So, you're ready to join.
Am I qualified to become a Mason?
Freemasonry accepts applications from men who are of good character, recommended by those within the fraternity, and who believe in something larger than themselves.
With the exception that one must be monotheistic, Freemasonry makes no distinction among the various religions when considering a man for membership, nor does it care about his political beliefs, wealth, or station in life.
Religion and politics are never discussed in Lodge, and to violate this ancient custom would mean expulsion from the Lodge.
In all things, it is the interior character of the man and not the external trappings and wealth which would recommend him to become a Mason.
To Become One, Ask One.
It is one of the ancient landmarks (customs) of regular Freemasonry that one is not enticed to become a Mason – a man must do it of his own volition.
To do that, he should understand what Freemasonry is, and what it offers. We hope that the following information will provide enough detail about our ancient and honorable fraternity so that you will take the next step by seeking us out with more questions. No regular Mason will pressure you, and since we are all proud of our fraternity, we encourage you to ask.
If you decide that Freemasonry is for you, then you can print out a copy of the petition for membership, and contact us for assistance in completing the process.
The Process
Visit the Lodge
Browse our upcoming events page and see when we have a visitors evening (we call them Festive Boards) scheduled. These events are held after our official lodge meetings and are a great way to meet the members and inquire about Freemasonry. You can also drop us an email or use our contact page and we’d be delighted to discuss the process with you.
Request a Letter of Intent, and a Petition.
There is a Letter of Intent that will need to be signed before we can provide you with a petition. Once received, your petition will require the signature of several Masons. If you don’t know any Masons, call us for advice.
Turn in your Petition to the Lodge
Once you’ve completely filled out the Petition and had it signed, you will have to turn it in the Lodge with the required fee. Your petition will be received by the lodge and will be read during one of our regularly held meetings. These meetings happen only once a month, so depending on when you turn in your Petition, it may take several weeks before it is acted upon.
The Investigation
The Master of the Lodge will assign three members to a committee to interview you and investigate your background. The investigators may want to meet with you at your home. Often, spouses. life partners, or others in your life will have questions about Freemasonry, and this is the perfect time to get those questions answered. Be honest with the investigators, as we do ask some personal questions. No Mason is perfect… and we don’t expect petitioners to be perfect, either.
The Ballot
Your investigation committee will be given a deadline by which to return their completed investigation reports to the Lodge. Their reports along with their recommendations will be read to the Lodge at a stated meeting. At this time, the Master of the Lodge will usually call for a ballot to be taken on your petition. Eligible Masons will then vote on your Petition and the outcome of the ballot will be announced to the Lodge.
Upon the Threshold
Soon after the stated meeting, a member of the Lodge will contact you with the outcome of the ballot and provide you with additional instructions.