The Door In

I wasn't too sure what to expect or think of this Investigation committee. Three strangers coming into my home to talk to me and my family. What would they think of me? My life? My home? I was nervous.

It was kind of funny my wife quipped that I was not even as nervous about our wedding! I just explained to her that this was a long time coming, and that I just did not know what to expect.

Before the investigation committee came I went against my nature and tried to prepare by looking up on the web what to expect from an "Investigation Committee". Like the Internet often does all it did was instill more nervousness because all my results ranged from "Nothing to worry about" to "Expect to be grilled."

What I found instead was a group of three Brothers that simply wanted to get an unbiased feel for me, to make sure I didn't have any concerns, and most importantly to make sure that my wife did not have any questions or concerns about this group of men that would be taking some of my time away.

We chatted about my background. A little about what would be expected of me. Reaffirmation that it was what I really wanted. That it would be a lot of work, but worth it. And reaffirmed that I believe in a supreme being.

After about a 45 minute meeting they said thank you, told me that if their report was in favour they would ballot on my petition and told me that I would hear from someone at the lodge, and took their leave.

I felt quite good about the meeting, that it went well, but still in the back of my mind I had a lingering concern "What if one of them didn't like me?"

I knew when the lodge meetings were in my town, and a week after the meeting with still no phone call I started to get worried that maybe they weren't in favor of me joining. Did they find I was not worthy of the mysteries of Freemasonry?

As it turned out, I was informed by my bowling teammate (who is the current worshipful master of the lodge) that there was simply a clerical error made because he and most of the officers were new, that my petition hadn't been posted in the monthly notice to inform the brethren of the ballot, so they could not ballot on my petition that month, but would be at their next meeting.

Phew! I thought it was far worse than that!

Next months meeting came, and the very next day I was contacted by the W.M at my work! He told me that my ballot was in the affirmative, and told me that I was to report to the lodge in two months (June 21st 2011) for my initiation. But that my wife and I were invited to their annual pin award supper. I was absolutely elated!

I will end my story here for tonight as we are rapidly catching up to present day. I will really only have one more post before June 21st, which will highlight that awards night supper. Thanks for reading and good night!