"What is it that Freemasons do that keeps you interested in remaining active?"

Ritual.

"What do you do that makes going to regular lodge meetings special or exciting?"

At this point, I'm still progressing and I'm still young in masonry. So much of it is still fresh and new and there's plenty that will be changing for me soon enough to keep it stimulating.

"What extra activities do you engage in that make you proud to proclaim your membership? "

Other masonic activities? Nothing. Association is enough for me right now.

<<What is it that Freemasons do that keeps you interested in remaining active? >>
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< What do you do that makes going to regular lodge meetings special or exciting?>

I am still progressing through Offices (about to become SW) and find the proficiency's required to advance an enjoyable challenge. However is it certainly not this alone that keeps me interested. At 34 I really enjoy exposure to older men who have held office, fought wars and had experiences I haven't that they are willing to communicate and discuss - they are often entertaining and many Freemasons are great raconteurs.. Some only think they are lol… You meet such men as "equals". Regardless of you position in society.

I also value being part of a group who value honour, honesty, integrity, volunteering and community work. It is simply nice to be with men who also value these things and think they are important…

The chance to communicate the values of the order through ritual full of beautiful language and ideas..

Brotherhood. This can exist in all different types of degrees (using the word not in the sense of a Masonic Degree) with the most powerful one being friendship. I particularly enjoy meeting men from varied political and religious backgrounds in tolerant and open fellowship. My Lodge has very wealthy men to men close to the skids - such "distinctions" in outside society melt away in Freemasonry…. It is a source of great hope to see things like Muslims and Christians and Jews sitting at the same table smiling, at ease not through silence but sharing…

Fun. We try to have it and usually succeed. Without Fun is might become boring and a chore.

When I first joined my proposer told me how he leaves lodge after a long and gruelling day invigorated by the experience. I now know exactly what he means..

Enthusiasm. Some of our moist enthusiastic members are over 70. I hope I have their attitude in my old age - especially if I get as infirm in body as some of them are… Some Freemasons often have "spark" until the moment of death ..

Education. Learning and teaching. This is not only that specifically masonic - but also hearing of the lives of my fellow brothers.

What extra activities do you engage in that make you proud to proclaim your membership?

I don’t proclaim my membership. If you ask me the straight question am I a member - I will always tell you - but not volunteer it. I have had clients for years and worked well and liked them without either of us knowing or trying to communicate we are Freemasons.. When you find out, the inevitable reaction is "That figures!"

Tribe is one of the few places I do proudly proclaim I am a Freemason. In real life you might have known me for years and not know I am a active Master Mason. This has nothing to do with shame. In many instances it is to avoid questions I can't answer. Often it is because people often think Freemasons are two headed devil worshiping freaks.

Here is a story from a Masonic chat board that expresses something about this..
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In a small town in mid-19th century America a young man said to his wife, "Mary, you have a shawl you never use. May I have it?"

She was puzzled for a few moments, but got the shawl. He thanked her and left the house. She was also suspicious, because several evenings during the past few months he had left after dinner without any explanation. He was never gone long, and when he returned he seemed to have an inner peace about him. He said nothing, and neither did she.

About a week later, Mary was shopping in the village when she saw her shawl again. She was shocked. It was on the shoulders of a beautiful young lady. Angrily Mary followed the girl to a shabby shack. Mary knocked on the door. The girl opened it and smiled when she saw the visitor. She held the door open and Mary stomped in.

As Mary looked around she saw an elderly lady propped up on a cot. The lady smiled and said; "How nice of you to visit us."

Mary was stunned. She did not really know what to say. The girl asked if she could fix her a cup of tea. Mary nodded and the girl turned to put a kettle on the stove.

While the water was heating, Mary said "I do not know exactly what to say, so I will tell you the truth. I saw my shawl on your daughter and I was furious. Last week my husband asked me for it, but didn't tell me why. I still don't understand how you have it."

The mother said "We have no idea who left it. We have no idea who has been doing some nice things for us for the past several months. Perhaps now we can solve the mystery. It started soon after my husband died. We had no money and I am unable to work. And Nancy couldn't find a job. We were desperate. We had no food and no fuel. Then one morning when Nancy opened the door she found several packages of food, clothing and coal on the doorstep. You have no idea what that meant to us.

"A short time later, along with more packages, Nancy found a note telling her to see Mr. Tompkins, the lawyer, if she would like a job. She did and Mr. Tompkins hired her. He sent a doctor to see, who has been coming regularly ever since. and he won't take any money. And we still find packages, but have no idea where they come from."

They drank their tea and chatted pleasantly for some time. The mysterious packages were mentioned from time to time. Suddenly Mary asked: "Was your husband a Mason?"

"Yes, he was," said the lady. "He loved his Lodge. I don't think he ever missed a meeting." A short time later Mary left, promising to visit often.

After dinner that evening, Mary worked on a quilt she was making while her husband read. She looked up from her work and said "I think I learned the great secret of Masonry today."

Her husband looked at her with alarm and asked, " And what is it?" Mary answered, "To do good and not say anything about it."