THE PRICE OF FREEMASONRY
by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"
"You get out of it what you put into it."
- Anonymous
I recently had a young man ask me about membership in Freemasonry. After
discussing the virtues of the fraternity, which he had no problem with,
he asked me about the price of participation. This caused me to think
about all of the various expenses associated with Masonry.
First, you have the normal out-of-pocket fees which varies from jurisdiction
to jurisdiction:
Initiation Fees - in North America this typically ranges anywhere from
$150 - $300. I understand there are European jurisdictions that charge
well over $1,000.
Annual Dues - this too varies; in the States it is anywhere from $35 - $300.
If you wish to have a perpetual membership (you never have to pay annual
dues again), it is typically twenty times the current annual dues which
translates into a one time fee of anywhere between $700 - $6,000.
Endowment Fund - this is an annual fee used to support a specific Masonic
charity or home and, in most cases, is optional. Inevitably, most Masons
contribute to the fund even if they have a perpetual membership and ranges
anywhere from $3.65 to $15.00.
Donations & Fund Raisers - this too is optional and many Lodges organize a
variety of events to generate funds either for a Lodge project or for charity.
One way or another, you always kick in an extra $50 to $100 to the Lodge.
Mite Box Donations - at the conclusion of a Masonic meeting, the Master
typically asks Brothers to reach into their pockets for charity. Although
most people put in just a dollar, it is not unusual to see Brothers make a
generous weekly donation.
Social Events - throughout the year, there may be a special dinner or social
event where spouses are invited to attend. Although some lodges do not hold
such functions, the lion's share typically do, which means another $100 or more.
Publications and paraphernalia - then there are all of the books, magazines,
trinkets and clothing Masons like to buy, such as pins, auto decals, hats or
shirts. If you're a Lodge officer, you'll probably have to invest in a new
suit, tuxedo or dinner jacket (not to mention new shoes).
Allied and Appendant Masonic Bodies - if you want to progress past the
Craft Lodge and join an affiliated Masonic body, such as the Shrine,
Scottish or York Rite, Grotto, High Twelve, Eastern Star, the Philalethes
Society, etc., there are separate initiation fees and annual dues.
Then there is the number of hours you typically volunteer to help the Lodge,
either for a charity event or perhaps something involving building maintenance
or improvement. Although I would like to think all Masons freely donate their
time to such endeavors, the 80/20 rule usually applies (where 80% of the work
is performed by 20% of the Brethren).
Currently, I am paying annually about $500 for the fraternity which is
relatively cheap compared to others who are more heavily involved with
other Masonic bodies and pay upwards to $1,000 each year to participate.
Some would consider this an expensive proposition but that depends on your
perspective. To be among men that you can trust, who will help you at
the drop of a hat, where their word is their bond, where honor and integrity
still mean something; frankly, I consider that priceless.
Keep the Faith.
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not
necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction
or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein,
please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic
web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com
Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.
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Copyright © 2007 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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