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.