An Irish Kiwi Freemason On Charity And Belonging

Send us a text and let us know what topic you would like to hear next!He starts by saying the quiet part out loud: he researched Freemasonry because he believed it was evil. From there, Tony Fallon takes us through the real-world moments that challenged the conspiracy narrative, from visible Masonic charity in New Zealand to the people he met once he actually knocked on the door in Christchurch. If you’ve ever wondered what Freemasons do and why the symbols matter, this is a grounded, human answer from an Irish Kiwi.We talk about the practical shape of Freemasonry in Aotearoa New Zealand: the three craft degrees, what the Royal Arch adds, and why Tony finds the Cryptic degrees so moving. He also breaks down roles that sound mysterious until you hear the day-to-day reality, including what a grand steward does during installations and official visits, and how tools like the Masonica app support lodge life behind the scenes. Along the way, we touch on joining different orders, meeting brethren in unexpected places, and the surprising amount of volunteer work that keeps the craft running.The heart of the conversation is culture. Tony makes a strong case for better communication, more patience with newer members, and less ritual nitpicking that embarrasses people or pushes them out. He also shares thoughtful advice for anyone considering joining: do enough research to understand the tenets, avoid getting lost in dodgy online “ritual” dumps, spend time meeting people, and don’t rush the process. If you care about Freemasonry, membership retention, and building a lodge that feels safe and welcoming, you’ll get plenty to think about.Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode with a mate who’s curious, and leave us a review so more people can find the show. What’s the biggest myth or question you’ve heard about Freemasonry in New Zealand?Masonica - Connecting FreemasonsMasonica, the official Freemasons New Zealand app.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575492416064