Membership

About Freemasonry

In an increasingly divisive world, many people are looking for unity and purpose to help guide their way. Compassion and respect are much more important now than ever before. Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the world, open to those of all backgrounds. The organization’s aim is empower members to be the best they can be, both for themselves and society around them. It does this by providing a structure of support to help them make positive contributions to their local communities, whether it be through fundraising events or volunteer work. In an uncertain world, the Masonic principles of integrity, respect and charity ring as true today as they ever have before.

What is Freemasonry?

It is commonly believed that the Masonic fraternity evolved out of a guild of stone-masons dating from the middle-ages. As the centuries passed, many people in society became members of those masonic guilds and by the early enlightenment era, Freemasonry had become a purely social and fraternal institution which preserved the traditions and practices of those original guilds.

Despite common opinion, Freemasonry is not a political or religious organisation. In fact those two topics are not to be discussed at any Masonic meeting. Freemasonry enables men from different parts of society to meet together as equals, regardless of religious background, political leaning, class or any other social category. Members of the Freemasons therefore quickly make close friends and acquaintances from many different walks of life.

Freemasons meet together in individual units called Lodges. Lodge meetings are fundamentally private assemblies where the business of a Lodge takes place. While there are traditions and formalities within the Fraternity, much of a Lodge meeting is taken up with simple business such as minutes, correspondence and other items that would usually be found on the agenda of a Committee.

Becoming a Freemason

The Essential Qualification for Membership: The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute. Any man of the age of 21 may join, regardless or ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion although he is expected to have a faith.

Many people assume that to become a Freemason, one must be invited to join. This is not correct. In fact, while members might encourage their friends to join, they do not typically recruit or invite candidates for membership.

A person who is interested in joining is encouraged to simply ask a member. Even if you don’t know a member and wish to join, visit any of the masonic websites listed on the contact page above and a member of the Lodge Staff will be happy to deal with your enquiry.

Becoming a Freemason is like going on a journey: from joining as an Entered Apprentice, it typically takes one or two years to become a Master Mason, with each of the three stages marked by a special ceremony.

[Source: Grand Lodge of Ireland]

Freemasonry and Society

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in ay way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

Charity: From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Secrecy: The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.

Freemasonry and Politics: Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.

Other Masonic Bodies: Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England. There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters. Such Lodges and bodies are not recognized by the regular Grand Lodges as being Masonic ally regular, thus Masonic contact with them is mostly discouraged or forbidden.

Conclusion: A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbor through charity and service. None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.

[Source: MWPHGL]

The Structure of Freemasonry

At first glance the structure of Freemasonry seems complex, overwhelming and mysterious. In some ways it can be, given the many orders and sub-social aspects that have been added over time and considering the different traditions throughout the world.

The Structure of Freemasonry
{click image for large color version}

American Freemasonry resembles two sets of stairs that begin and end together, as this chart of Masonic structure shows. A Mason's first step is to become an Entered Apprentice. He climbs to the third step where most Masons stay. If he wants to go on in Masonic hierarchy, he enters either the Scottish or York rites. Many authorities say the Scottish Rite was begun by Scots emigrés in France; the York Rite is named after York, England where, by legend, the first Masonic body was organized.

In the Scottish Rite a Mason climbs 30 steps, or degrees. The name he takes on at each degree is written on each step in chart. Where there are two names the top is used by northern Masons, the italicized one by southern Ma- sons. Some figures a Mason meets in Rite ceremonies stand on the steps (from bottom): King Solomon, King Cyrus, acolyte, George Washington. Sultan. Each degree teaches a moral. To earn degree candidate learns the moral and participates in ceremony dramatizing it. A 32° is the highest degree a Mason can earn. The 33° is awarded by the Supreme Council, ruling body of the Rite.

A Mason in York Rite advances 10 degrees, known by name and not by degree number. On chart arc figures he meets at each degree or the degree symbol. Figures are: temple workman, Past Master (Virtual), Israel tribesman, High Priest of Jews, King Hiram of Tyre, Knight of Malta, Knight Templar, equal in prestige to 33° in Scottish Rite. Under the arch are organizations allied to Freemasonry. Master Masons are eligible for Grotto and Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Girls with a Mason in the family can join Job's Daughters or Rainbow Girls;women, the Eastern Star: boys, DeMolay. Only 32° Masons or Knights Templar can join the Shrine. Shriner's wife can be a Daughter of the Nile. Most important of many Masonic symbols are the open Bible with square and compass on it (left); Solomon's temple (belom Bible), and the C with the all-seeing eye inside (upper right). In the U.S. the G stands for God.

SCOTTISH RITE: 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General 32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret - Master of the Royal Secret 31° Grand Inspector Inquisitor - Commander lnspector Inquisitor 30° Grand Elect Knight K-H - Knight Kadosh 29° Knight of St. Andrew - Scottish Knight of St. Andrew 28° Knight of the Sun - Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept 27° Commander of the Temple - Knight Commander of the Temple 26° Prince of Mercy 25° Knight of the Brazen Serpent 24° Prince of the Tabernacle 23° Chief of the Tabernacle 22° Prince of Libanus - Knight of the Royal Axe 21° Patriarch Noachite - Noachite or Prussian Knight 20° Master Ad Vitam - Master of the Symbolic Lodge 19° Grand Pontiff - Pontiff 18° Knight of the Rose Croix of H.R.D.M. - Knight Rose Croix 17° Knight of the East and West 16° Prince of Jerusalem 15° Knight of the East or Sword - Knight of the East 14° Grand Elect Mason - Perfeet Elu 13° Master of the Ninth Arch - Royal Arch of Solomon 12° Grand Master Architect - Master Architect 11° Sublime Master Elected - Elu of the Twelve 10° Elect of Fifteen - Elu of the Fifteen 9° Master Elect of Nine - Elu of the Nine 8° Intendant of the Building 7° Provost and Judge 6° Intimate Secretary 5° Perfect Master 4° Secret Master 3° Master Mason 2° Felloweraft 1° Entered Apprentice

- Order of Knights Templar - - Order of Knights of Malta - - Order of the Red Cross - Super Excellent Master Select Master Royal Master YORK RITE: Royal Arch Mason Most Excellent Master Past Master (Virtual) Mark Master ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS: AAONMS Shrine Daughters of the Nile Tall Cedars of Lebanon Order of the Eastern Star Grotto MOVPER Job's Daughters Rainbow Girls Order of DeMolay

Looking at the illustration above, we can get a good idea of the basic structure of Freemasonry. The bottom 3 steps leading up the structure above represent the 1st 3 degrees in Masonry (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft & Master Mason). See all the Masons standing around on different steps? Once on the third step (Master Mason) he can join any of the Allied Organizations & social groups (the symbols for many of them are on the wall there) as well as the other orders under the arch. On the pedestal under the arch you can see a little ‘Shriner’ up there as well as a woman representing the women’s (co-ed) group, The Order Of The Eastern Star. There are some boys and girls standing under there that represent the youth orders (DeMolay for boys & Rainbow for girls. Jobs Daughters and a few others).

Once a man reaches the third ‘step’ up there… not only can he join any of the allied organizations & social groups, but he can walk across the platform to the left or right to ascend the steps into one of the 2 branches of Masonry. To the right we have the York Rite branch. There are several steps representing the stages and bodies of the York Rite branch until we see the man standing at the top representing the Knights Templar. To the left we have the Scottish Rite branch, wher we have many steps representing the 4-32 degrees (contained in 4 different bodies as you ascend, represented by the 4 men on the steps). We see the man standing at the top (next to the Knights Templar) representing the honorary 33rd degree (the Sovereign Grand Inspector General). The degrees in the Scottish Rite branch are numbered, but the degrees in the York Rite are not.

[Read more about the structure of the Order in the F∴A∴M∴ Initiation section.]

Lodge Membership

The Masonic lodge is the basic organizational unit of Freemasonry. The Lodge meets regularly and conducts the usual formal business of any small organization (approve minutes, elect new members, appoint officers and take their reports, consider correspondence, bills and annual accounts, organise social and charitable events, etc.). In addition to such business, the meeting may perform a ceremony to confer a Masonic degree or receive a lecture, which is usually on some aspect of Masonic history or ritual. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Lodge may hold a formal dinner, or festive board, sometimes involving toasting and song.

Candidates for Freemasonry will usually have met the most active members of the Lodge they are joining before being elected for initiation. The process varies among Grand Lodges, but in modern times interested people often look up a local Lodge through the internet and will typically be introduced to a Lodge social function or open evening. The onus is upon candidates to ask to join; while they may be encouraged to ask, they may not be invited. Once the initial inquiry is made, a formal application may be proposed and seconded or announced in open Lodge and a more or less formal interview usually follows. If the candidate wishes to proceed, references are taken up during a period of notice so that members may enquire into the candidate's suitability and discuss it. Finally the Lodge takes an officially secret ballot on each application before a candidate is either initiated or rejected. In UGLE any single member's adverse vote, a "blackball" given secretly without stating a reason, or at most two, will suffice to reject a candidate (whereupon their proposer and seconder would be expected to resign from the Lodge).

During the ceremony of initiation, the candidate is required to undertake an obligation, swearing on the religious volume sacred to his personal faith to do good as a Mason. In the course of three degrees, Masons will promise to keep the secrets of their degree from lower degrees and outsiders, as far as practicality and the law permit, and to support a fellow Mason in distress. There is formal instruction as to the duties of a Freemason, but on the whole, Freemasons are left to explore the craft in the manner they find most satisfying. Some will simply enjoy the dramatics, or the management and administration of the lodge, others will explore the history, ritual and symbolism of the craft, others will focus their involvement on their Lodge's social side, perhaps in association with other lodges, while still others will concentrate on the lodge's charitable functions.

[Source: Wikipedia]

The Benefits Of Becoming A Mason

Freemasonry is like everything in life. You will get out of it what you put into it. It all depends on your perception, attitude, time and interests. Freemasonry is not about “What can I get?”. We are an organization that values and supports charity, compassion, extending a hand to the fallen, mending the broken, healing the sick, defending the defenseless, lifting the weak, personal spiritual growth and every man’s individual quest for a greater understanding and his relationship with “God”. But everyone wants to know “What’s in it for me?” That being said, there many, many benefits to becoming a Mason. To list them all would be difficult as each person gets many different things in many different ways from being a part of the brotherhood. There are so many aspects, clubs, social orders and facets to our organization that the benefits can cover everything from socializing, learning new skills, finding a new job to spiritual growth. Below is a general list of some basic “benefits”:

• Fellowship & Brotherhood: We are not a bunch of boring guys! We take road trips, go hiking, camping, fishing, play golf, see live music, go out to dinner, rent cabins and a number of other activities. We help one another “get through life”, even if that is just a simple helping hand or someone to talk to.
• A Place Where Every Man Is Treated As Equal: Freemasonry is a brotherhood that treats all men as equal, regardless of social status, race, religion, political views or financial status. Being a member of the fraternity, you can walk into any lodge in the world and regardless of your social status, economic status, or religious path and be treated with the same respect and equality as everyone else in the lodge.
• Be A Part Of The Worlds Largest Charitable Organization: By simply being a member here in the United States, you are automatically part of a charity organization that gives 2 Million Dollars Per Day to charity.
• Contribute To Charities Just By Being A Member: By joining a lodge and simply paying your yearly dues, even if you rarely come to a meeting, you are contributing part of your membership dues to charities that all Masonic Lodges support.   
• Find Some Local Charity Outlets: Want to put something back into your community and help others but don’t know where to go or how? Masonic Lodges are located in all areas of each city. Each one has local charities that it supports to help build stronger communities through volunteer work, donating food, clothing and other items to those in need. A great outlet to help change the lives of others if you do not know where to start. Find a place in your community that needs help? You can start your OWN charity work or fundraiser through your lodge and instantly have the help and support of your brothers.
• Networking: The Masonic Fraternity has a diverse membership from every walk of life…. from doctors & lawyers to chefs and parking lot attendants. Not only can you network with the brothers in your lodge, but through any lodge anywhere in the world. It’s a great place to start to meet local business owners and people in your community as well as contacts in other cities and countries.
• Political Free Zone: It seems like everywhere we go and look today we are bombarded with politics. Political views are not allowed to be discussed at a Masonic lodge. This provides a beautiful sanctuary where you can relax with your fellow man and not even know or care what someone else’s political view might be, nor be judged for yours.
• Religious Free Zone: As stated in other parts of this website, Freemasonry is not a religion nor is it based on any one religion. It’s morals and ‘teachings’ are compatible with any religion upholding strong moral values. Religion and religious beliefs are not discussed at lodge meetings or in a lodge. This provides a place where every man is accepted as an equal and is not judged on his personal relationship with “God”.
• Be A Part Of History: There is so much rich, interesting and detailed history behind the oldest and largest fraternity in the world! By becoming a brother, YOU are a part of that history and it becomes a part of who you are!
• Go To Any Lodge In The World: Pretty much stated several times above. Moving to another city/state or even country? Be being a member you can instantly have a social/community network & brotherhood by simply finding a lodge.
• Spirituality: Even though we are not a religious organization, the ancient system of Freemasonry is compatible with any religion and contains esoteric knowledge and spiritual/moral teachings that bring about positive change and encourage every man to develop himself spiritually and morally so that he can have a deeper relationship with himself, his family, his community, his friends and “God” (whatever religious path he follows).
• Cool Buildings & Architecture: We have built some of the most impressive and beautiful buildings on the planet! Check some out » HERE. Take some tours and be able to go to meetings and ceremonies that only Masons can attend!
• Be A Part Of The Worlds Oldest And Largest Fraternity: See who is and was part of the brotherhood » HERE.
• Help Build A Stronger Community: Want to have a golf tournament for charity? A fundraiser for the local Girls and Boys club? Maybe a dinner or breakfast to raise money for the local soup kitchen? Organize volunteers to help start a community garden? Having a lodge is a great place to work from and get people together for community causes!
• Add Some Hobbies And Interests: Once you become a Master Mason, there are many other worlds that open up to you in the Masonic structure. There are social groups and outlets for almost every interest through affiliate bodies and social clubs. You could play in the band for the Shriners, join a motorcycle club, chess club, dining club, theology discussion group…. the possibilities are endless. - The Scottish Rite Branch even has a ‘University’ so you can continue your studies as well as a Scottish Rite Research Society. We have the need for historians, people that restore old pictures, do research, create costumes, operate sound boards and lighting boards, build stage sets, etc. There IS a place for you! No telling what other interesting things you can discover about yourself and develop through the Masonic structure!

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What Freemasonry is NOT:

1. A “Cult”.
2. A “Cult that you can never leave because you might reveal a secret”.
3. A religion.
4. A “Secret Society”.
5. Part of the “Mafia”.
6. Only a club for the “Powerful And Elite”.
7. Part of a “Shadow Government”.
8. A church.
9. The “Illuminati”.
10. Anti-Government.
11. Anti-Christian.
12. A racist group.
13. A group or organization that “Controls The Media”.
14. A group or organization that “Controls The World Governments”.
15. A group or organization that “Controls The Financial Markets”.
16. A political party.
17. A membership by “Invite Only”
18. A boring social club.

Some of these things may sound absurd, but Freemasonry is misconstrued in many ways.

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Freemasonry IS:

1. The world’s largest charitable organization.
2. The world’s oldest fraternity.
3. The world’s largest fraternity.
4. A brotherhood that treats all men as equal, regardless of social status, race, religion, political views or financial status.
5. Patriotic.
6. An organization supporting “Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness” for all people of the world.
7. An organization with complete religious freedom, spiritual growth and every man’s individual quest for a greater understanding and relationship with “God”.
8. An organization with high moral standards.
9. An organization that encourages every man to be the best he can be in every aspect of his life.
10. Does not try to make “Evil” men “Good”, but to make “Good” men “Great”.
11. An organization that values and supports charity, compassion, extending a hand to the fallen, mending the broken, healing the sick, defending the defenseless, and lifting the weak.
12. A fraternity that encourages every Lodge to be involved in and help their local communities for the benefit of everyone.
13. A support group.
14. A social outlet.
15. Freemasonry IS a venue for truth seeking, a vehicle for self-improvement and philosophical development; the discovery of one’s inner potential.

[Source: Oriental 453]

How to join Freemasons?

- The absolute requirements for becoming a Mason are:

• Be a man, [NOTE: there are other branches of Masonry that accept both men and women, or women only];
• Be at least 21 years old. [NOTE: Some lodges and some jurisdictions allow 18- or 19-year-olds, or may make exceptions for those who are sons of Masons, or for university students.]
• Have belief in a Supreme Being -- of any faith. No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.

- Also:

• you should be someone who does, or wants 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.
• 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.
• 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.

- To join, all you have to do ask a Mason:

• Preferably someone you know or at least who lives or works nearby:
  • You have to be able to meet him in person.
  • Contacting someone by e-mail may get you pointed to a lodge in your area, but you CANNOT get a recommendation from someone you have never met.
• Think you don't know any Masons in your area?
  • Find your state, provincial, or national grand lodge in this list of Grand Lodges. Call or write to the office of the Grand Secretary, and say that you're looking for lodges in your area.
  • find nearby lodges listed in your phonebook: White-pages listings for lodges may be under "Masons", "Freemasons", "Masonic Apartments", or "Masonic Temple", and the Grand Lodge would probably be under "Grand Lodge of Masons".
  • Look through the Page About Freemasonry Guestbook, to find a Mason in your area. Write to him and introduce yourself.

- Once you find a lodge

Once you find a lodge (or two or three) in your area, you can arrange to meet with them. They will want to get to know more about you, and you can use the opportunity to ask them some questions. Some of the things you might want to ask about:

• How often do they meet?
• How often do they get new candidates? How many members does the lodge have, and how many usually attend the meetings? (Is this lodge growing, or faltering, or something in between?)
• Do they confer the degrees themselves or do they usually use a "degree team". (This gives an idea of how proficient and active the lodge officers are.)
• How much is their annual dues and the (one-time) initiation fee?
• What would they expect of you as their candidate? What is the usual amount of time for a candidate to receive the three degrees? What kind of "proficiency" work, and how much of it, will you need to learn between degrees?
• What is the average age of the lodge members? What are their interests? What kind of social activities and public service activities is the lodge involved in? What kinds of things could the lodge put a new member to work on?

- If you don’t know anyone who is a member then the first step to joining the Order is to fill in the adjacent form.

[Source: A page about Freemasonry]

F.A.Q. - Does a person have to be asked or invited to join the Freemasons? No. This is a common misconception because we do not proselytize (recruit someone to join one’s party, institution, or cause). Every person must come “of their own free will and accord”, without influence or persuasion. Anyone is able to join a Masonic lodge simply by showing interest. There are a few requirements, which you can read about below in the section "How Can I Become A Freemason?" - Do you have to be a Christian to become a Freemason? No. Freemasonry is open to anyone of any religion. In fact, you will not be asked what your religious preference is. Talking about religion (not spirituality) is not allowed in a lodge. Therefore, Freemasonry is a brotherhood which helps the community with no religious barriers. You are however, required to have a belief in “God” a “Supreme Being” or a “Divine Creator”…. whatever your spiritual belief. However, you cannot be an “Atheist”. Freemasons take great honor in respecting “God”, life, humanity, and all creatures great and small. We stand up for the fair and equal treatment of all religions. - Does Freemasonry have a specific political agenda? No. Freemasonry has always been open to anyone of any political party. In fact, you will not be asked which political party you support. Talking about ‘politics’ (not current events in the world) is not allowed in a lodge. The reason for this is so that men can get together and have a brotherhood helping the community without the problems of political differences. We as Freemasons take great pride in being patriotic, law-abiding citizens that are helpful, courteous and stand up for the fair and equal treatment of all. - Masonry is a fraternity for men. Does this mean my family cannot participate? No. There are many activities that involve the wives and family members. Dinners, picnics, tours, study groups, forums, entertainment, and many others. There are organizations within the fraternity for women and youth. The meetings that are limited only to members are the business meetings, special meetings, and the degree ceremonies. Masonry is very much a family affair. - Are women are excluded from joining the Freemasons? Women are not excluded from joining aspects of Freemasonry. The Masons are a Fraternity. Its the same reasoning that men do not try to join a Sorority. There are many Masonic bodies that women can join (see Structure Of Freemasonry), such as The Order Of Amaranth, The Order Of The Eastern Star, The Order Of The Golden Chain, The Order Of True Kindred, White Shrine Of Jerusalem, Job's Daughters and The Rainbow Girls for young women, just to name a few. There are Masonic clubs and bodies for everyone of any age or sex. - You said it was a fraternity… I thought that The Masons were a ‘secret society’? No. We are a fraternity with some ‘secrets’. If we were a ‘secret society‘ you most likely wouldn’t even know it existed. Our buildings are clearly marked and our membership clearly documented and open. Masons freely and proudly admit that they are members. We publicly wear masonic jewelry, have stickers / emblems on our cars, hold parades, fund-raisers, dinners, cookouts and have many publicly open events. There is simply nothing that suggests that we are a secret ‘society’. It was popular in the 1800’s for organizations like the Masons, the Elks, Moose, the Oddfellows to call themselves secret societies. It was a social thing. If you did not belong to at least one “secret society” you simply were not a part of the “in” group. But real secret societies are secret. They try not to let people know they exist. Its fraternal emblem identifies almost every Masonic building. The public is often invited to meetings at Masonic Halls. Masons commonly wear rings and lapel pins identifying themselves as Masons. And it is easy to find books in the library about Masonry. There’s really nothing secret about the fraternity save for the modes of recognition. - So, what about all these ‘secrets’ I hear about all the time? Why have ‘secrets’? The only ‘secrets’ are passwords, gestures, handshakes and other means for one Mason to know another and what level they are. This is mostly out of tradition. These combinations of ‘secret’ gestures have been and are still utilized to know if a person is really a Mason if he wants admittance to a lodge. Once one is a Master Mason, he can go to any lodge in the world and gain admission using these gestures. One example being only Master Masons can vote on changes made to the lodge or its policies. These ‘secret’ gestures are to ensure that a man is who he says he is and has done the proper work to attain his ranking. All other ‘secret’ knowledge that Freemasons share (which focuses on living as a better being) is information that has existed since the beginning of time and has been passed down through many cultures. This information has always been available, as long as one knows how to recognize it. - But, aren’t you a ‘Secret Cabal’ here to bring about ‘The New World Order’? Yes. It’s called Western Democracy. We weren’t the only ones by far who had a role, but we played a big part. The representative republic you’re living if you live anywhere in North America or Europe is what we were working toward. Let’s all hope that it stays that way. - How Can I Become A Freemason? You DO NOT have to be invited to become a Freemason by another Freemason. This is a common assumption because we do not proselytize (recruit someone to join one’s party, institution, or cause). Every man must come “of their own free will and accord”, without influence or persuasion. Joining a Masonic lodge is open to every man by simply asking. There are a few requirements, which you can read about below. If you know a Freemason, just ask him how to join his lodge. If you do not know a Mason, find a lodge that you would like to join or that is located close to your home or work. Get their contact information and contact them or find out what night and time of the week they meet and stop by. You will be required to fill out a “Petition” to join the lodge. You can get a petition from a lodge or Mason. Alternatively, you can download and print one out from one of the many links on the contact page and deliver it to the appropriate lodge or give it to a Mason who belongs to the lodge you would like to join. General requirements for joining a typical Masonic Lodge: Be of high moral standing. Have a belief in “God” or “Supreme Being” (a specific religious faith is not required). Belief in the “immortality” of the soul. Must be at least 18 years of age. Be capable of reading and writing. Be a legal resident of the local area for at least 1 year. Be recommended by two Master Mason members of the Lodge which you desire to join. Supply two references who may or may not be Masons. Pass the required background check. Be unanimously voted in by all Master Mason brothers of the lodge. [Source: Oriental 453 & GLM]