Posted: 9/1/2012 6:58:34 PM EDT
| I have been considering trying to join the Masons recently. The problem I have is I am military and I leave for Korea in about 1 month. My thinking is that it would be smarter for me to wait until I get back to start the process, especially since I am not currently slotted to come back to Fort Bragg. Is this wise thinking on my part or should I start the process now, thinking I won't be coming back to this area? |
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I have been told that there are plenty of brothers and lodges in the military in Korea. One of our brothers in my lodge was a Colonel in Korea and active in a Grand Lodge of Scotland lodge (if I remember correctly) in Korea before retiring and joining our lodge. I'm sure some of our military brothers could let you know.
I would considered petitioning in a regular recognized mainstream lodge in Korea. My biggest regret in Masonry is not joining sooner than later. Therefore, I suggest joining as soon as practical. Although, one month doesn't give you enough time in your current location. |
| Best to wait. I'm sure it varies a bit but from the time you submit your petition to a vote could be a couple of months. Then it will be at least three months to get through all three degrees depending on how often the lodge does degree work and how quick you are with the memory work. |
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How long are you going to be in Korea? Korea has 3 lodges chartered by the Grand Lodge of Scotland. I'd wait till i was home before joining a lodge in an area that I knew i would be stationed for longer than 6 months. Its going to take at least 5-6 months just to become Master Mason. You can take as long as you want, but thats is a bare minimum if you learn fast and can make every single meeting and practice. |
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Well if i am not mistaken, the Grand Lodge of Scotland holds the charter for the Masonic Lodges in Korea. If the rules are still as they were in the beginning, One year must elapse between degrees. That would mean it would take 2+ years in Korea. In the United States only One Month must elapse. I urge you to find the correct answers and you can do that by contacting http://www.grandlodgescotland.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=241 There is no Grand Lodge of the USA. Each State Governs themselves. Like many have said, it may be better to wait till you come home, although it may be an experience of a lifetime to join a Korean Lodge. |
| Joining a Korean lodge would be interesting. One of the great things about Freemasonry is that as long as you join a regular lodge you can go anywhere once you are a full member. You'll find little differences in the ritual work from state to state (especially between AF&AM and F&AM) but the principles are the same everywhere you go. |