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Questions about Masonry or Wake Forest Lodge 282

If you have any questions, click on email button at bottom and send me your questions.

You do NOT have to be a Mason to ask questions. Below are some questions.

Statistics are as of 12-31-2006. Statistatics will be updated again after 12-31-07.

1. How many individuals does the Secretary have records on from day one? Over 500.

2. How many current living members on 12-31-2006? 98

3. How many have been a member for 50 years or more? 18

4. How many members died in 2006? 1

5. How much is the Initiation Fee? $100. That includes the first years dues for year in which a person becomes a full member.

6. How much are the dues each year and when due? $50, plus percapita tax (currently $15. for a total of $65.) due by Jan 1st each year.

7. Can I get a copy of the Bahnson Manual? Yes, the current price is $6. Contact the Secretary and he can get you one.

8. Can you tell me how long I have been a member:? YES, just ask, call or email.

9. What is the proper way to wear a Masonic ring? I have seen different Masons wear their ring turned different from others. The choice is yours. The matter has been thoroughly researched and the answer is a definite EITHER.

10. What are minimum requirements to become a Mason. Male, age 18 or older, be of good character, believe in "one ever living and true God", and be recommended by 2 Masons, one of which must be a member of the lodge you petition.. A petition must be accompanied by the $100 fee. If a person fails to be elected initiation fee is returned. The Secretary keeps petitions on hand.

Horace Macon

email: horacemacon@embarqmail.com

11. QUESTION: What does the letter "G" in the center of the masonic emblem, "stand for"?:

ANSWER: The letter G is the "initial" of Geometry. However, it has a further allusion to

the sacred name of Diety.

12. Is there a local chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in Wake Forest? Yes, Chapter 292.

13, Can Master Masons become members of the Eastern Star (OES).?

Yes. In fact there are always Masons present at Eastern Star meetings.

14. Does Chapter 292 have a web page?

Yes. It is: http://wakeforestchapter292.homestead.com

15. Is it necessary for a man to petition the lodge nearest his residence?

No. For many years that was true unless a waiver was obtained from the lodge nearest the petitioner, however one may petition any lodge in the state..

16. Age of oldest member: 93

17. Number of living Past Masters: 19 (Wake Forest) + 3 that transferred from other lodges.

18. Most senior Past Master:: Horace Macon (1960).

20. (Received 2003. Can my Mother wear her father's Masonic rings, either on her finger, or on a chain around her neck? He died in 1996. Thank You. S. Savage

The answer is YES to either or both. I admire your mother for honoring her father by wearing his Masonic rings, pins or otherwise. You may do likewise.

Explanation- There is no law against anyone, whether kin or not, from wearing a Masonic ring or other Masonic items.

Further comments:

a. First, only men can be Masons thus a woman would not be misleading anyone so there is nothing illegal or ethically wrong with wearing Masonic items.

b. Even if it were a man, he could likewise wear any Masonic item whether a relative or not. If per chance he were to masquerade as a Mason, it would be easy for a Mason to determine if in fact he were a Mason as one of the few secrets of Masonry is the ability to recognize another Mason.

c. If per chance a man had been a Mason and had been expelled, and did know how to convince someone that he was a Mason, it would be very simple for us to ask to see his current dues card. Without a current dues card we would not discuss Masonry with him nor would he be entitled to any of the benefits that a Mason might be eligible for. In such a case however, it would be ethically wrong for a man to pretend to be a Mason if in fact he was not.

21. There is a lot of anti Masonry information on the Internet. What is a book that you would recommend someone to read? I would recommend "Is It True What They Say About Masonry" by deHoyos & Morris - 1997. Remember, not all Masons are considered, nor do they pretend to be, knowledgeable about Masonry. Becoming a Mason does not automatically make you fully knowledgeable. It takes time just as it does to get any education.

22. Is Masonry a "religion"?. Absolutely NOT !!! Never has been and never will be. Grand Lodge regulations forbid the discussion of Religion and politics during a meeting.

23. Where can I go to get reliable information concerning Masonry? (question added by webmaster).

Answer. Sometimes I get telephone calls from someone saying they have read negative information on the Internet concerning Masonry. I am not surprised as there are those, who thorugh ignorance, ridicule Masonry. Some have even published audio tapes and printed material ("trash" I would call it) to make money off your gullibility. I have been a Mason for over 53 years; have served as Secretary for 35 years, served as District Deputy Grand Lecturer and District Deputy Grand Master as well as Master of my lodge. I feel that I am qualified to answer your questions. There are only a few things that are secrets (modes of recognition and Passwords). If you have a question call me: (Horace Macon) at 919-556-3277. I am usually at home. Or, email me at horacemacon@embarqmail.com

Got a question? Click on E-Mail above

Set to zero on 3-22-07

24. How many degrees are there in Masonry? Blue lodge Masonry consists of 3 degrees. After you have received the 3 degrees you are a full Master Mason. After that, at your desire, you may proceed through the 32d degree in the Scottish Rite or York Rite,

25. Is there any memory work required for each degree? Yes. There is a catechism for each degree which you must pass an examination before you can proceed to the next degree. The length of time needed to learn each catechism varies with the individual. Some learn a single catechism in as little as 2 weeks though normally it takes longer. A single catechism normally takes about 5-10 study sessions with a coach. Many study 2-3 times a week with each study session taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour.