I am scheduled to take my 3rd. degree tomorrow evening.  I would like to thank everyone on this forum for your help and support.  If there are any members from fellowship lodge 89 in Marion, Illinois in here I would like to thank you as well.

This has been something that I have always wanted to do.  I have big foot prints to follow from my family that walked this path before me.  I honestly thought that would more difficult.  I understand though, that this just the beginning, and that I have just begun to scratch the surface of what the fraternity can teach me.  I intend to become more like the men who inspired me to seek membership.

Once again, thank you to all for accepting me.  I will do my best to be someone who sets the example that inspires others to petition for membership.

Going through alone or with others?

It will be just me tonight. I petitioned with two others, but other obligations set them back temporarily.  The best thing is I will soon get to see the second and third degree as a MM soon.

It went great.  I am proud to be accepted into a fraternity with such an outstanding membership.  To a man, every Mason that I have ever known has been an example of how a person should live his life.  God fearing, patriotic, devoted to family, considerate of others.  I confess to being a bit surprised that such a group of men found me worthy.  

I am fortunate that of the three of us that were interviewed together, I was the only that life didn't throw a curve to while doing my work.  As a result one of the others is scheduled to do his EA on 6/30, and his MM on 7/15.  I will get to witness both ceremonies soon.  With any luck I hope to participate in the other petitioners EA ceremony.  Possibly giving the third lecture.  

It was pointed out to me that you get from Masonry what you put into it.  I want to learn more of the work.  I appreciate all of the time others sacrificed to admit me, and want to pay it back.  So I counted how many participants were in the 3rd degree ceremony, and I hope to help that many new candidates get through their work.  

My house in Illinois is on the market, and my wife and I are on our way to the Daytona Beach Florida area when it sells.  I hope to join a lodge there.  I intend to maintain my membership here until I die, and possibly longer.  Hopefully Florida allows plural memberships.  I won't demit.  If necessary I am willing to do the degrees again to satisfy Florida's requirements.

Tightlines,

According to http://bessel.org/pluralmemb.htm, Florida allows dual memberships (2 lodges), but not plural (more than 2).  So, you should be good.

dogsandhogs;
Thank you for that information.  I am glad to find out that what I want is possible.