Are You, Or Have You Ever Been, A Member Of A Fraternal Society (Like The Masons)?

[rastahomie]

I've decided to pick up a couple of shifts tending bar at the Eagles club, just to put some extra money in the pockets for the [unfortunately frequent] dry periods when my writing isn't paying the bills.

My boss told me that, within a couple of months, I'd have to become an Eagle to continue my employment (a $40/year commitment - big whoop).

To me, this is little more than a matter of crossing all of the t's and dotting all of the i's so I can keep my job. But for some, I guess, their membership in a fraternal society is a big part of who they are.

Anyone here ever been a part of a fraternal society, like the Eagles or the Masons? What was the experience like for you?

 

[BrianL]

It's a secret.
Shuuut Uuup!

 

[amberpi]

Nope. I'm not a joiner. At all.

 

[loves to dive]

Nope, not a joiner either.

 

[JaxDad]

 

[Praying Colonel]

Belonged to the Lions when I lived in a small town in the 90s. My boss "suggested" I join as a networking opportunity. Never really had my heart in it, although many of these organizations do good work.

 

[pryncess527]

My grandfather was a Mason and very proud of his association with them, but tbqh, I don't know much. My dad was an active member of the Lion's Club, I mostly recall him being active in fundraising for heart disease and scholarships.

I'm a member of Colonial Dames of America, but I wouldn't really call it a fraternal org, it was more out of genealogical interest & eligibility. I've never been to a meeting or event.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Nope , and never will be

 

[Kitty 34]

My grand niece and myself decided we were forming an "oldest daughter of the family" society just last week. So after 63 years I'm now part of a society.

 

[jaybirdsmommy]

I'm a member of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine.

Seriously, my Grandfather was a Mason. Their meetings consisted mostly of pot-luck dinners, then a member meeting in the off-limits upstairs meeting room while the wives cleaned up and gossiped. I don't recall there being much activity outside of those monthly meeting. A few members of the lodge came to his funeral and had a small ceremony for him. That meant a lot to my Dad.

 

[Bilberry]

Good luck with the bartending job. I've never been a member of a society.

I remember when working on the family tree running across several pictures and notices of relatives being members of different societies but they never mentioned anything about that to me. I figured it was something important to them early in life.

 

[Marchand63]

My DF was a member of Lions club, Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Elks & a couple others. He used them to network his business & it worked. So joining for a job, why not.

 

[Meriweather]

Independent Order of Foresters....my parents were members and signed me up for the insurance.
I still belong, but never do anything with them, although been tempted sometimes with the free movies, etc.
DS did get a small scholarship from them when he went to college.

 

[kimblebee]

My uncle was a Mason. I have no idea what he did or what was involved. All I know is there was a secret handshake and he was pretty serious about it.

 

[BunsenH]

Loyal Order of Water Buffalo

 

[rastahomie]

My uncle was a Mason. I have no idea what he did or what was involved. All I know is there was a secret handshake and he was pretty serious about it.

Here's the "secret" handshake: when you take the other person's hand, press your thumb gently into that bit of flesh between the thumb and forefinger. No one will see it. A Mason will know what's up and respond in kind, a non-Mason will just think you're being weird.

I know this because my dad was in the Masons' junior auxiliary when he was a lad in the 50's and 60's - he still has the certificate! He told me all about it. Never took his Masonic affiliation seriously, I think Grandpa just kind of pushed him into it (Grandpa was a Mason).

 

[PollyannaMom]

I'm not, but my DH is. It's his way to contribute to charity/the community, and we've made some great friends through it!

 

[PigletsPal2]

I was a member of Job's Daughters when I was a teen. As an offshoot of the Masons, it's a "secret" society. but I don't remember doing anything secret. The line officers were elected, and one progressed from Marshall to Guide, to Junior Princess, to Senior Princess, to Honored Queen. The officers were installed at a ceremony called (naturally) an installation with a charitable theme selected by the Honored Queen. The cost of this ceremony was borne by the HQ or her family, and I attended some that were quite elaborate. When I was elected Senior Princess, I was asked the ritual question "Do you accept this election?" The gasps were audible when I said "No. My mother has given me the choice of an installation or a wedding. I chose the wedding, and it will held in May and you're all invited."

Our bethel had some good charity projects from bake sales to watermelon feasts to car washes to pancake breakfasts to help keep a local food bank fully stocked.

Queen Colleen

 

[mjkacmom]

My dad and grandfather were masons, my grandfather a grand master. My grandmother and aunts were eastern star. When my grandparents passed, there were tons of masons and eastern star there.

 

[mjkacmom]

Here's the "secret" handshake: when you take the other person's hand, press your thumb gently into that bit of flesh between the thumb and forefinger. No one will see it. A Mason will know what's up and respond in kind, a non-Mason will just think you're being weird.

I know this because my dad was in the Masons' junior auxiliary when he was a lad in the 50's and 60's - he still has the certificate! He told me all about it. Never took his Masonic affiliation seriously, I think Grandpa just kind of pushed him into it (Grandpa was a Mason).

Demolay?