My name is Luke Collins. And I am A Freemason. My journey in Freemasonry began almost 20 years ago, I was 27 years old and searching for meaning and some purpose. I got more than I bargained for. It may not be an overbaked statement that becoming a Freemason changed the direction of my life entirely.

I joined the craft at a simpler time, I was one of a throng of people who joined off the back of the release of the book, “The DaVinci Code”. The idea of being a member of a secret society appealed greatly to my ego. A theme that would recur through my journey in the craft. Repeatedly.

The work of becoming

I can honestly say I was not ready for the selfless giving and service that is required of a Mason. One of the allegories of Freemasonry is the idea that the Mason is both the stone and the sculptor, it took a lot of work to get out of my own way and to accept the guidance of older and more experienced men, not only in the craft but how to conduct myself as a man in general.

Something not really taught much these days. In times past these things were taught in the guilds. Boys were sent off to become apprentices quite young and the older craftsmen were teachers, father figures and mentors. If I could say anything about Freemasonry it is that this is the most beautiful aspect. Being able to learn from stable, kind, gentlemen in how to be those things.

Finding my home

I joined my current lodge a few years after becoming a Mason. It took me a while to find my home. An older Mason took me under his wing, helped me learn not only the work within Freemasonry but living as a Mason outside the lodge and bringing what I learned in lodge into daily life.

Some simple skills and lessons are taught in Freemasonry. Applying them truly is a lifelong journey though.

Growing through responsibility

There are many aspects of myself that have been greatly improved by my journey. The most rewarding though by far has been what we call progressive office. After a Mason has been an active member of the lodge for a couple of years and progressed to the third degree, he is eligible to take positions of work within the lodge.

These responsibilities grow with each progression, each position lasting a year and then moving up a rung. From guarding the door, to organising the dinner, to eventually taking the chair as Master of the lodge. Each role teaches a skill: how to interact, how to give and receive instructions, and how to be part of something larger than yourself.

Skills that carry into life

Every year spent in one of these roles has helped me to develop and face challenges. Sometimes it’s public speaking, sometimes organising dinner for twenty people, sometimes being kind and tolerant of others, and other times admonishing with candour when things are not as they should be.

These are all useful skills outside of lodge and have placed me in good stead to build a life I want to take part in. More importantly, they have helped me become a productive member of my community.

To any man reading this

If developing yourself appeals to you, if being a better man appeals to you, this is a very unique way to obtain the privilege of growth and make friends for life. There is nothing I regret about becoming a Mason.

There is absolutely nothing stopping you. To be one, you need to ask one. So go and ask.