Crafty MasonAfter I had submitted my application to join my local lodge, the Worshipful Master (president or otherwise leader of the lodge) called to tell me 3 men, on behalf of the lodge, would be in contact to schedule an interview. As it turns out, one of the men called me within the hour, and we had scheduled an interview in my parents home for the following evening. The location is usually in the applicant’s home, but we had agreed to meet at my parents’ because it was much more convenient for them and myself.
I didn’t know what to expect or how to prepare myself. I found some great information about the investigation committee process online, after searching around a bit, but it wasn’t exactly what I was after. The most advice I got from it, and other sources, was for me to be myself. But I was looking for questions. I was curious to see what they’d be looking to find out.
When the freemasons arrived to interview me, I had my girlfriend (long-time relationship) and my parents present. The interview was very informal, and was more of a common social chat amongst friends, than a job interview type of interview. Although, each of the three Masons had a booklet to quickly jot things down.
The questions I was asked were simple and casual: what did I do for a living, was I married, did I believe in God, what are my interests and hobbies, did I belong to any clubs, and more things like that. Just basic getting-t0-know-someone questions. My family and I were given the opportunity to ask them questions and to voice any concerns about joining freemasonry, and they were all more than willing & glad to answer.
The advice I had received about relaxing and just being myself made sense after the interview was over, and the Masons had parted. The short time they were there (a little under an hour) was very casual and informal. It was much different than I had expected.
At the next lodge meeting, I was invited to attend before it started, where I had the opportunity to meet the members, and they had the chance to ask me any questions before balloting on my application for joining that night.
Are you waiting for an interview? Any more to ask? Ask in the comments!
5 Comments
Thank-You for this Wes. I am being interviewed tomorrow afternoon and I too was looking online for the questions they ask you. I was expecting a job interview type situation, But this has put me at ease.lol. Thanks again for this info.
I submitted my application to join the Freemasons. I am retired from the Army and performed selfless service in 5 different countries not only for peacekeeping but for the poor and underpriviledge and continue to serve
to this day.What could blemish my application. To the best of my ability
I strive to serve a Intangible being more powerfull than I can imagine.I am a faithfull husband to my wife for 16 years so far and respect and watch over the elderly in my community.What can I expect when the Interview committee comes to my house. Im sure all will go well,but I have learnt to allways expect the unexpected.Perhaps insight to the types of question they will ask would make me feel more comfortable.I considerd it an honor to be able to join them for coffee in the morning.
Please answer back.
Hey thanks Wes, I am being interviewed on Monday, I was look for all types of information on line to study for, I was feeling like i was going to take a test for school, with all the reseach i was doing. Thanks for the information, i will just be myself.
Mike, B. My apologies for not responding before in time. I’m sure it went well! Any word back from the lodge yet?
Joseph R, there is nothing to study for and nothing you’re expected to know. The Brothers are there to answer questions you and your family may have about Freemasonry, and also to learn more about you, just as a new friend would. Things I asked them, for instance, was what the process was like and how time lines were, how much dues are, when meetings are, etc. Reply back with how it went! Or e-mail me if anything comes up
Thanks guys! My husband just had his first of three interviews on Saturday. It was a very casual interview. One brother per interview. It was more of a “get to know you and your family”. We left the interview feeling like we were suppose to ask some type of questions. Today is our second interview and I have done some more research online. This is the gist of what I have found.
The interviews are to make sure you as an applicant are lining up with your application. But more so, that your wife is okay with the whole process. A family and marriage is usually seen as #1 to most people (especilly women), the brothers want your wife to feel comfortable with the lodge and not be threatened by her husband withholding something from her. They want her to trust in the lodge and know they are not out to hurt her marriage or family. They aslo want her to know there is Easter Star for her to join.
Knowing there really are not any “right questions” to ask will make tonights interview more relaxed. There is so much information out on the web these days the whole process may also be about tradition. The information is now at your fingertips, where 10 years ago it wasn’t. Just “be yourself” and let your wifes ask away.
Here is the web site I found helpful.
http://www.masonic-lodge-of-education.com/masonic-investigative-committee.html