Freemason Thinks White Balls are Killing Freemasonry - Guarding the West Gate - S3 E111

Freemason Thinks White Balls are Killing Freemasonry - Guarding the West Gate

In this episode of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, we are joined by Past Master Dave Yonts from Texas, who brings his wealth of experience and insight to the forefront to discuss one of the most vital topics in Freemasonry today: "Guarding the West Gate."

For those who may not be familiar, "Guarding the West Gate" refers to the idea of protecting the integrity of the fraternity by ensuring that only worthy individuals are granted entry. It's about quality over quantity—taking deliberate measures to safeguard the values and reputation of the Masonic fraternity by being mindful of who is allowed to join our ancient institution.

Past Master Dave Yonts doesn't hold back as he shares his candid thoughts on the modern state of Freemasonry and the challenges it faces in maintaining its historic values. He believes that the fraternity has, in many ways, lost its exclusivity by failing to adequately scrutinize petitioners. According to Yonts, the standards for membership should be set high, and the process of joining should be meaningful and thorough.

In his conversation, Yonts delves into the significance of visiting Lodges before deciding to accept a petitioner. He believes that getting to know the prospective Mason in a lodge environment is crucial for both the lodge members and the petitioner. It gives everyone a chance to assess if there is a true fit, and ensures new members are joining for the right reasons.

Yonts also discusses the process of completing petitions, emphasizing the need for transparency and honesty. This part of the discussion brings out the importance of understanding the petitioner's motivations and aspirations. The petition should not merely be a formality, but a meaningful step in the process.

One of the more striking parts of the conversation revolves around the role of Masonic investigations. Yonts highlights the importance of conducting in-depth investigations—not only with the petitioner but also at their home and with their spouse or family. According to him, this type of inquiry is essential in evaluating whether the individual aligns with Masonic principles and has the support needed from their family. Freemasonry is a lifelong commitment, and support from one's family is often an indicator of the stability and strength of a prospective candidate's dedication.

Yonts makes a bold statement by asserting that the fraternity needs to be more exclusive. He argues that too many "White Balls" (votes for acceptance) have been cast, leading to a decrease in the quality of membership. He explains that the traditional use of the Black Ball—a method used to reject a petitioner—should be employed more frequently when there are legitimate concerns. This idea may sound harsh, but Yonts believes that safeguarding the West Gate and keeping the fraternity exclusive is the only way to preserve its integrity, values, and rich traditions.

He doesn't see exclusivity as a negative but rather as a necessity for Freemasonry to thrive. By allowing almost anyone to join, the fraternity risks diluting its values, practices, and overall purpose. The Black Ball, in his view, is not an act of exclusion but rather an essential tool for protecting the craft from those who may not be ready or fit to uphold its commitments.

Yonts addresses the consequences the fraternity faces due to relaxed standards. He feels that by focusing more on numbers rather than the quality of individuals being admitted, the fraternity has suffered in its cohesion, the depth of its teachings, and its sense of community. The very principles that once attracted men of strong character are at risk of being overshadowed by the push for membership growth.

Dave Yonts' message is clear: it's time to return to the old ways of Freemasonry when the quality of its members mattered more than the quantity. It's not about being exclusionary for its own sake—it's about ensuring that every member who joins has the ability and commitment to live by the Masonic tenets of brotherly love, relief, and truth. This means having the courage to say "no".

#freemason #freemasonry #whiteball #guarding

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⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, any Grand Lodge or Shrine Center, and we encourage viewers to conduct their research and form their conclusions based on reliable sources and personal beliefs.

We get these questions often: What does the mysterious secret society of Freemasons actually do? Does this episode expose freemasonry and masonry? What about The New Order and The Illuminati? Is there a whole Secret world of Freemasons? We think not.