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QUALIFICATIONS
Admission to membership in Freemasonry has always been limited to men, but
there are several appendant organizations for the Ladies and for the boys and
girls. There are also concordant organizations to which only Masons can
apply for membership, including the Scottish Rite, the Royal Arch, and the
Shriners, to name the largest and best know. These are a part of the
Masonic Family.
Freemasonry has no restrictions based on race, creed, ethnic origin or social
status.
As stated before, no one will openly invite a man to become a mason.
You must ASK ONE TO BECOME ONE
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The absolute requirements for becoming a Mason are:
Have belief in a Supreme Being (No particular religion or faith is required
or excluded. All are welcome.)
Be a man, at least 21 years old. (18 in some jurisdictions)
Be of good moral character
Be of good reputation
Be loyal to your country
Have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a
manner that will earn the respect and trust of others
You should be coming to Masonry "of your own free will and accord",
to learn to improve yourself and to enjoy the company of other good people, not
because someone keeps pestering you to join or because you think it will help
you "get ahead" in business.
You should be someone who does, or want to learn to, enjoy the company of
other men from all different social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races,
countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.
Dedicated to providing for your own family. If
you are a family man, Masonry considers that your family obligations come FIRST,
so you must be sure that:
- You have the time to participate (usually two or three evenings/month at
first for meetings and instruction, and then at least one evening
per month for meetings from then on -- often more if you get involved in
lodge activities.)
- You can afford the initiation fees and the annual dues without hardship to
yourself or your family.
Possess a desire to help others through community service
and universal benevolence
HOW DO
I BECOME A MASON
Follow these steps to become a member
To join, all you have to do is ask a Mason. Remember
Masons do not solicit for members. You'll need to express your personal
interest in joining the Fraternity.
- Preferably someone you know or at least who lives or works nearby, or...
- If you think that don't know any Masons in your area, you could post to
the newsgroup alt.freemasonry and ask that anyone who lives in your general
area reply to you, or...
- You can probably find nearby lodges listed in your phonebook. (White-pages
listings for lodges may be under "Masons", "Freemasons",
or "Masonic Temple", and the Grand Lodge would probably be under
"Grand Lodge of Masons"), or...
- Find your state's Grand Lodge in the Internet. Call or email them and ask
to speak to someone in the office of the Grand Secretary. Click here
for a List
of Grand Lodges Webpages. You must be connected to the Internet
- Once you have found someone you know who is a member
of the Fraternity, TELL HIM YOU WANT TO JOIN.
- The person will give you a petition to fill out.
You will get a "Petition for Membership" that you will have to fill
out completely and have members of the Lodge sign it recommending you for
membership. Once filled, return it to the person who gave you the petition
or go to the Lodge and give it to any member or the Secretary along with
your initial fees.
Your Petition for membership will be read at the next
Stated Meeting and afterwards an Investigated Committee will be appointed.
Your character will be investigated by the Investigating Committee. This is
done by three members who will meet with you, your family if so desire and
answer any questions
Your petition will be presented and voted upon by secret ballot by all lodge
member. All present members must accept you that is it must be unanimous.
- If accepted, you will be notified by the Lodge's Secretary to appear to
receive the first of three Degrees of Masonry. He is the only one
authorize to do so.
- If not accepted, the Lodge Secretary will notify you. and your initial
deposit will be returned to you
If accepted you will receive information on when you will begin your degrees
and your journey in Masonry begins
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