How to Join the Masons

The Masons is a fraternal organization that attempts to help men better themselves. The organization has meetings in which the running of the lodge and lodge business are discussed. Meetings also provide an opportunity for lodge members to work on improving themselves while working through masonry's three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. The exact methods of improvement and details of the processes and ceremonies involved with moving through the degrees are closely held Masonic secrets and have not been made public. Although there may be slight variations from lodge to lodge, the overall process of joining all Masonic lodges is outlined here.

Things You'll Need

• Mason friend or contact Membership petition 2 character references 2 Mason member signatures Annual dues and other associated fees

Instructions

1. Meet the requirements. To be considered for entry into the Masons, you must meet certain criteria. You must be male and of the appropriate age. Most lodges require members to be at least 18 to 21 years old. Masons are also required to believe in a supreme being, whatever their faith. Masons must be willing and able to interact positively with other people, regardless of their race, religion or nationality.

2. Ask to join. Many people mistakenly believe that you must be invited to join the Masons. In fact, Masons will almost never directly ask other people to become a Mason. To be considered for membership, you must ask a Mason whether you can join the organization. If you do not know any Masons, you can contact a local lodge to request membership.

3. File a petition. After stating your interest in membership, you will be given a petition. You must complete and file this petition with your local lodge. The petition must be accompanied by references from two people who can attest to your moral character and must be signed by two Masons.

4. Meet with lodge representatives. After your petition is turned in to the lodge, a small group of lodge members will meet with you and your family to provide an opportunity for you to learn more about the Masons and for the lodge to learn more about you. The lodge members then review your petition once again and vote on whether to accept you. The lodge members must unanimously agree to your induction.

5. Pay dues and any one-time fees. Fees and dues vary by lodge. Some lodges allow you to pay a predetermined fee once for a lifetime membership rather than paying annual dues.