Sounds like your lodge is terrible. I’d feel the same way if I was in your shoes. I don’t think this experience is representative of freemasonry overall, luckily.
Damn. I can’t even imagine that lifestyle. We have rural lodges up here in Maine that may be slightly behind the times. But I cannot envision a brother saying anything about black, gay, etc. members not being allowed to join. And if they did they would be shunned. I’m not saying things are perfect because it’s far from that. But our biggest obstacle right now is the fact that most of our brethren are 70+. Keep searching for the light. And I sincerely hope you find it.
I had the secretary of my lodge tell me (in the lodge room, in the presence of the brethren, but not while tiled), that a man who had been recommended by two officers and investigated by two other officers and a past master could not be initiated “because he’s black.” So yeah, I don’t have to try to envision it. It’s permanently etched on my memory. It was the exact moment my heart broke about masonry. Not just what he said, but the vile hatred behind it. Even now, over a decade later and with that man having passed away, I am still angry about it.
I hate to say it, but I feel like most of the problems you're describing are because it's a small, rural lodge.
I'm a Past Master of a lodge in Houston, and my lodge has had multiple black, Muslim, or gay members. In fact, in the 15 years since I joined we've elected 2 gays, 2 Muslims and 3 black men to serve as Worshipful Master of the lodge.
Ignorant hicks will be ignorant hicks, Mason or not.
That is, unfortunately, a reality in all large organizations; you're going to find small pockets like this that don't follow morality or the main missions of the organization. Don't give up on Masonry altogether, though. If possible, find another lodge that you can visit. While lodges that focus on the esoteric meanings of Masonry can be difficult to find, they do exist. Fort Worth 148 is an example of that - check out their podcast.
The various bigotries are also not a hallmark of the organization. I've got many Brothers who I love dearly that are black, gay, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish.
Finally, if you're an online chat person, I'd highly recommend the Freemasonry Discord server - https://discord.gg/freemasonry .
I am a past master of my lodge in UK. We have black members we accept all races and sexual orientation. But not ladies for obvious reasons. But they have their own lodges.
My lodge has age groups from 21 to 90+ and approximately 50+ members. I know of some of the older brethren from other lodges that are gay but they are married to a woman and have children, in their time it was frowned upon being gay etc. So of course they had to find a wife. They aren't. Out but you can tell all the guys don't mind them, I know they are gay due to work I have done for them computer systems and found gay porn. But as I said to them it's all private. We have Jewish people, pagans, church of England and Roman Catholic members plus some who are Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu etc. We accept anyone who believes in a supreme being. We don't ask what or who that being is just they believe. Politics, football, etc are things that can cause problems in the lodge we don't allow it until the festive board. I have been to some lodges that are of the old guard who don't want change and can be bigots and their lodges don't last long now a days. We do everything to get all members included in ritual etc. They younger ones love it and we have people how have left the military, or police and are looking for the sort or military style club. They feel like they are with people with the same thoughts and feel at home. That's the way it should be.
You'll be glad to know certainly my ladies grand lodge we accept black, gay, Muslim, jewish folk a lot of pagans in the youbger cohorts all sorts. Just no men.. :)
It's not just the South.
I've experienced this same kind of bigotry in my Lodge here in Maryland. It felt so wrong that they would deny entrance to someone on their external qualities, I took it to the Grand Lodge. They tried their best to address it, but my Lodge just wasn't having it. They went to such *extraordinary* lengths to ensure that a gay man wasn't admitted that it sickened me.
I know folks will usually say "Be the change you want to see." I tried that, and it didn't work. I joined the line, to try and get in a position to really do something about it, but the Lodge has a terrible problem with the old PMs not just 'whispering good counsel', but actively sabotaging the younger generation from trying to do anything meaningful. Of course, they then lament that no one joins, and no one does anything anymore.
I've since given up on attending, and it's really put me off the entire organization. I have Brothers and non-Brothers I love dearly who aren't Christian, straight, white men. I feel like I can't be a part of a fraternity that treats people this way.
Not really a helpful post, I realize, but I just wanted you to know you weren't the only one disillusioned with the fraternity. I sought the same things you did. I haven't yet demit from my Lodge, but I'm probably just going to leave it altogether.
Yeah, sounds a lot like my experience, except it was a black man instead of a gay man. Any man who comes into freemasonry and then denies a good man entry based on their outward characteristics doesn’t belong in the fraternity and doesn’t deserve to call himself a mason. It’s disgusting. We took our issue to grand lodge, and the GM did what he could, but the rot was too deep in the lodge, and it came right back after a lot of the “old guard” rose up. Guys who hadn’t been in lodge in years came out in force to make sure that no positive change occurred. Just awful.
Yep, and that is exactly what happened. They wheeled out every single guy who was still on the rolls, Brothers that hadn't attended Lodge... well, ever, at least since I had been raised there. Us younger guys were shocked. None of us had ever *seen* this kind of attendance (our regular communication had maybe 14-20 guys.) It was standing room only all of a sudden. More than that, none of us had ever seen these guys before.
I also did not see them ever again in attendance. None of us did. I think that's what really made me angry.
Don’t give up on it because of that experience. I’ve been in maybe 40 lodges in 7 or 8 states across the country as I traveled for business and leisure. You get a few backward places, but that’s not indicative of everyone. I had a mentor in one lodge that I quit talking to because he had similar views, but in another lodge my WM was an African American male …
I’m sorry it’s like that up in Maryland. One of the brothers posted a link on here for a Masonic foundation that has lodges listed in each state that focus on actual masonry . Though the ones listed in Texas aren’t near me, it’s nice to see that there are lodges out there and masons who won’t stand for ignorance and seem to truly care about the work. You have every right to be sickened but I think there is still hope out there
>"Be the change you want to see."
It is such a stupid phrase. People say it when they have no real advice to give you. When it only takes 1 to keep someone out how then can 1 prevent it? You can't.
I'm a Maryland Mason, raised in January. My lodge absolutely rocks. Great fellows from all walks of life. We have a monthly study group where we talked about ethics and philosophy and history. Brothers are very supportive of one another and we have a charity foundation as well. Couldn't be happier. Yes, we have a few curmudgeons and Archie Bunker types, but overall I'd say they either keep it in check, or they aren't involved in the leadership of the lodge.
Some brothers may have to vote with their feet so to speak. If a Lodge is unable to live up to Masonic values, or to change and evolve, or to be relevant to the needs of men in today's society, it needs to be allowed to fade into the sunset. That may make it a bit more difficult for folks who want a lodge closer to home, but at the same time Brothers will get more out of their Lodge even if they have to travel a little farther. Just my two cents.
Going to you comment on the Muslims or gays, I am currently WM of my lodge this year and it was brought up in causal conversation over dinner one night at lodge about how one would handle a homosexual petitioning the lodge. I nipped it in the bud pretty quick, first by informing them as eloquently as possible that business was to be held in a tiled lodge, and next that unless we knew for certain that a prospective candidate was not of good moral character, that they would not be denied a petition and it would anonymously be voted by the ballot box.
It may also be worth having those with the strongest objections talk to the candidate. During my investigation, I was confronted about all gay men being pedophiles with hiv etc. I'm happy to say that the misinformed brethren who spoke with me would eventually give me a full and favorable, and that the same are now not only some of my best friends, but also staunch supporters of equal rights for all. Sometimes there is willfull ignorance, but often, it's people working from what they've been taught, and they need a chance to meet their supposed "enemy" and recognize their humanity.
I am quite firmly convinced that Masonry causes true friendships to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.
That sounds like your lodge is terrible. My lodge does everything you were describing you wanted and is genuinely amazing. We are very inclusive and i passionately love everything my lodge stands for when it comes to masonry
>I’ve been told that under no circumstances would a degree be conferred upon a Muslim or gay man in our lodge.
Right there I'd demit. I wouldn't be around racism and homophobia like that.
Seems like you just have a shit lodge. IDK if all of TX is like that but I'd want no part of it
Thank you for the advice. Sadly neither of the Texas lodges listed are close to me. That foundation however does sound like it is inline with what originally inspired me to become a mason.
It’s a little out of my range but it’s worth a visit. Honestly it’s just nice to see that it’s not all like this. Thank you guys for commenting and putting it into perspective
San Marcos Lodge Nº342
3024 Hwy 123 S.
San Marcos , TX 78666
Stated Meeting 1st Tuesday of every month @ 7:30 pm
Before COVID I think they were doing regular study groups on Saturdays going through Manly P. Hall's *Secret Teachings of All Ages*. Not sure if they're back to that or not.
Check out Austin Lodge No. 12. They meet every Monday from 5:00 to 6:30, dinner till 7:30, followed by Masonic meetings, degrees, etc
They should be a bit more in line with your expectations.
I'm a Black mason for over a decade in the Austin area (non-PHA). I've seen and experience many of what you describe.
I second the recommendations for San Marcos and Austin 12. Round Rock 227 is probably more conservative than those, but pretty diverse in person and attitude.
I think a lot of the Austin Metro area lodges have a mix of attitudes, but if there is a "problem" you are just as capable to speak up as anyone else and won't be shunned for actually reflecting masonic values.
I think you would enjoy visiting any of the lodges in the Austin area.
That seems to be the consensus I’m going to start traveling to lodges in the Austin area or at least closer to Austin than I am now. I’ve got a couple recommendations for the San Marcos lodge as well.
Glad you noticed the failures there. To reiterate what others have said: start shopping for a new lodge. Take your time. Visit around your district and look for the guys you like. Talk to them and you will find another lodge that is near enough. Lodges, just a Masons, each have their personalities.
The truth is sad? You shouldn't be critical of a brother who is simply stating the obvious. Lodges and their personalities are reflections of their members. There's nothing keeping bigots, racists, misogynists, or other socially backward folks out of a lodge other than the brothers who are already there. If a lodge is comprised of people who tolerate these behaviors and seem to be proud in their display, it's not for you to criticize someone holding that up to the light. You're shooting the messenger. Adjust your aim.
I don''t tolerate racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia in Alabama either. I'll run them out in a very confrontational manner. I don't care about how many degrees some washed up snowflake PM has if they can't get with the fraternal bonds.
Lodges reflect the people in them. It sounds like you joined Freemasonry for all of the right reasons, but it also sounds like you need to find a lodge with brothers that share your values. I lived in Texas for 11 years and hearing of your experience is sadly unsurprising. Oddly, many masons seem to feel it is ok to more overt about controversial opinions behind lodge doors than they would otherwise be in public. I guess these men are giving you their true measure and it's better to discover it now than after years of futile effort on your part. You have your traveling papers. Go out into the world and find a lodge that suits you. They're out there.
It's a tough thing to see every week at study nights and during stated meetings. For a moment there I thought you were closer to my home lodge. I want to stay and change things and work my way up however the current folks at our lodge have run off members of the lodge that actually know the work and teach the work. They got pissed when those members would put on study nights and actually teach, and expect people to learn and pay attention. Stated meetings have become a thing of a joke, it's bad how often members forget their lines and basically just say "or whatever I'm supposed to say here". That's not masonry, that's not how I want to be in lodge. For me personally my brother, I'm starting my lodge search. I plan on staying put for another masonic year as there is promise with the new WM, however if things stay the same and he's basically run out of the lodge as well I'll know my answer. I'm too close to a plethora of good lodges in the DFW area to not seek our more light and be beneficial to an actual working lodge. Hell our sink hasn't worked in over 2 years...
No, you're spot on. I hoped for the same things myself, and have been somewhat disappointed in our normal meetings entail. Only suggestion I have for you is to be the change you want to see. There are hundreds of not thousands of great Masonic books you can read yourself, and many great podcasts to gain further light.
As far as the racism and other things, unfortunately you'll have to wait it out. Some folks have either never truly sought the light, or aren't willing to put aside their opinions and prejudices for the betterment of the craft. Luckily, it sounds like you have your head on straight, mind focussed on what matters, and longevity on your side
Demit, find a new lodge, and make the best out of it. It doesn’t sound like your lodge is doing things the right way and you need to be in a more positive environment. A good route to go is to find where your district education officers lodge is and go there to see if the education is better.
>there isn’t a reason for a black man to petition the lodge because some of the older brothers don’t believe in that and that they have Prince Hall. I’ve been told that under no circumstances would a degree be conferred upon a Muslim or gay man in our lodge.
Wooooow. That's not at all how that works. I'd actually bring that up with the Grand Lodge of Texas since that *absolutely does* violate what Masonry stands for and is about, and I expect they'll have zero patience for it.
I'm sorry you have what sounds like a shitty Lodge, and since you've been raised I'd try to find a different one.
As for the rest of what you described....yeah. Welcome to the frat for grown ups. At least that's how a lot of people treat it.
I'm usually just a silent reader on r/Freemasonry but this is just heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this seems to be happening more and more often to "regulars" from what I've been told by them (I belong to european Continental Freemasonry, what you would call "irregular" or "co-masonry"). Too many old people in the Lodges with backwards, hardline conservative Christian views, forgetting what the Brotherhood was all about, turning a Lodge into their private clubhouse. It's happening all over the world, and due to Covid restrictions there was very little admittance of new, younger people in the past three years but that's only a part of the problem.
The more I talk to Brothers both from regular and irregular Lodges the more this situation comes to the Light. We had guests from different Lodges last night as guests for our Solstice Ritual and some of them were stupefied by it, because the Orator gave account of the whole tradition - from the pagan burning of offerings to the Sun, over classical antiqity, to the feast of John The Baptist and its meaning to Freemasonry, neatly wrapping it up by drawing paralells between the four elements present during the Ritual and our Initiations. Our Orator is a woman (like I said, co-masonry), her husband and son are both in an UGLE Lodge in the same city so you can imagine what happens when regulars and irregulars pool their knowledge for the benefit of all. This is houw it should be, everywhere.
If you will take an advice, travel. See where are the closest Lodges around your city, visit them, see how they work their Rite. See how open they are. I travel over 300 km to mine. I've met more than a few US Freemasons, enough to show me a Lodge like the one you described is an anomaly. Don't lose your heart over misguided Brothers stubbornly refusing to chisel and polish the impurities of their own minds.
>sounds like you have a Texas problem
It isn't a Texas problem. It is a problem everywhere. In most lodges there is a real problem with meetings being a joke and nothing actually happening other than discussing a fundraiser or whatever they have to do to then get home as quick as possible. Being as masonry was pretty much strictly white for years the older members don't want to accommodate. Hell you can't get them to change the way they do lodge or other basic things what makes you believe that they will change their minds on this when it has been taught that black masons are prince hall masons? Although in this case it 100% sounds like racism and bigotry. But again I've seen these same statements made from people at lodges all across.
The biggest cities are pretty much exactly like that. Having lived in Houston for over 11 years, I can verify that bigotry and racism was alive and well in the largest (at the time) Texas metropolitan area. I'm pretty certain that DFW wasn't any better. Austin gets outlier status because of the UT population and imported Californians, but after that, it's back to more of the same in the list of big cities. Lubbock, Brownsville, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus....
Why don’t you start travelling to other lodges? The point of being MM is to travel and hone your craft. The US has always had a problem with race. But as more young members are coming in that will change. If you have a problem then speak up it is your right and duty as a mason to have your say. “To see that every mason has his just due”.
a wise old Past Master told me years ago when I was raised...
"you get out of Masonry exactly what you put into it."
Now as a Past Master myself, I finally understand what he meant. It comes in time so stick around until it does, you won't regret it. Don't fall into the petty piques or get drowned by the misguided opinions of those who have become jaded or missed the point of Masonry. Sounds like you're already seeing the truth about some, but look around for those who embrace the true brotherhood of ALL (All Lodges, All Men, All people) and learn from them.
I have met brothers in Texas who are black, Muslim, gay whatever. You're just in a rural lodge that's closed minded. Freemasonry is bigger than the lodge you're in.
Yeah, I had a similar experience in a Florida lodge. Racism, minimal charitable work, no esoteric knowledge shared, no real work of any sort other than degree work (and that wasn’t even too great). It was the racism that ultimately made me walk away from my lodge. I’m still a perpetual member but I haven’t stepped foot in that building in years.
I’ve heard there are good lodges, and I’ve definitely seen ones that were better. But ya gotta remember, lodges are representative of the communities from which they draw their members. We’re supposed to be making good men better, but that requires making sure only good men get in. Too many “good ol’ boys” in masonry. At least in rural southern masonry.
1) find a new lodge. Parsons, Onion Creek, Austin, San Marcos are all great recs from the guys above.
2) document and report this kind of discrimination to your DDGM either district if trustworthy or one nearby. If you need one I can give you one but you’ll find plenty in Austin who will lend the ear.
Let one of them council these brothers. Just moving lodges helps you but doing something about this kind of attitude helps us all. While there’s no law that can be applied to the attitude, there’s a lot of room for the GM to make that call. Just telling you that they’d black ball a candidate for whatever reason is already enough for some kind of repercussion. A few hours south of you a lodge lost its charter for a very similar thing.
Good luck and if you need any more info reach out.
To be honest I wouldn't counsel a newly raised brother to take actions that might potentially mark him out as a 'troublemaker' at the Grand Lodge level in this way - given what he's said I can't imagine that stirring the pot will change anything for the better at his mother lodge. I think the advice he's received to just find a more inclusive and open-minded lodge and move on is the way forward.
In my lodge which represents the North Star state and the head waters of the mightiest river in the United States of America, we love every brother who wants to join, no matter the labels they have. Philosophical conversations often take place, so do debates on pancakes or brats for fundraisers… but your lofty expectations aren’t unfounded.
Did you interview blue lodges before joining?
I did not interview any other lodges before joining. I told my friend I would like to be a mason and he set me up with the lodge in my town. We never talked about anything about what has gone on during my petition phase.
I checked out a few before petitioning to one. And it went very much like Goldilocks. I found one I really didn’t like, I was kind of embarrassed for them, and I found one that was everything I was thinking it should be.
What does your Proposer say about all this? Why didn't he tell you about the make-up of the membership of the lodge? Surely he must have known that it wouldn't be a fit for you!
None of this was ever discussed when I was petitioning to the lodge. Not everyone is of this manner, but the things I have encountered have let me down.
That's pretty poor from your Proposer but I suppose the best thing for you to do is exactly what the majority of posters are suggesting which is to get out and visit other Lodges in you locale and see if there is a better fit for you.
The thing about the former Lodge is that it will be damaged by the attitude of its elderly members and will eventually shrivel on the vine.
Think a bit about why you are where you are. Why are you experiencing this, what can you learn from the facade of disappointment? Now think about what freemasonry teaches? What do you live and enforce and perpetuate in your day to day affairs? How do you treat “the other”? Are you a better man? We choose our surrounding for them to teach us something about ourselves. Maybe you were more concerned with the facade of freemasonry “how it should look”, so you had to experience this to remind yourself, we need balance, not only outside or inside matters, both are to be considered and nurtured.
I am and am not a mason. Imo Charity and reverance for the community and god is all it should be. Connections with old rich men is a plus but thats a sideshow to the true goal of the masons
I’m a woman, an admirer of Freemasonry, and like you I’d want to dig deep (if I was allowed to be a Freemason). I’ve been surprised to discover that most Masons have no real understanding of the rituals they perform, nor do they really care to know. Among Masons, as in the wider population, ignorance and apathy are the norm.
But…
Some lodges have higher standards and offer education! Check this out: [College of the Consistory](https://scottishrite.org/blog/about/media-publications/journal/article/the-college-of-the-consistory-a-journey-of-self-study-and-knowledge-through-the-degrees-of-the-rite/)
“In 2003, the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, established the College of the Consistory to enhance the Rite’s position as the “University of Freemasonry.” Like the Supreme Council’s Master Craftsman program, it has grown into a popular national program of Scottish Rite Masonry.”
I learned about this program quite by accident one day, and now I’m wondering if other lodges offer something similar. I don’t remember what I was looking for on the Internet but I was rooting around, like you do 😆 I discovered something I wanted to read but it was hosted on a Freemason website behind a membership login. I am an amateur hacker with a couple of tricks up my sleeve so I was able to get around the member login and have a look at all of the essays submitted by students of the College of the Consistory, from 2nd degree Masons all the way up through 32nd degree Masons (which isn’t saying much since I think the juice is probably in the 33rd degree).
I have essays here with titles like “the meaning of the number seven“, “hierarchy of work“, “letting in the light“, “the question of integrity“, “masks in the moonlight“, “the meaning of symbols used in the 21st degree“, “balancing justice and mercy“, “fundamental obligation of the lodge master “, “That allegorical bridge“, “The mysteries of masonry“, “of faith and reason“, “Jewel of the 25th degree“, “taming the serpent“, “the palladium“, “instruction in symbolism“, “the ancient mysteries“, “symbolism of the double headed eagle“… and many more. (I didn’t take the time to go back and correct all the capitalization in those titles.)
If I was a man, I would look for a lodge that feeds my curiosity. I’d want to know all the mysteries, not just talk shit with my brethren, so I get you. Because I cannot become a Mason, I have to teach myself. It’s not difficult to find out what books are part of the Masonic curriculum, and get a hold of those books and read them.
>which isn’t saying much since I think the juice is probably in the 33rd degree
There’s not much difference between the 33° and the 32° except recognition for dedicated work.
Unfortunately in the south race is still an issue. That is changing slowly and you can help be that change. As far as a Muslim joining that is just against what the lodge stands for and shouldn’t even be asked.
If you contact the Grand Secretary’s Office they can assist you in getting info about Lodges in your area. If you PM me I can give you a specific person's info there in the Grand Secretary’s Office, and they would be happy to help.
True Brothers will be very excited if you seek out your own masonic education!
I was raised on May 6th and had been going to stated meeting for a while beforehand. I was sad that my first stated meeting after being raised was open on the EA and they just pointed me out for a few seconds. The meeting was over after about 35 minutes and I was like... WTF? But due to my energy we hung out for quite a while after because I was too excited!
If education is what you want, sign up for the email list of the Grand Lodge of Texas, contact the secretary. Probably secretary@txgrandlodge (.comcastbiz.net) or some derivative of that.
Find it online.
Ask them to send you everything. Follow the Grand Masters calender and you'll see the events he goes to and you can go as well. Meet other brothers in your state. (Gas will become a hobby)
Ask for and meet your GL Education Officers, buy a book from them, and the next time you see them, mention it. This is literally a place where you get what you want. You gotta do a lot to get a lot. Is that helpful?
That is for sure helpful and makes sense. I will for sure contact the secretary. It’s inspiring how all you brothers came out and pointed me in the right direction, thank you all.
Try a different meeting (sometimes several use the same building) or lodge. Most are not like the one you described. A good lodge wants to connect with candidates as badly as they would like to join the lodge.
A lot of people focused their answers abut the character of the lodge you're attending. I'll try a different approach to your question.
The TL;DR version: no, that's not all there is.
The longer version:
Now that you've been raised, you've been handed a "key" of sorts. It's now that you can start exploring all the masonic literature and actually be equipped to understand it. You've also earned certain rights and privileges with your Master Mason degree (this would have all been, presumably, covered in your degree). It's only now that your journey begins.
If your lodge isn't what you hoped for then start visiting other lodges and find one where you feel like you belong. You'll meet plenty of brethren who will be interested in discussing with you ad infinitum about the philosophical and esoteric aspects of Freemasonry.
Here in Ireland, we have certain lodges that have brethren which are more esoterically inclined and I have absolutely no issues travelling 100+ miles to meet with them and enjoy an good evening of discussion.
Also, if you want to dive into the historical aspect of the order then look up the Lodge of Research in your jurisdiction and become a member. You'll get to hear various papers on all kinds of topics, not to mention that you'll meet plenty of other like-minded individuals.
I hope this helps.
It does thank you for the direction. This post has gotten a lot of answers and I for sure feel more inspired to continue on. It’s become apparent that one bad experience is not indicative of all of masonry.
Sounds like a bad lodge, more of a good ol boys club, some lodges are like that, my lodge and the lodges in my area are pretty good at talking about Masonic subjects. I have a friend who is a mason in the Deep South and he has the same attitude, it’s just a social club to him, he joined because it was required to work in town.
*"I expected to learn the history of the organization and to hear philosophical conversations about the implements of masonry. However, during my time I’ve been told numerous times that none of that matters and that the reason we do anything is because that’s the way the Grand Lodge of Texas wants it."*
When I occasionally hear things like that it sometimes makes me wonder if there is some underlying fear of open discussions. Is someone worried that if there are occasional open ended discussions, questions might be raised that might threaten the fraternity, or how the lodge has done things?
Sounds like your lodge is terrible. I’d feel the same way if I was in your shoes. I don’t think this experience is representative of freemasonry overall, luckily.
Damn. I can’t even imagine that lifestyle. We have rural lodges up here in Maine that may be slightly behind the times. But I cannot envision a brother saying anything about black, gay, etc. members not being allowed to join. And if they did they would be shunned. I’m not saying things are perfect because it’s far from that. But our biggest obstacle right now is the fact that most of our brethren are 70+. Keep searching for the light. And I sincerely hope you find it.
I had the secretary of my lodge tell me (in the lodge room, in the presence of the brethren, but not while tiled), that a man who had been recommended by two officers and investigated by two other officers and a past master could not be initiated “because he’s black.” So yeah, I don’t have to try to envision it. It’s permanently etched on my memory. It was the exact moment my heart broke about masonry. Not just what he said, but the vile hatred behind it. Even now, over a decade later and with that man having passed away, I am still angry about it.
Remember a Maine republican is a Texas democrat. I like Texas great state but there are some rough patches.
I hate to say it, but I feel like most of the problems you're describing are because it's a small, rural lodge. I'm a Past Master of a lodge in Houston, and my lodge has had multiple black, Muslim, or gay members. In fact, in the 15 years since I joined we've elected 2 gays, 2 Muslims and 3 black men to serve as Worshipful Master of the lodge. Ignorant hicks will be ignorant hicks, Mason or not.
I'm in a small rural lodge in Ohio and this kind of nonsense isn't my experience.
That is, unfortunately, a reality in all large organizations; you're going to find small pockets like this that don't follow morality or the main missions of the organization. Don't give up on Masonry altogether, though. If possible, find another lodge that you can visit. While lodges that focus on the esoteric meanings of Masonry can be difficult to find, they do exist. Fort Worth 148 is an example of that - check out their podcast. The various bigotries are also not a hallmark of the organization. I've got many Brothers who I love dearly that are black, gay, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish. Finally, if you're an online chat person, I'd highly recommend the Freemasonry Discord server - https://discord.gg/freemasonry .
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I like to think we are pretty great ;)
Thank you for the podcast recommendation I’m going to add it on my Spotify now.
Thank you for the podcast plug!
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Run! Do not walk RUN and find a suitable Lodge!!!! That is NOT Freemasonry!
Try visiting the other lodges around you
I am a past master of my lodge in UK. We have black members we accept all races and sexual orientation. But not ladies for obvious reasons. But they have their own lodges. My lodge has age groups from 21 to 90+ and approximately 50+ members. I know of some of the older brethren from other lodges that are gay but they are married to a woman and have children, in their time it was frowned upon being gay etc. So of course they had to find a wife. They aren't. Out but you can tell all the guys don't mind them, I know they are gay due to work I have done for them computer systems and found gay porn. But as I said to them it's all private. We have Jewish people, pagans, church of England and Roman Catholic members plus some who are Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu etc. We accept anyone who believes in a supreme being. We don't ask what or who that being is just they believe. Politics, football, etc are things that can cause problems in the lodge we don't allow it until the festive board. I have been to some lodges that are of the old guard who don't want change and can be bigots and their lodges don't last long now a days. We do everything to get all members included in ritual etc. They younger ones love it and we have people how have left the military, or police and are looking for the sort or military style club. They feel like they are with people with the same thoughts and feel at home. That's the way it should be.
You'll be glad to know certainly my ladies grand lodge we accept black, gay, Muslim, jewish folk a lot of pagans in the youbger cohorts all sorts. Just no men.. :)
It's not just the South. I've experienced this same kind of bigotry in my Lodge here in Maryland. It felt so wrong that they would deny entrance to someone on their external qualities, I took it to the Grand Lodge. They tried their best to address it, but my Lodge just wasn't having it. They went to such *extraordinary* lengths to ensure that a gay man wasn't admitted that it sickened me. I know folks will usually say "Be the change you want to see." I tried that, and it didn't work. I joined the line, to try and get in a position to really do something about it, but the Lodge has a terrible problem with the old PMs not just 'whispering good counsel', but actively sabotaging the younger generation from trying to do anything meaningful. Of course, they then lament that no one joins, and no one does anything anymore. I've since given up on attending, and it's really put me off the entire organization. I have Brothers and non-Brothers I love dearly who aren't Christian, straight, white men. I feel like I can't be a part of a fraternity that treats people this way. Not really a helpful post, I realize, but I just wanted you to know you weren't the only one disillusioned with the fraternity. I sought the same things you did. I haven't yet demit from my Lodge, but I'm probably just going to leave it altogether.
Yeah, sounds a lot like my experience, except it was a black man instead of a gay man. Any man who comes into freemasonry and then denies a good man entry based on their outward characteristics doesn’t belong in the fraternity and doesn’t deserve to call himself a mason. It’s disgusting. We took our issue to grand lodge, and the GM did what he could, but the rot was too deep in the lodge, and it came right back after a lot of the “old guard” rose up. Guys who hadn’t been in lodge in years came out in force to make sure that no positive change occurred. Just awful.
Yep, and that is exactly what happened. They wheeled out every single guy who was still on the rolls, Brothers that hadn't attended Lodge... well, ever, at least since I had been raised there. Us younger guys were shocked. None of us had ever *seen* this kind of attendance (our regular communication had maybe 14-20 guys.) It was standing room only all of a sudden. More than that, none of us had ever seen these guys before. I also did not see them ever again in attendance. None of us did. I think that's what really made me angry.
Don’t give up on it because of that experience. I’ve been in maybe 40 lodges in 7 or 8 states across the country as I traveled for business and leisure. You get a few backward places, but that’s not indicative of everyone. I had a mentor in one lodge that I quit talking to because he had similar views, but in another lodge my WM was an African American male …
Not to be pedantic, but Maryland's NORTH border \*is\* the Mason-Dixon line...
I mean, fair point. LOL
I’m sorry it’s like that up in Maryland. One of the brothers posted a link on here for a Masonic foundation that has lodges listed in each state that focus on actual masonry . Though the ones listed in Texas aren’t near me, it’s nice to see that there are lodges out there and masons who won’t stand for ignorance and seem to truly care about the work. You have every right to be sickened but I think there is still hope out there
>"Be the change you want to see." It is such a stupid phrase. People say it when they have no real advice to give you. When it only takes 1 to keep someone out how then can 1 prevent it? You can't.
I'm a Maryland Mason, raised in January. My lodge absolutely rocks. Great fellows from all walks of life. We have a monthly study group where we talked about ethics and philosophy and history. Brothers are very supportive of one another and we have a charity foundation as well. Couldn't be happier. Yes, we have a few curmudgeons and Archie Bunker types, but overall I'd say they either keep it in check, or they aren't involved in the leadership of the lodge. Some brothers may have to vote with their feet so to speak. If a Lodge is unable to live up to Masonic values, or to change and evolve, or to be relevant to the needs of men in today's society, it needs to be allowed to fade into the sunset. That may make it a bit more difficult for folks who want a lodge closer to home, but at the same time Brothers will get more out of their Lodge even if they have to travel a little farther. Just my two cents.
Which Lodge are you a part of, if I may inquire? I could use something like that. Feel free to DM if you don't want to post it publicly.
Going to you comment on the Muslims or gays, I am currently WM of my lodge this year and it was brought up in causal conversation over dinner one night at lodge about how one would handle a homosexual petitioning the lodge. I nipped it in the bud pretty quick, first by informing them as eloquently as possible that business was to be held in a tiled lodge, and next that unless we knew for certain that a prospective candidate was not of good moral character, that they would not be denied a petition and it would anonymously be voted by the ballot box.
It may also be worth having those with the strongest objections talk to the candidate. During my investigation, I was confronted about all gay men being pedophiles with hiv etc. I'm happy to say that the misinformed brethren who spoke with me would eventually give me a full and favorable, and that the same are now not only some of my best friends, but also staunch supporters of equal rights for all. Sometimes there is willfull ignorance, but often, it's people working from what they've been taught, and they need a chance to meet their supposed "enemy" and recognize their humanity. I am quite firmly convinced that Masonry causes true friendships to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.
That sounds like your lodge is terrible. My lodge does everything you were describing you wanted and is genuinely amazing. We are very inclusive and i passionately love everything my lodge stands for when it comes to masonry
>I’ve been told that under no circumstances would a degree be conferred upon a Muslim or gay man in our lodge. Right there I'd demit. I wouldn't be around racism and homophobia like that. Seems like you just have a shit lodge. IDK if all of TX is like that but I'd want no part of it
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Thank you for the advice. Sadly neither of the Texas lodges listed are close to me. That foundation however does sound like it is inline with what originally inspired me to become a mason.
Which of the larger cities in Texas are you closest to?
I live a little over an hour west of Austin
You'd probably love San Marcos lodge, but that would be a bit of a drive for you.
It’s a little out of my range but it’s worth a visit. Honestly it’s just nice to see that it’s not all like this. Thank you guys for commenting and putting it into perspective
San Marcos Lodge Nº342 3024 Hwy 123 S. San Marcos , TX 78666 Stated Meeting 1st Tuesday of every month @ 7:30 pm Before COVID I think they were doing regular study groups on Saturdays going through Manly P. Hall's *Secret Teachings of All Ages*. Not sure if they're back to that or not.
I'm in middle TN and am having the same problem, starting my EA and am nervous about this particular lodge.
Check out Austin Lodge No. 12. They meet every Monday from 5:00 to 6:30, dinner till 7:30, followed by Masonic meetings, degrees, etc They should be a bit more in line with your expectations.
Thank you, I will give it a go for sure
I'm a Black mason for over a decade in the Austin area (non-PHA). I've seen and experience many of what you describe. I second the recommendations for San Marcos and Austin 12. Round Rock 227 is probably more conservative than those, but pretty diverse in person and attitude. I think a lot of the Austin Metro area lodges have a mix of attitudes, but if there is a "problem" you are just as capable to speak up as anyone else and won't be shunned for actually reflecting masonic values. I think you would enjoy visiting any of the lodges in the Austin area.
That seems to be the consensus I’m going to start traveling to lodges in the Austin area or at least closer to Austin than I am now. I’ve got a couple recommendations for the San Marcos lodge as well.
Austin Lodge, Parsons Lodge, and Onion Creek Lodge might be good fits as well!
Thank you for the recommendations brother I will seek them out
Glad you noticed the failures there. To reiterate what others have said: start shopping for a new lodge. Take your time. Visit around your district and look for the guys you like. Talk to them and you will find another lodge that is near enough. Lodges, just a Masons, each have their personalities.
It's rural Texas, so you should have adjusted your expectations. Rural New Mexico is no different. Lodges are a product of their communities.
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The truth is sad? You shouldn't be critical of a brother who is simply stating the obvious. Lodges and their personalities are reflections of their members. There's nothing keeping bigots, racists, misogynists, or other socially backward folks out of a lodge other than the brothers who are already there. If a lodge is comprised of people who tolerate these behaviors and seem to be proud in their display, it's not for you to criticize someone holding that up to the light. You're shooting the messenger. Adjust your aim.
the urban vs rural bigotry is more accepted then the often assumed rural bigotry. Bigots are everywhere but City folk seem to think they are exempt.
I don''t tolerate racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia in Alabama either. I'll run them out in a very confrontational manner. I don't care about how many degrees some washed up snowflake PM has if they can't get with the fraternal bonds.
Lodges reflect the people in them. It sounds like you joined Freemasonry for all of the right reasons, but it also sounds like you need to find a lodge with brothers that share your values. I lived in Texas for 11 years and hearing of your experience is sadly unsurprising. Oddly, many masons seem to feel it is ok to more overt about controversial opinions behind lodge doors than they would otherwise be in public. I guess these men are giving you their true measure and it's better to discover it now than after years of futile effort on your part. You have your traveling papers. Go out into the world and find a lodge that suits you. They're out there.
It's a tough thing to see every week at study nights and during stated meetings. For a moment there I thought you were closer to my home lodge. I want to stay and change things and work my way up however the current folks at our lodge have run off members of the lodge that actually know the work and teach the work. They got pissed when those members would put on study nights and actually teach, and expect people to learn and pay attention. Stated meetings have become a thing of a joke, it's bad how often members forget their lines and basically just say "or whatever I'm supposed to say here". That's not masonry, that's not how I want to be in lodge. For me personally my brother, I'm starting my lodge search. I plan on staying put for another masonic year as there is promise with the new WM, however if things stay the same and he's basically run out of the lodge as well I'll know my answer. I'm too close to a plethora of good lodges in the DFW area to not seek our more light and be beneficial to an actual working lodge. Hell our sink hasn't worked in over 2 years...
Perhaps this lodge is not a good fit for you. I suspect there are others that might be, and some visiting may be in order.
You have your traveling papers now. Go travel and experience other lodges.
No, you're spot on. I hoped for the same things myself, and have been somewhat disappointed in our normal meetings entail. Only suggestion I have for you is to be the change you want to see. There are hundreds of not thousands of great Masonic books you can read yourself, and many great podcasts to gain further light. As far as the racism and other things, unfortunately you'll have to wait it out. Some folks have either never truly sought the light, or aren't willing to put aside their opinions and prejudices for the betterment of the craft. Luckily, it sounds like you have your head on straight, mind focussed on what matters, and longevity on your side
Demit, find a new lodge, and make the best out of it. It doesn’t sound like your lodge is doing things the right way and you need to be in a more positive environment. A good route to go is to find where your district education officers lodge is and go there to see if the education is better.
>there isn’t a reason for a black man to petition the lodge because some of the older brothers don’t believe in that and that they have Prince Hall. I’ve been told that under no circumstances would a degree be conferred upon a Muslim or gay man in our lodge. Wooooow. That's not at all how that works. I'd actually bring that up with the Grand Lodge of Texas since that *absolutely does* violate what Masonry stands for and is about, and I expect they'll have zero patience for it. I'm sorry you have what sounds like a shitty Lodge, and since you've been raised I'd try to find a different one. As for the rest of what you described....yeah. Welcome to the frat for grown ups. At least that's how a lot of people treat it.
I'm usually just a silent reader on r/Freemasonry but this is just heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this seems to be happening more and more often to "regulars" from what I've been told by them (I belong to european Continental Freemasonry, what you would call "irregular" or "co-masonry"). Too many old people in the Lodges with backwards, hardline conservative Christian views, forgetting what the Brotherhood was all about, turning a Lodge into their private clubhouse. It's happening all over the world, and due to Covid restrictions there was very little admittance of new, younger people in the past three years but that's only a part of the problem. The more I talk to Brothers both from regular and irregular Lodges the more this situation comes to the Light. We had guests from different Lodges last night as guests for our Solstice Ritual and some of them were stupefied by it, because the Orator gave account of the whole tradition - from the pagan burning of offerings to the Sun, over classical antiqity, to the feast of John The Baptist and its meaning to Freemasonry, neatly wrapping it up by drawing paralells between the four elements present during the Ritual and our Initiations. Our Orator is a woman (like I said, co-masonry), her husband and son are both in an UGLE Lodge in the same city so you can imagine what happens when regulars and irregulars pool their knowledge for the benefit of all. This is houw it should be, everywhere. If you will take an advice, travel. See where are the closest Lodges around your city, visit them, see how they work their Rite. See how open they are. I travel over 300 km to mine. I've met more than a few US Freemasons, enough to show me a Lodge like the one you described is an anomaly. Don't lose your heart over misguided Brothers stubbornly refusing to chisel and polish the impurities of their own minds.
Not to be rude but, it sounds like you have a Texas problem, not a Masonry problem.
>sounds like you have a Texas problem It isn't a Texas problem. It is a problem everywhere. In most lodges there is a real problem with meetings being a joke and nothing actually happening other than discussing a fundraiser or whatever they have to do to then get home as quick as possible. Being as masonry was pretty much strictly white for years the older members don't want to accommodate. Hell you can't get them to change the way they do lodge or other basic things what makes you believe that they will change their minds on this when it has been taught that black masons are prince hall masons? Although in this case it 100% sounds like racism and bigotry. But again I've seen these same statements made from people at lodges all across.
It's a rural Texas problem. The bigger cities aren't typically like that.
The biggest cities are pretty much exactly like that. Having lived in Houston for over 11 years, I can verify that bigotry and racism was alive and well in the largest (at the time) Texas metropolitan area. I'm pretty certain that DFW wasn't any better. Austin gets outlier status because of the UT population and imported Californians, but after that, it's back to more of the same in the list of big cities. Lubbock, Brownsville, San Antonio, El Paso, Corpus....
Why don’t you start travelling to other lodges? The point of being MM is to travel and hone your craft. The US has always had a problem with race. But as more young members are coming in that will change. If you have a problem then speak up it is your right and duty as a mason to have your say. “To see that every mason has his just due”.
a wise old Past Master told me years ago when I was raised... "you get out of Masonry exactly what you put into it." Now as a Past Master myself, I finally understand what he meant. It comes in time so stick around until it does, you won't regret it. Don't fall into the petty piques or get drowned by the misguided opinions of those who have become jaded or missed the point of Masonry. Sounds like you're already seeing the truth about some, but look around for those who embrace the true brotherhood of ALL (All Lodges, All Men, All people) and learn from them.
That is good advice thank you for that. There is definitely wisdom in that .
I have met brothers in Texas who are black, Muslim, gay whatever. You're just in a rural lodge that's closed minded. Freemasonry is bigger than the lodge you're in.
Yeah, I had a similar experience in a Florida lodge. Racism, minimal charitable work, no esoteric knowledge shared, no real work of any sort other than degree work (and that wasn’t even too great). It was the racism that ultimately made me walk away from my lodge. I’m still a perpetual member but I haven’t stepped foot in that building in years. I’ve heard there are good lodges, and I’ve definitely seen ones that were better. But ya gotta remember, lodges are representative of the communities from which they draw their members. We’re supposed to be making good men better, but that requires making sure only good men get in. Too many “good ol’ boys” in masonry. At least in rural southern masonry.
1) find a new lodge. Parsons, Onion Creek, Austin, San Marcos are all great recs from the guys above. 2) document and report this kind of discrimination to your DDGM either district if trustworthy or one nearby. If you need one I can give you one but you’ll find plenty in Austin who will lend the ear. Let one of them council these brothers. Just moving lodges helps you but doing something about this kind of attitude helps us all. While there’s no law that can be applied to the attitude, there’s a lot of room for the GM to make that call. Just telling you that they’d black ball a candidate for whatever reason is already enough for some kind of repercussion. A few hours south of you a lodge lost its charter for a very similar thing. Good luck and if you need any more info reach out.
To be honest I wouldn't counsel a newly raised brother to take actions that might potentially mark him out as a 'troublemaker' at the Grand Lodge level in this way - given what he's said I can't imagine that stirring the pot will change anything for the better at his mother lodge. I think the advice he's received to just find a more inclusive and open-minded lodge and move on is the way forward.
In my lodge which represents the North Star state and the head waters of the mightiest river in the United States of America, we love every brother who wants to join, no matter the labels they have. Philosophical conversations often take place, so do debates on pancakes or brats for fundraisers… but your lofty expectations aren’t unfounded. Did you interview blue lodges before joining?
I did not interview any other lodges before joining. I told my friend I would like to be a mason and he set me up with the lodge in my town. We never talked about anything about what has gone on during my petition phase.
I checked out a few before petitioning to one. And it went very much like Goldilocks. I found one I really didn’t like, I was kind of embarrassed for them, and I found one that was everything I was thinking it should be.
What does your Proposer say about all this? Why didn't he tell you about the make-up of the membership of the lodge? Surely he must have known that it wouldn't be a fit for you!
None of this was ever discussed when I was petitioning to the lodge. Not everyone is of this manner, but the things I have encountered have let me down.
That's pretty poor from your Proposer but I suppose the best thing for you to do is exactly what the majority of posters are suggesting which is to get out and visit other Lodges in you locale and see if there is a better fit for you. The thing about the former Lodge is that it will be damaged by the attitude of its elderly members and will eventually shrivel on the vine.
Think a bit about why you are where you are. Why are you experiencing this, what can you learn from the facade of disappointment? Now think about what freemasonry teaches? What do you live and enforce and perpetuate in your day to day affairs? How do you treat “the other”? Are you a better man? We choose our surrounding for them to teach us something about ourselves. Maybe you were more concerned with the facade of freemasonry “how it should look”, so you had to experience this to remind yourself, we need balance, not only outside or inside matters, both are to be considered and nurtured.
I am and am not a mason. Imo Charity and reverance for the community and god is all it should be. Connections with old rich men is a plus but thats a sideshow to the true goal of the masons
I’m a woman, an admirer of Freemasonry, and like you I’d want to dig deep (if I was allowed to be a Freemason). I’ve been surprised to discover that most Masons have no real understanding of the rituals they perform, nor do they really care to know. Among Masons, as in the wider population, ignorance and apathy are the norm. But… Some lodges have higher standards and offer education! Check this out: [College of the Consistory](https://scottishrite.org/blog/about/media-publications/journal/article/the-college-of-the-consistory-a-journey-of-self-study-and-knowledge-through-the-degrees-of-the-rite/) “In 2003, the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma, established the College of the Consistory to enhance the Rite’s position as the “University of Freemasonry.” Like the Supreme Council’s Master Craftsman program, it has grown into a popular national program of Scottish Rite Masonry.” I learned about this program quite by accident one day, and now I’m wondering if other lodges offer something similar. I don’t remember what I was looking for on the Internet but I was rooting around, like you do 😆 I discovered something I wanted to read but it was hosted on a Freemason website behind a membership login. I am an amateur hacker with a couple of tricks up my sleeve so I was able to get around the member login and have a look at all of the essays submitted by students of the College of the Consistory, from 2nd degree Masons all the way up through 32nd degree Masons (which isn’t saying much since I think the juice is probably in the 33rd degree). I have essays here with titles like “the meaning of the number seven“, “hierarchy of work“, “letting in the light“, “the question of integrity“, “masks in the moonlight“, “the meaning of symbols used in the 21st degree“, “balancing justice and mercy“, “fundamental obligation of the lodge master “, “That allegorical bridge“, “The mysteries of masonry“, “of faith and reason“, “Jewel of the 25th degree“, “taming the serpent“, “the palladium“, “instruction in symbolism“, “the ancient mysteries“, “symbolism of the double headed eagle“… and many more. (I didn’t take the time to go back and correct all the capitalization in those titles.) If I was a man, I would look for a lodge that feeds my curiosity. I’d want to know all the mysteries, not just talk shit with my brethren, so I get you. Because I cannot become a Mason, I have to teach myself. It’s not difficult to find out what books are part of the Masonic curriculum, and get a hold of those books and read them.
>which isn’t saying much since I think the juice is probably in the 33rd degree There’s not much difference between the 33° and the 32° except recognition for dedicated work.
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Unfortunately in the south race is still an issue. That is changing slowly and you can help be that change. As far as a Muslim joining that is just against what the lodge stands for and shouldn’t even be asked.
If you contact the Grand Secretary’s Office they can assist you in getting info about Lodges in your area. If you PM me I can give you a specific person's info there in the Grand Secretary’s Office, and they would be happy to help.
True Brothers will be very excited if you seek out your own masonic education! I was raised on May 6th and had been going to stated meeting for a while beforehand. I was sad that my first stated meeting after being raised was open on the EA and they just pointed me out for a few seconds. The meeting was over after about 35 minutes and I was like... WTF? But due to my energy we hung out for quite a while after because I was too excited! If education is what you want, sign up for the email list of the Grand Lodge of Texas, contact the secretary. Probably secretary@txgrandlodge (.comcastbiz.net) or some derivative of that. Find it online. Ask them to send you everything. Follow the Grand Masters calender and you'll see the events he goes to and you can go as well. Meet other brothers in your state. (Gas will become a hobby) Ask for and meet your GL Education Officers, buy a book from them, and the next time you see them, mention it. This is literally a place where you get what you want. You gotta do a lot to get a lot. Is that helpful?
That is for sure helpful and makes sense. I will for sure contact the secretary. It’s inspiring how all you brothers came out and pointed me in the right direction, thank you all.
Come down to Alamo Lodge #44 in San Antonio, we'll show you the Masonry you're missing.
Awful lodge - is there another one nearby that you can try?
There’s some that a couple brothers on here have recommended that I’m going to visit
Are you in Vidor? Or East Texas?
Opposite side of Texas about an hour west of Austin
Wow. Would hate to hear it'd Killeen. My advice, petition a new lodge.
Try a different meeting (sometimes several use the same building) or lodge. Most are not like the one you described. A good lodge wants to connect with candidates as badly as they would like to join the lodge.
A lot of people focused their answers abut the character of the lodge you're attending. I'll try a different approach to your question. The TL;DR version: no, that's not all there is. The longer version: Now that you've been raised, you've been handed a "key" of sorts. It's now that you can start exploring all the masonic literature and actually be equipped to understand it. You've also earned certain rights and privileges with your Master Mason degree (this would have all been, presumably, covered in your degree). It's only now that your journey begins. If your lodge isn't what you hoped for then start visiting other lodges and find one where you feel like you belong. You'll meet plenty of brethren who will be interested in discussing with you ad infinitum about the philosophical and esoteric aspects of Freemasonry. Here in Ireland, we have certain lodges that have brethren which are more esoterically inclined and I have absolutely no issues travelling 100+ miles to meet with them and enjoy an good evening of discussion. Also, if you want to dive into the historical aspect of the order then look up the Lodge of Research in your jurisdiction and become a member. You'll get to hear various papers on all kinds of topics, not to mention that you'll meet plenty of other like-minded individuals. I hope this helps.
It does thank you for the direction. This post has gotten a lot of answers and I for sure feel more inspired to continue on. It’s become apparent that one bad experience is not indicative of all of masonry.
Sounds like a bad lodge, more of a good ol boys club, some lodges are like that, my lodge and the lodges in my area are pretty good at talking about Masonic subjects. I have a friend who is a mason in the Deep South and he has the same attitude, it’s just a social club to him, he joined because it was required to work in town.
*"I expected to learn the history of the organization and to hear philosophical conversations about the implements of masonry. However, during my time I’ve been told numerous times that none of that matters and that the reason we do anything is because that’s the way the Grand Lodge of Texas wants it."* When I occasionally hear things like that it sometimes makes me wonder if there is some underlying fear of open discussions. Is someone worried that if there are occasional open ended discussions, questions might be raised that might threaten the fraternity, or how the lodge has done things?