Any Master Masons out there?

[Robert Caffyn]

We had a "black balling" last night at the lodge. First time for me to see how this played out. Looks like this is gonna cause some tensions amongst the membership. Anybody else with experience on this? What was done to keep the lodge from tearing itself apart? Thanks, Bob, Senoir Deacon, Mariners Lodge #150

 

[user 64972]

MM since 1987/88, Alpha Lodge # 729, Kettering, Ohio. Scottish Rite also. I was in line once and sped right up to filling in for the Senior Deacon. I dropped out of line after acouple years. Too little time with work, family and all! Not sure how some brothers juggle all the functions. Never seen that happen in my lodge. I think it must be a rareity.

 

[CobraXP]

Perpetual member of Stockbridge Lodge #691, Stockbridge, GA; since 1996 (app was in on my 21st B-Day). :grin:



I have only heard of one black ball at a lodge in my life (from people I know anyway). They said that one was expected, so no turmoil from it. It is one of those things that is hard to take sides on. My personal feeling is that I would have a hard time BB'ing a person. Even knowing that a person was not necessarily 'right' for a lodge because of past knowledge of their life - the lodge and experiences from it might be the one thing that turns a person around - and that would be the one thing that would keep me from BB'ing them. I think the only thing that would make me do it is that I knew they were there not to join the lodge for themselves, but because they had ill intentions toward the lodge or someone within the fraternity.



If it is the first time it has happened, I might suggest opening a dialogue in the next meeting to not necessarily discuss the person that was blackballed, but to start by discussing the effects of it and why a BB would be given. Opening the dialogue and conversation would also open the conversation about the person that received it. The investigation group passed them, so there may be other insight that comes out to change a person's mind. It could change a for the positive, or depending on the conversation, might show it was deserved.



Without ever being involved in one, it is hard to know exactly how to react. But I would make sure all sides stay civil and professional. Remembering we are brothers is the best outcome...

 

[Robert Caffyn]

The Grand Master of the State of New Jersey was contacted last Tuesday morning(after the vote) to see if he could overturn it, he said no. However, the candidate may reapply in 4 weeks if he so desires. Private conversations have been happening since. All are very curious to know who it is. Some are even questioning various members. There are a few suspicions out there, and would hate to see a brother falsely accused. I mean, thats why we have a "secret ballot" right? Don't know how its going to turn out, but somebody(s) either gonna be found out or be pissed enough at the accusation that they would leave. Bob

 

[Johnny O]

I never got the blackballing thing, always figured it should be a majority vote. I'm not a Mason but a business networking group I belong to blackballs too, or rather one "Nay" vote is enough to keep someone out. It's an open Yay or Nay vote.