How do I become a Freemason? Ask!

Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask?

If you meet the requirements, it is really quite simple. Those requirements are:

• Male, at least 18 years of age
• A believer in the existence of a Supreme Being
• A voluntary candidate for membership, unsolicited by friends
• Motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit
• Prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry
• Desirous of knowledge, and willing to earn it
• A first-time petitioner for membership
• Willing to conform to the Ancient Usages and Customs of the Fraternity.

Most men can become a Mason by simply asking, like Washington, Franklin, Truman and most every Mason from the past to the present day. Each Lodge manages the membership process for its candidates. In general, men seek out a Lodge near their home or work, or they ask a Mason to recommend a Lodge to them. Once you’ve found a Lodge you would like to join, let them know of your interest and they will provide you with a petition.

What happens after I ask to join a Lodge?

After your petition is returned to the Lodge of your choice, the Lodge membership will receive it and appoint a small group of members to visit with you. This visit is to get to know you as a person, answer any questions you may have about Freemasonry and the Lodge, and for you and the group to determine if your membership would be mutually beneficial.

After the visit the Lodge will vote on your membership petition. Once you are elected by the members of the Lodge, joining the Fraternity involves going through three “degrees”: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, which provide progressively more information about the history and nature of Freemasonry. Every man accepted into the Fraternity goes through the degrees, thereby making each an equal to the others in the Lodge. Typically they are conferred during a Lodges’s regular meetings over the course of three months. Once you are a Master Mason, however, you and your family members are free to join the many appendant organizations. You should know though, that the 3rd degree, or Master Mason degree, is the highest degree in Freemasonry – any others are supplemental, and though they may add to your Masonic experience, the degrees are no higher, regardless of their number.

What if I don’t know a Mason who can recommend me?

It is quite possible you know a Mason but you just don’t realize it. If your father, uncles, or grandfathers aren’t Masons, they probably know someone who is. You might also want to ask around your workplace or school, church, or gym – anywhere that you find a group of men, you might find a Mason. Masons tend to be very proud of their association with the Fraternity, but though many love to talk about Masonry, others are uncomfortable talking about it. Some find it difficult to speak with their friends or family members because they don’t want to push Masonry on them. They might very well be looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you if you show interest, however. More importantly, they would probably be honored to sponsor you for membership.

If you don’t know anyone who is a Mason and you are a complete stranger to all of the members of the Lodge, send an inquiry to the Lodge. We’re happy to get to know you and help you determine if joining the Masonic community is for you.  You can Click Here to contact us about membership.