In order to join the fraternity
of Freemasonry, you must ask a member how you may join. This is done to insure
that you come into Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of
material gain. You get out of Freemasonry only what you are willing to put into
it.
If the Freemason you ask believes you will be a positive addition to the
fraternity, he will give you a petition for membership in his local or Blue
Lodge. All men have to go through the same initiation procedure, regardless of
their worldly wealth or position.
In a Masonic Lodge, the President of the United States would be considered equal
to the newest member. When Washington, Truman, or the Roosevelt’s sat in Lodge,
they were addressed as Brother. Everyone is "on the level" and is judged by how
he lives in the community and upholds the tenets of the Fraternity. As long as
he is "on the square" with his brethren, he will be well regarded.
Your petition will be read in open Lodge and a Committee of Investigation
formed. This Committee will visit you and talk with your family. The Committee
will give a report in open Lodge and the membership votes by secret ballot. A
successful ballot means you will have been elected to membership by initiation.
The three degrees you will then receive teach serious moral and ethical lessons.
When you complete your third or Master Mason Degree, you will be a full-fledged
member. As a Master Mason, you have many rights and privileges, including
visitation privileges to sit in Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
Masonry is a family organization, and Lodge activities frequently include the
families. There are also other related organizations for specific members of the
family, such as youth. Our youth groups are the Order of DeMolay for boys and
Job’s Daughters and the Order of the Rainbow for girls. For the ladies there are
the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine, and the Amaranth. Each group or order
has its particular charity that it works to support.
If YOU believe what you have just read is for you, then it is up to you to take
the next step. Remember, you must ask for a Petition for Membership if you want
to become a Freemason. The extent of your participation in your Lodge activities
will determine your effectiveness.
If you are nineteen years of age or older, believe in a Supreme Being and are a
good man interested in being made a better man; if you hold to the principles of
brotherly love for all God's children, support providing relief to those in need
or distressed; and endeavor to be a good man, true to your country, your
neighbor, and yourself; then, you are eligible to be considered for membership
in this fraternity.
For an informational packet on how you can become a member of the world's oldest
and largest fraternity, please fill out this request form from the
Grand Lodge of California.
If you are a resident of the Monterey Peninsula or the surrounding communities,
you are encouraged to contact any of the lodge officers or those friends or
neighbors who are masons.
Carmel
Lodge No. 680 F.&A.M.
