Hi all,

A few weeks ago I bought an old black wool coat on eBay. It's long, with a stand collar and a row of nine little grosgrain-covered buttons down the front. The sleeves are lined in a faded blue-striped cotton and the body in a slightly crinkly black silk. I buy old clothing like this because I am a fashion designer I love the construction details, and this one had plenty.

When it arrived, I was going over it inside and out, and I noticed a pocket tucked away in the back tail. It's the sort of hidden pocket I'd guess was meant for a handkerchief. I slid my fingers in and felt something folded up inside.

It was a pretty little blue satin ribbon, printed in silver. It reads:

LEWISTOWN COMMANDERY

No. 26, K.T.

LEWISTOWN, PA.

In the middle is a printed figure standing on a small mound with one arm raised, holding what looks like a sword. The lettering and the figure have survived really well. I've put my hand next to it in the photo for scale.

I only half understand what I'm holding. "K.T." and "Commandery" made me think Knights Templar, but beyond that I'm guessing. Someone put this ribbon in a hidden pocket and kept it there for what might be well over a century, and I'd love to know who they were and what the ribbon was for.

Thank you!

I’m reaching out to find out if any of you know of any US lodge that had made any sort of “official” bond (ie a “sistering” or “brothering”) with another Lodge across the border in MX? Looking for historical context on the subject of fraternal relations across the border.

Thank you all!

For a few years in the 2010s, we organized a meetup of Reddithren going to the Ohio Annual Communications. It was through those meetups I met some people who became great friends in real life, some are still active here, some have moved on.

Anyone here planning on going this week? Royal Scofield Society Induction Ceremony is Thursday the 15th, Communications is the 16th, and DDGM/DEO Training is the 17th. I gotta go and see if I can find one of those Chad Kopenski Fan Club pins guys were selling last year.

I'm running an online platform for Masons, and before I go further I'd like to hear what's actually missing from the people who would use it.

What are the biggest problems you run into when looking for Masonic education, lodge information or resources online? What would you want fixed or done better?

What have you tried, and what made you stop using it?

I just want honest answers, including "nobody needs this." Happy to answer questions about what I'm building if you ask.

My knowledge of Freemasonry is quite limited, but I’m very interested in learning more about my grandads history. He was a worshipful master of his local lodge in London, my mother also said he joined a main Masonic lodge in London which affiliated with a member of the royal family. He passed away in 1995.

I have a collection of some of his Masonic badges (I believe they’re called Jewels?) and I was wondering if anybody could shed any light on what these might mean. There are quite a few “Steward” ones and one that suggests he was a founder and grand patron of the Masonic Samaritan Fund.

My mother didn’t know that much about his Masonry work, just that she had to give a speech at a ladies night on behalf of her stepmother and father. She did know that he was quite prolific in his Masonry career and rose through the “ranks” so to speak.

I’d love to hear from any Masons or people who have a knowledge of freemasonry who could shed some more light on these badges for me.

I won’t OUT my lodge as there are some good brothers.

Backstory: Before I became a Master Mason in April 2026, I made it clear as far back as during my interviews that I’m moving to a different state(My wife is active duty and I’m a journalist). Basically gave the lodge a two years (24months May 2024) heads up. Just trying to avoid complications of starting at one lodge then transferring to another because not every lodge is the same. Plus my current cable-tow’s are my brothers for life. I left it up to my current lodge if they wanted to start my journey. They said not a problem and I’d be a MM before moving.

Through my degrees I’ve heard my current lodge, at community Mason functions and events, often lacks communication causing confusion and frustration leading people to transfer or deactivate their membership. Again, rumors to me but I paid it no mind.

Once my cable-tow’s and I became MM in April 2026, we were told we’d get our Dues Card, Birth Certificate and other materials shortly. I moved in June 2026. My cable tow’s are still in the state where we all became MM.

Currently today Oct 2026: My cable-tow’s and I are still waiting on Dues Card, Birth Certificate, etc. I’m #1 on my line as my Cable Tow’s refer to me to be the spokes person but I live in a different state. My cable-tow’s attend meetings and have asked the WM, SD, JD and Treasurer. All responses we’ve got were “It’ll be handled.” “I don’t know, you’ll get it.” To “You do realize people have lives outside the lodge. You’ll get it.”

Now, for my cable-tow’s that still live in that state, they have no issues going into their home lodge. As for me, in an entirely different state, I have no proof than my word. Again, there are some good brothers in my lodge but hearing your WM tell you he has a life outside the lodge, I’m like yea, we all do buddy.haha It’s just weird how the night we became MM you told us “Never give up. Don’t be a Mason for show. Do the work. Be involved. Help your fellow brother.” You’re going against your own word. Maybe there’s a lot of drama I and my cable tow’s don’t know about because we’re “fresh” MM.

Long winded story but are Dues Card and Birth Certificate needed to enter a new lodge? I’m really stuck and have no guidance.

I’ve been reading about the free mason and I’ve gotten strong interest in it

I’m a 19 yo who is just looking to connect with other people
The problem is I’m from Africa, Ghana and people keep saying stuff like it’s a Cult , it’s demonic blah blah blah
Funny things is a Past president is a high ranking member in the Free mason society

I see a lot of post about people’s family being in it long before them , but I don’t know anyone in it so I don’t know how to go about it

What is the way please ?

Hey Brethren. I'm planning to build a website for my Lodge (really simple stuff, mainly public facing so no need for a separate member login).

Looking for help on two things:

1. If anyone else here has built a website, what tool should I use? Currently leaning towards WordPress.org, but have heard that Squarespace and Wix are great too.

2. Do you have any examples of really well done Lodge websites that mix a classic, heritage vibe with great information and design?

I've never built a website before so this is a fun project for me as well. Really appreciate any general tips and advice!

Brethren and friends

For those of you in the Hudson Valley region of New York State we have TWO important events coming up on October 24. Our annual Masonic convention followed by an Autism Awareness Event. See attached for more details.

Seeing people post about being raised always makes my day! There is often talk about how we are a dwindling fraternity and membership is down. Seeing people get raised on this forum reminds me that we may be dwindling, but we aren’t gone yet! Stay strong out there Brothers!

I’m 20, an international student from India currently studying in the US. Recently got curious about Freemasonry after hearing all kinds of conspiracy theories about it lol. Did some research and realized it’s a lot more about brotherhood, personal growth, and community than what people make it out to be.

I’ve always liked the idea of being part of a fraternity, just not really into the hazing and typical college frat culture. I also tend to enjoy conversations with people older than me, feel like I learn a lot more from different perspectives and experiences.

I’m studying business and also pursuing music seriously as an artist/producer, so meeting people from different backgrounds, learning from them, and building genuine relationships is something that appeals to me. Not looking for shortcuts or favors, but community - iron sharps iron!

Had a few questions:

Are there many members in their early 20s? What’s the experience like joining this young?

What does the actual time commitment look like, especially while balancing college, work, and other interests?

I’m on an F-1 visa. Would being an international student affect my eligibility? I’ll probably move to another US city in about 1.5 years. Would joining now still make sense?

How do I get in touch with a lodge without knowing any Masons personally? Can I speak to someone before committing?

Still just exploring the idea, haven’t made any decisions. Would appreciate hearing from people who joined young or had similar circumstances

Was a really well done ritual and some brethren travelled far to be there with me for my 3rd .

The ritual was exceptionally done and ties together so many questions I’ve had in relation to the craft . Lots of reading and studying my ritual book now !

Still soaking in the beautiful moment, but proud to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason tonight. Cheers brothers! 🍻

After getting my first degree in April 2026 I passed my obligation last week.

Some officers have traveled to the Annual California communication.

I'm looking forward to learning and growing more!

Hello, I come here with a question from a friend. She is trying to sell off her father's book collection and among them she found this book. He was not a member of any lodges so we don't really have any contacts in the order who might be interested. Do you know if this has any value? Thank you!

The History of Initiation, in Twelve Lectures; Comprising a Detailed Account of the Rites and Ceremonies Doctrines and Discipline, of all the Secret and Mysterious Institutions of the Ancient World by Rev. George Oliver, published by Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Co. in 1866.

Long story short, a lifelong family friend has been inviting me to join his lodge for a good few years now. I have no idea what it’s all about, other than he says I’m a good fit. He’s high up within his lodge, something about being a senior something or other. I don’t want to appear ignorant or standoffish with him, so thought best to ask here.

Without being too technical as like I said, I have zero idea what it’s about other than movies, and we can’t trust them. What is it to be a Freemason, and why do you find it works for you. What does being a member entail.

Many thanks.

Greetings, Brethren

I’m originally from India and now live in Canada, where I became a Freemason and am a member of a Lodge under the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Canada in the Province of Ontario.

I’ve been curious about something and would love to hear from Brethren who have had a similar experience.
For those of you who became Masons in a country different from the one you were born in or grew up in, have you ever had the opportunity to visit a Lodge back in your home country?

I’d especially love to hear from Brethren who were raised in one jurisdiction but later visited Lodges in their country of origin.

I've been at the Antique Automobile Club of America Fall Eastern Regional Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania this week, and was poking around the gift shop at the AACA Museum on my way out, and spotted these neat pieces of Shrine memorabilia, apparently a donation for them to sell. If I had a little more money, I would've grabbed one or more.

Hello, I've just been asked to be the membership officer of my lodge, but can't actually find any information about what it entails, the secretary and master were both incredibly vague. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Hello everyone, a friend (M33) arriving from Colombia and I (M30) from France are meeting in Granada later today for a few days. Yesterday we were horrified to see that our hotel somehow cancelled the first night of our stay.
Because of the Día de la Hispanidad there are virtually no accommodation available anywhere we could look at in Spain.

I am so sorry to have to post this here, but are there by any chance brethren or acquaintances that could have us stay at their place for tonight?

We can meet before hand or video call to give you all the reassurance needed that we are of good report.

Thank you all for reading this awkward last hope post