure somewhere out there, there is a Mason getting out of a speeding ticket for being a Mason. A very good friend of mine has gotten out of numerous tickets including a DUI for being a Marine..

I've never asked another Mason for a job, so I don't know how that'd turn out. I did work for a Mason and we had no idea we were both Masons.. didn't get me anywhere, I was still on the same crappy team and the only one who could speak English. Asking your Fraternity brothers for a job is usually not a good idea anyways. What if your friend sets you up with a job and you hate it, then you bitch at your friend, the guy who hired you bitches at your friend, then everyone is angry and it's just awkward.

Of course I benefit from Freemasonry! I manage a stone yard, most of the stone I use is FREE, I do my own MASONRY, paving, walling and I don't even charge myself a fee! As far as job offers.....I can work by myself on the side, there's 3 jobs on standby if I need them, 2 with other Masons, 1 at another stone quarry, all pay excellent wages and.........and.........whoops! (leaving quietly out the back door now)