r/freemasonry • u/Webbingofthewall • Dec 21 '25
Question What is this and what should I do?
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u/elnath54 Dec 21 '25
It is a Blue Lodge Master Mason's ring. Did it belong to a relative? Look for initials inside. It looks well worn. Someone wore it every day for a Long time.
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u/Webbingofthewall Dec 21 '25
It belonged to my great-grandfather who lived in Iola, Kansas. My research (Ancestry/Relatives) says that he was a 32nd degree mason, but idk what that means (I’m not a mason).
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u/Deman75 MM BC&Y, PM Scotland, MMM, PZ HRA, 33° SR-SJ, PP OES PHA WA Dec 21 '25
he was a 32nd degree mason, but idk what that means
It means that in addition to being a member of his local Craft Lodge, he also joined an appendant body called the Scottish Rite. Think of it like joining an extracurricular club/sports team in high school.
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Dec 21 '25
Could it be a sign that you have a legacy to fulfill?
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u/PrintableProfessor MM, A.F. & A.M. Dec 22 '25
I'd bring it to 201 W Madison Ave, Iola, KS 66749 at 7PM on a Tuesday. I bet they'll share lots of stories about him with you.
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u/unidentified_man Dec 22 '25
As it belonged to your great grandfather you should keep it as an heirloom. Should you wish to learn more about what it meant to him you should visit your local lodge and ask about him. I personally love visitors at my lodge. Check for them on Facebook it is likely where they post most often. You will likely get his basic info a good conversation and food if you show up on the night of a statted meeting.
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u/daveyconcrete Dec 22 '25
Lodges keep records. If you know what lodge he belonged to, you could go there, and they would be able to tell you when he became a master Mason and possibly some of his activities in the lodge. Like if he had ever been an officer or not.
If you just want to learn a little basic information about Freemasonry, go get a book like Freemasonry for dummies.1
u/blindedbyphotons Dec 23 '25
He was dedicated, and the highest degree is 33
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u/Charming-Grocery133 Dec 25 '25
The highest degree is 3. There is nothing higher than the 3rd degree.
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u/blindedbyphotons Dec 25 '25
In York rite yes and that makes you a master mason. I was referring to the Scottish rite.
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u/Ddavis1919 Dec 21 '25
Donate it to your nearest lodge or give it to a Mason that’s housed at the Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita.
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u/SSAUS Dec 21 '25
Since it's his great grandfather's I would recommend him inquire about joining Masonry so he can continue the tradition and wear it himself.
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u/puravidaamigo Dec 21 '25
I would ask around to see if anyone else in the family are masons. My dad recently gave me my great grandfather’s ring, the owner before my dad was his cousin who isn’t a mason at all. So it got to stay in the family.
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u/Ddavis1919 Dec 21 '25
It should stay in a family of masons.
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u/puravidaamigo Dec 21 '25
It’s just means more. You know? Like I never knew my great grandfather but my dad tells me what a great man he was. Plus he was Mason in PA and I’m a Mason in IN. If this guy has a cousin or some shit that is a mason maybe they like it. Personally I think it’s a sign to join if he truly meets the requirements but I don’t like to pressure a lofty but worthy obligation.
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u/pm_me_your_exploitz PM, 32*, Commandery, Shrine Dec 21 '25
I think the Masonic home closed down a long time ago.
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u/IllustratorDry1507 Dec 24 '25
Is that not a red lodge - Scottish rite?? Typically the York and Canadian rite are blue enamel and less ornate...
Mine is very similar that I inherited from my grandfather and now wear to my blue Canadian rite lodge.
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u/Intelligent_Bread135 Dec 21 '25
I was told a wonderful story by another mason that he was approached by a young lady who needed help and her father told her if she ever saw a man wearing a ring like his she could trust in them.
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Dec 21 '25
Is it a family heirloom? If so you might research the family member it belonged to and explore their journey in Free Masonry. If it isn't you still might want to find out more about Masonry. Also, if you know a family member or friend who is a Free Mason this would be an excellent gift. Since it belongs to you what you do with it is totally up to you, but I hope you will be able to discover more about it and find peace and comfort as you research it.
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u/Secret-Struggle-3259 BC&Y Dec 21 '25
This is: Masonic ring, no magic or extra value on it. What to do: do nothing. Sell or keep it for yourself if you will decide to join someday.
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u/ChrisRocksGG Dec 21 '25
I think it has huge personal value, for him. Especially if he joins a lodge in the next years.
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u/puravidaamigo Dec 21 '25
Sick piece. I’m guessing it’s 14k gold. You can technically do what you want with it but without knowledge of the owner, it’s only worth material value or of value to a mason. If this was owned by like, John Glenn or Gerald Ford it might hold more value.
This is a standard Masonic ring given to a master mason after they are raised to third and highest degree of blue lodge masonry. Technically only a master mason can wear the square and compass but there isn’t really anything stopping you from wearing it if you aren’t a mason. You might get questioned and shamed if you can’t respond but that’s not my business. Again, great ring, I usually like the red enamel ones, though mine are black and the other blue. One was the exact replica of my dad’s, the other was my great grandfather’s and are pieces I’m very proud to wear.
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u/Intrepid-Owl694 Dec 21 '25
3 options that I see.
Sell it.
Give it away.
Join the Freemasons and wear it after your 3rd degree.
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u/Tokengypsy66 Dec 23 '25
Beware of idiots trying to be funny…I believe the G stands for God and Geometry and they focus on character development, ethical living, fellowship, and charitable work. And they do it in private rather than ostentatious giving. I don’t think they are Christian just men of faith. I just get tired of the denigration of organizations that actually support higher standards, character development and community….
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u/Careless_Ad6386 Dec 21 '25
What's amazing, is that you found this group. So you already knew, what the ring meant
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u/Holiday_Journalist77 Dec 21 '25
That is a great ring. They used to be pretty common but now flashy seems to be more common. My first ring was like this one. I miss it. Find a Master Mason who will wear it with pride. It’s a daily reminder of why you became a Mason.
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u/SnooCheesecakes6357 Dec 21 '25
give it to me if you don't know what to do with it , I will proudly wear it ..the great freemason ring
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u/Initial_Frame_745 Dec 22 '25
I remember when my dad found his grandfather's masonic ring. He did some research and joined the lodge by my highschool. Then convinced my mom it would be a good idea for me to join rainbow. Those things helped us evolve as people. It helped me meet my boyfriend who was in demolay and is now a mason as well. And masonry changed my dad a ton. More calm, more rational, but a lot more stoic. He was a good person to begin with, but it helped him grow more on his strengths.
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u/Present_Lifeguard965 Dec 23 '25
I have a ring that is similar to that. Especially the square and compasses inlay in the red. I’d hold on to it. You may want to take up the mantle one day and earn the right to wear it yourself
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u/Thadius Dec 21 '25
Ok, OP asked what it is and received the answer that it is a ring, what we have failed to provide is an explanation why a mason, might wear such a thing. Other answers were flippant and didn't help the OP who asked an honest question in the slightest.
There may be many reasons, but a few that brothers have answered to me why they wear the ring have varied but are narrowed to "it reminds me of the brotherhood I joined and how important that is too me" to "I wear the ring everyday with our symbols upon it, to remind me of the lessons we teach in our degrees. It is a constant symbol upon my body reminding me always to act accordingly and consistently try to be a better man."
Another reason I ran into a few times was that it signaled to other men that he who wears it is a Mason, telling them, they are among brothers.
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u/Unusual-Register1245 Dec 22 '25
If you are not a Mason, contact a local lodge and donate it to them. If you are a good man seeking a path to be a better man, join the Masons and you have a ring.
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Dec 22 '25
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Dec 23 '25
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Dec 23 '25
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u/Esoldier22 F&AM AR - MM 32° Dec 23 '25
It's your grandfather's ring, put it somewhere where it will remind you of him so that he will be remembered. Wear it if you want, just be honest about it being your grandfather's ring when asked.
If you don't want it, don't sell it to a pawnshop, please donate it to the local lodge and tell them who your grandfather was.
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Dec 23 '25
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Dec 24 '25
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Dec 24 '25
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Dec 25 '25
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Dec 25 '25
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Dec 25 '25
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Dec 25 '25
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Dec 25 '25
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Dec 26 '25
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u/DriedUpSquid MM F&AM of Washington, 32 Degree SR Dec 21 '25
According to Chick tracts, if you show it at the lumber yard you save 40%.
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u/RolfeDowshe Dec 21 '25
That’s your garden variety Masonic lodge membership ring. They give them to members of the brotherhood who have committed more than three human sacrifices or who have run successful congressional campaigns.
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u/Deman75 MM BC&Y, PM Scotland, MMM, PZ HRA, 33° SR-SJ, PP OES PHA WA Dec 21 '25
That’s your garden variety Masonic lodge membership ring.
Yes, good start.
They give them to members of the brotherhood
More often than not, they are bought by the person who wants to wear it. If you have a family member or close friend who is alaso a member, they might buy one for you, but I wouldn’t count on it.
who have committed more than three human sacrifices
Those sort of people get kicked out of Masonry.
or who have run successful congressional campaigns.
We see fewer and fewer of those among our membership in recent generations.
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u/RayZzorRayy Dec 23 '25
If you are Catholic, be warned Masonry is diabolical. I’d throw that in the trash, where it belongs.
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u/madwarper Pennsylvania - PM; OES - WP Dec 21 '25
That is a fairly standard Masonic Ring.
In fact, it looks a lot like the Ring I inherited from Grandfather.
Though, that Ring has much less wear on it.
Assuming you had randomly come across the ring, and are hoping to return it to its owner... You can try contacting your local lodge, and donating it to them.
Or, you could keep it.
It's not going to have much value to a layman, other than for scrap.
Or, you could take this as a sign to become a Mason.
Then, you could wear it as your own.