What Is Freemasonry?
An ancient fraternity dedicated to friendship,
morality, and brotherly love. It is NOT...
- A Religion - although to become a Mason,
a man must believe in a supreme being.
- A Charity - even though Masons contribute
considerably to worthwhile charities.
- A Subversive Organization - a Mason must
be a peaceful, law abiding citizen.
- A Political Party or Action Group - although you will find prominent
Masons leading our government.
- A College Fraternity - although most college fraternities trace
their roots back to Freemasonry.
Freemasonry neither interferes with religion
or politics. Freemasonry strives to teach a man the duty he owes
to his God, his neighbor, and himself.
Who Are Masons?
All walks of life and professions: Business Leaders,
Entertainers, Inventors, Designers, Founders, Kings, Military Leaders,
Pioneers, Explorers, Political Leaders, Sports Figures, Writers,
Patriots, Presidents, Judges, Justices, Your Neighbor! You know
them! They are your neighbors, your friends, the people you look
up to. All religions, all races, all socioeconomic classes (blue
collar and white collar).You can find Freemasons everywhere in the
world.
Membership Requirements
Men who have attained the age of 21 or older
and who believe in the existence of one ever-living and true God.
Men who have never pleaded guilty or been convicted of any crime.
Men who do not believe in the overthrow of the government which
they
live by force or infiltration, or has been a member of an organization
who advocates the same. Freemasonry will also entail certain financial
obligations which you should be able to discharge without detriment
to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees payable
on your entrance, there will be annual dues for the support of your
Lodge. FREEMASONRY STRIVES TO MAKE GOOD MEN BETTER.
How Can You Become A Mason?
To become a good and bright Mason, it is necessary
that a Man be of sound mind and retentive memory. There are three
symbolic degrees to learn in becoming a Mason. These degrees represent
lessons of Masonry.
* Entered Apprentice (EA) - beginner
* Fellowcraft (FC) - intermediate
* Master Mason (MM) - expert
How do I begin?
To be one, ask one! Simply ask a Mason and he
will help you begin the process. Remember this Important rule ..
YOU MUST ASK A MASON AS HE CANNOT ASK YOU.

The steps include:
You must petition the Lodge of your choice.
Ask someone you know who is a Mason in the lodge
you wish to become a member of and ask him to sponsor you into the
fraternity. Have three references who know you to be of good morals
and strong character.
Your petition is read in Lodge, the members
vote on its acceptance and an investigation committee is formed.
A nominal entrance fee must accompany the petition; this will vary
from Lodge to Lodge.
The investigation committee will contact you and your family to
meet, go over your petition and ask questions of your character.
Approximately one month from the time your petition is accepted,
the report of the investigation committee and your references, will
be read in Lodge, and then the craft will ballot on final acceptance.
The Final Ballot Was Favorable:
You will then be invited to attend Lodge and
be initiated an Entered Apprentice.
The Lodge will appoint an instructor who will
teach you the meaning of the degree you have gone through. After
successfully presenting your proficiency, you advance to the Fellowcraft
Degree and so on until you have completed all three degrees and
have attained the sublime degree of Master Mason.
What Is Beyond Blue Lodge?
There is no higher degree than Master Mason but
there is further light! A Master Mason has the option of joining
these other fine Masonic organizations:
* The York Rite of Freemasonry
* The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
* Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Grotto)
* Tall Cedars of Lebanon
* Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
Each offers a different venue and charity related
to Freemasonry.
Masonic Affiliates
There are many other Masonic related affiliates:
o Order of the Eastern Star (OES) - (predominantly
for women)
o Order of Amaranth
o White Shrine of Jerusalem
o International Order of the Rainbow for Girls - youth group for
girls between the ages of 11 and 20.
o Job's Daughters - youth group open to girls ages 11 to 20 who
have a Masonic Heritage (relative).
o Order of DeMolay - youth group for young men ages 12 to 20. |