New ish boyfriend - masonic lodge - weird?

[Creambun2]

Have been seeing a guy for just over three months now, all going well, seems a "normal" person (important for me after some awful relationships). However, this guy is part of masonic lodge and is asking me to come to some "ladies" night - sounds like some do from the 1930s or something.

AIBU to think this is a bit weird? He is in his early 30s. The only knowledge of the masonic world I have is that they used to deliver my grandmother a Christmas hamper every year after my grandfather died.

Why would a young bloke want to mess around in aprons doing "rituals" with loads of probably older men?! Is he going to suggest sex with aprons and gloves next

Anyone got any experience of this or been to one of these ladies nights ever?

My PIL are heavily involved in the Masons, my MIL especially so. I've been to Ladies nights (where the men pay their tributes to the women) and also gentleman's nights (where the women pay tribute to men). Personally it wasn't/isn't for me but it didn't harm anyone. A fancy dinner with a band, a dance and a raffle with all money going to charity. Neither sex seems to be opressed, just people having fun to raise money.

(@finally here) And as for only supporting charities which benefit them well my PIL tomorrow are going to NICU at the hospital my son was at to give them a hefty cheque from MIL's lodge. Yes this hospital helped their grandson but they will get nothing from this donation, just a year of intensive fundraising and hard work on their part to help other sick children.

And so what if they support each other, i.e. cheaper quotes for work, paying for private medical treatment etc. They consider each other family and I would support my family any way I could.

Personally I wouldn't join the Masonic but I can't understand the hatred on here.

I am saddened by the cruel and nasty attitude of some posters on this thread. There are so many inaccurate statements.

Firstly, there are bad people in all walks of life! I met a truly vile accountant, should all accountants be tarred with the same brush..?! If you met someone who is a git, and is Christian, would you take it that all Christians are gits?

Please, do not believe all the stories that have been going around for years, Masons are a proud bunch, and it is hurtful to be generalised.
They are just that, a group of people, who have similar interests. Some of them will enjoy their membership for what it is, a chance to socialise and feel like they are doing some good for their community. Others could try to abuse their membership to manipulate and for corruption. THIS IS THE SAME OF ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE!!!

There are NO conflicts of loyalties for members of law enforcement etc!! The ethos for Masons is that they believe that Family comes first, then Work, then Lodge. So, they should never do anything that would put their job or family life at jeopardy for lodge.

They are requested not to discuss religion or politics in Lodge, as everyone is equal.

It is not secret society, its a society with secrets,
Only in as such, as the member progress through the lodge and go higher up in the ranks they learn more about it, if it was widely known then it would spoil the enjoyment.

I feel very strongly about this, My DH has recently joined my father’s lodge, my dad’s dad, and my dad’s uncles, and a couple of his cousins were also in it. I’m proud that he has joined. All of you saying that ALL members are slimy, selfish, sexist etc etc are therefore calling most of the male members of my family these names. I can, hand on heart, promise you that none of my family are/were like that. They are kind and generous. Nearly everyone in my father’s lodge that I have met has been welcoming, and sincerely kind. They are not all white, and some are Muslim, and Jewish. There has been the odd few that join thinking that they can get a leg up in business, but that is seriously frowned on these days. These people don’t stay long.

MY father has been in it since before I was born and I have only seen good things from it. He is part of a lovely community of people, his lodge do a lot to raise money at each social event they do.
Examples of charities that they have raised money for are: Local Children’s hospice, Cancer charities, dementia charities etc. Thousands are given each year, they are very proud of it, and they don't get, nor want any publicity for it. My DS spent over a month on the local children’s ward. The Master that year wanted to do something for the ward as we had said how wonderful the play nurses had been, but the resources were limited (he had come to visit us in the hospital). So, he said that all money raised at the next social would be given to the ward. They also matched the amount raised from their funds, and nearly £1000 was given to the ward.

They do sometimes select charities that are close to the hearts of the members, the local hospice who had looked after the wife of a member for example. I see nothing wrong with this! Its just like an office bod running a cake sale for Macmillan after her mum was looked after by their nurses.

They also have a member whose role it is, is to stay in contact with the widows, and make sure they are all ok. “our” lodge, holds regular Widows tea afternoons to get them together, they are invited to social events, and Ladies’ nights. Should any of the members, or their partners become unwell he will keep in contact to see how they are, and if any help is needed. If he is aware of any members fall on hard times, they will offer to help out. I know of a washing machine being bought for a family for example.