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| This page contains answers to common questions
related to Freemasonry. If you find that your question is not included
feel free to contact us by email or phone and we will respond at our
earliest convenience. |
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As well as being one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies, Freemasonry is an
enjoyable association of like - minded men who work towards a common goal
of being happy themselves and communicating happiness to others. This is
achieved by work in the Lodge, largely based on a series of ritual
ceremonies, with much in common with the old passion plays, which follow
ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical
guides. These seek to instill morality in all men: by teaching and
practicing high standards of conduct in society. These aims are furthered
at the dinners held after lodge meetings and at the many other social occasions.
Definitely not! If it were, this web
site and other similar ones would not exist and be available for public view
world-wide. Most people know where the meeting places are, the ritual of the
ceremonies and the many books written about Freemasonry can be read in public
libraries. Members are encouraged to speak openly about their membership. Like
many other organizations, though, meetings of Lodges are held in
private.
Any man who is at least 18, is law-abiding, of good character and believes in God,
can become a Freemason. The order is not associated with any religion: it is open to all
men of all faiths, such as Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs. Contrary to
popular belief, the Order has many Roman Catholics in its membership.
The only religious requirement is that candidates believe in the Supreme Being. If you
can in good faith profess a belief in the Supreme Being, you are eligible to be
a Mason. No atheists will ever knowingly be made a Mason. There are Christian
(Catholic, Protestant, Mormon), Jewish, and Muslim Masons. It would be tedious
and pointless to go into a religion-by-religion (and then
denomination-by-denomination) discussion. The key points to remember are the
requirement of belief in the Supreme Being and the fact that Masonry is a
fraternity, not a religion.
They strive to be good citizens, to practice the highest moral and
social standards, and to be men of friendship, charitable disposition, and
integrity. It is often said that Freemasonry makes good men better.
If you know a Mason, ask him about membership. He will be glad to tell you all
about the Craft and the local lodge, and give you a petition if you wish to
join. If you do not know a Mason, drop a letter to the local lodge, and one of
the officers will call you (or call the lodge, though you may not get an answer
unless someone is actually there). Typically, the process is as follows: The
applicant fills out a petition. The petition asks for two sponsors, though if
you meet and talk with the officers, they can usually find sponsors or act as
sponsors themselves if you do not know anyone in the lodge. The petition is read
at the lodge during the next business meeting, which for many lodges is during
the first week of the month. A committee is formed to investigate the candidate.
The petition also asks for two character references. The committee meets with
the candidate to answer questions, ascertain that he meets the criteria for
membership, and find out a little about him. This is not a "grilling session,"
but rather a friendly and casual chat to make certain that the candidate has
been properly informed about Masonry and was not improperly solicited. The
committee also contacts the character references listed on the petition
(typically asking if they know any reason why the candidate should not be
accepted, etc.) The committee reports back to the lodge during the next business
meeting and the candidate is voted on. If accepted, someone from the lodge
(often the Secretary) contacts the candidate and informs him that he has been
accepted and schedules a date for the Entered Apprentice degree.
If
Interested in a joining our fraternity, or for additional information
Please email:
Petition
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