About Us > How to Become a Lodge Member

Freemasonry has its lodges throughout the free world. You'll find Masons meeting in almost every town and village and - except where repressive governments make their existence difficult - they're readily found. None of these lodges was ever organized as a result of any type of 'missionary' work: they came into existence because a group of Masons wanted to share the friendship and fraternity with others in the area.

What is SO often misunderstood is a simple fact: there are few but important requirements to become a Freemason!

1. Being a man, freeborn, of good repute and well-recommended;
2. A belief in a Supreme Being;
3. Ability to support one's self and family;
4. Of lawful age; and

Come to Freemasonry of their "own free will and accord".

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God.

Who Freemasons Are

Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington.

Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity,

however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other “Brother”!

What Freemasons Believe

All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.

What Freemasons Do

Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as “the World’s Greatest Philanthropy”!

The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable fraternity.

Qualifications

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better”. Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity).

Those Who Seek Membership

Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation, and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

The Masonic Lodge

The Masonic Lodge meets one or two evenings per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon Petitions for Membership. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.

The Masonic Degrees

The Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason’s) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new Member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.

Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.