For me, it all started with a "bag of medals". I was given a big ziploc bag by my mother that contained a bunch of miscellaneous charms, pins, U.S. Army medals and some other strange other items. These items had belonged to my grandfather's brother, my grandfather and other relatives (on my father's side). It was those strange items that I found interesting. These things were old and some were tarnished. I did not want her to throw them out, so I decided to keep them. There were some US Army medals, politcal ribbons and a slew of Masonic things. Up in my closet they went for several years.

A few years later, a co-worker said something about his lodge. I didn't pay attention but it stayed in my memory. A few months later a co-worker who went to lunch with us everyday stopped temporarily. He was going to "study" during lunch. Huh? I was told he was joining a Masonic lodge and had to study for it. That's when the questions started. I thought Masonry was an old organization that was virtually gone.

The bag o' medals came down, and I went through them. I picked out the Masonic ones. Square and compasses, a trowel, an eye, 3-5-7, an hour glass, double headed eagles... What does it all mean? I noticed the dates on them were late 1800's to early 1900's. I Googled, asked family and neighbors. I was told several things: a secret group who worshiped the devil, a group of men who were wealthy and someone said they were a fraternity that worked for charity.

I brought the bag in and showed it to one of the co-workers. He was fascinated by them, and told me a little about them. He seemed very honored to be looking at them. He then told me I should show them to another co-worker because he knew more about these things. Guess what? That guy told me to show them to another, and he told me the same. I then realized I was surrounded by these people. Funny thing is, they are all good and successful people.

My questions grew more and more. Who are these people? The "Freemasons". Common answer being, "Freemasons are Men of Good Character Who Strive to Improve Themselves and Make The World a Better Place."   Surfing the internet mostly led me to anti-masonic sites. I did find some good masonic sites, but I wanted an un-biased review of the fraternity. The anti-masonic sites scared me, mostly because I am a steadfast Christian. Then I noticed a lot of the square and compass emblems on the cars in the parking lot of my church and on lapels of some members. I read some great books about Freemasonry that helped. (The books are listed on another page).

Finally, I just talked with some Masons. The decision was made, I will petition the local lodge for membership. Whats the worst thing that can happen? If its Satanic, I will leave. If it gets too wierd I will quit. They cannot force me to stay!

The petition process took about a month or two. A team will travel to meet with your family, and they make sure you live a good moral life and such. Eventually I was told that I was accepted. I was about to experience the degrees of Freemasonry! Heading from darkness to light in Masonry. To read about my experience, click on the links above.