January 13^th came and went and nothing was made of it.  What’s the big deal about that date you ask?  One hundred and thirty-four years ago Biltmore Lodge was chartered by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina to operate as a ‘regular’ lodge.  Just ten months earlier Biltmore Lodge received permission to operate as a Lodge Under Dispensation, but having quickly met the requirements to become a regular lodge it received its Charter to operate as such. 

We can be forgiven for having forgotten that date as there is much going on in the world today to draw our attention.  But do you ever forget you are a Master Mason?  If you remember such, are you proud to be a Freemason?  I am but oddly, I don’t as a general rule wear Masonic jewelry on a daily basis to show that I am of the Craft.  My excuse is that I don’t want to damage my 14 ct. gold ring.  Yes, I know; it’s a poor excuse and one that I correct occasionally.  But why wear a ring, or frankly, any other Masonic jewelry?  You, the wearer, know that you are a Freemason; so why wear it?  The short answer is so that others will know you are a Mason. 

Last fall I was wearing a Masonic ring at my job.  It was noticed by a young man who boldly asked about my membership. I answered his questions as best as I could without revealing any of the secrets of our Craft.  Finally, he asked about membership.  I didn’t at first answer his question but instead asked him; ‘why would you seek membership’?  His simple answer stunned me.  He had run with the wrong crowd as a boy and teenager and had gotten into a minor amount of trouble but wisely looked at his past and current condition and realized he must associate with better men if he was to make anything of his life.  He knew a little of Freemasonry and having seen my ring decided to ask questions. He will soon be initiated and move forward to being what he desired.

Our membership numbers are shrinking, not only in Biltmore Lodge but also worldwide.  There was a time when being a Freemason was a big deal.  You wanted to be one because all of the men you admired in the community were Masons.  Sadly, this isn’t the case anymore.  Being counted among moral, upright men doesn’t carry very much weight in this ‘do as you please’ society but if you can be counted among that elite group you might find that you can influence a young man to become a better man.

Sadly, our membership numbers are declining but, in my estimation, Freemasonry has never been about quantity but rather quality.  We seek good men but sometimes those good men don’t know how to find us.  Make it easier by wearing Masonic jewelry and maybe you’ll make a difference in a young man’s life. 

Several years ago Biltmore Lodge established through our Bylaws that the Initiation Fee for the degrees will be $200.00.  Recently the Grand Lodge has added to the cost by implementing a $100.00 ‘New Member Packet’ fee.  This then brings the Total Fee to $300.00.  In addition to this there is a $33.50 Investigation Fee.

If someone wishes to petition Biltmore Lodge for The Degrees of Masonry please provide them a copy of the Form 17 Petition.  I have included a downloadable Form 17 (please print on front and back of page and not 2 sheets).  On the reverse side is the schedule of fees.  Please note that the Investigation Fee is to be paid separately and is not refundable in the event that the petitioner is rejected. 

Also, instruct the petitioner to answer all questions and provide all needed information and to sign it.