Becoming
a Freemason
In order to join
the fraternity of Freemasonry, you must ask a member how
you may join. This is done to ensure that you come into
Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of
material gain. You get out of Freemasonry only what you are
willing to put into it.
If the Freemason you ask believes you will be a positive
addition to the fraternity, he will give you a petition for
membership in his local or Blue Lodge. All men have to go
through the same initiation procedure, regardless of their
worldly wealth or position.
In a Masonic Lodge, the President of the United States
would be considered equal to the newest member. When
Washington, Truman, or the Roosevelts sat in Lodge, they
were addressed as Brother. Everyone is "on the level" and
is judged by how he lives in the community and upholds the
tenets of the Fraternity. As long as he is "on the square"
with his brethren, he will be well regarded.
Your petition will be read in open Lodge and a Committee of
Investigation formed. This Committee will visit you and
talk with your family. The Committee will give a report in
open Lodge and the membership votes by secret ballot. A
successful ballot means you will have been elected to
membership by initiation.
The three degrees you will then receive teach serious moral
and ethical lessons. When you complete your third or Master
Mason Degree, you will be a full-fledged member. As a
Master Mason, you have many rights and privileges,
including visitation privileges to sit in Masonic Lodges
throughout the world.
Masonry is a family organization, and Lodge activities
frequently include the families. There are also other
related organizations for specific members of the family,
such as youth. Our youth groups are the Order of DeMolay
for boys and Job's Daughters and the Order of the Rainbow
for girls. For the ladies there are the Order of Eastern
Star, White Shrine, and the Amaranth. Each group or order
has its particular charity that it works to support.
If YOU believe what you have just read is for you, then it
is up to you to take the next step. Remember, you must ask
for a Petition for Membership if you want to become a
Freemason. The extent of your participation in your Lodge
activities will determine your effectiveness.
We look forward to greeting you as a Brother
Freemason.
