How to join

Welcome to Fort McMurray Lodge # 195

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 could mean expulsion from the Order.

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... Just ask,

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 to join, and since we are all very proud of our fraternity, we encourage you to ask if you'd like to know more.

If you decide that Freemasonry is for you, then you can contact us for assistance in beginning the process. Since the process is completed at the pace of the man joining, it can take some time to complete. Don't be discouraged, as admission into our order will only happen, once you're ready.

The Process to Join

Contact Us.

If you don't get the process started yourself by contacting us and asking about Freemasonry, you'll never end up joining.

Meet up and get more information.

You will be asked to meet with different members of the lodge over the course of a few meetings. At these meetings, we will strive to answer any questions you may have, as well as ask a few of our own. You will be given some information to digest between these meetings, and ultimately, be asked to memorize a small piece that you will be asked to recite to us, as memorization is an important part of our fraternity.

Hang out with us socially

Freemasons do a lot of charity work, and we also engage in social elements outside of our lodges. Hanging out with us allows both you, and us to determine if we're a good fit for one another. A lot of our events will include our significant others or families, and these outings will determine if we're a good fit for your lifestyle, and show us you're a good fit for ours.

Reciting the Memorized Work

Eventually, you'll let us know that you're ready to prove to us that your assigned piece is memorized, and you'll be asked to join a "Festive Board" (social meal set before or after a lodge meeting) to recite your homework. This proves to us that you're ready to make the next step, and you'll be assigned two sponsors, if you don't already have them from within our lodge who will guide you on your Masonic journey.

The Petition

At this point, you will be given the documents you will need to complete in order to join. Your sponsors will sign off on them, and submit them to the lodge on your behalf.

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. Remember, 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 on how your journey into Freemasonry will begin.

Becoming a Freemason

To Become a Freemason, You Must:

Be a man, freeborn, of mature age, and of good repute
Have a belief in a Supreme Being
Be able to support one’s self and family
Come to Freemasonry of your "own free will and accord"

Be a Man, Freeborn, of Mature age, and of Good Repute
The applicant must be a man, (Freemasonry is a fraternal organization after all) be at least 21 years of age, he must be of good moral character, and demonstrate responsibility in both his family and work lives.

Belief in a Supreme Being
Freemasonry does not demand belief in the God of a particular religion — but it does demand a belief in a Supreme Being, something bigger than yourself.

Freemasonry actually forbids all discussion of religious or political issues while in "Open Lodge". We believe that these are personal topics, and topics that tend to create disharmony — which is antithetical to the culture of ‘Brotherhood’ that Freemasonry seeks to promote.

Be Able to Support One’s Self and Family
The applicant should be financially able to become (and remain) a Mason without it being a burden to himself or his family. All masonic lodges, like most social clubs, or societies, have an annual dues structure which is used to sustain our activities. All members are privy to the finances of our lodge, and vote annually on a budget.

As of 2023, Fort McMurray Lodge #195s annual dues are $200 CDN per year. There is also an initiation fee which covers the cost of materials, and is subject to change from time to time.

Come to Freemasonry of "Your Own Free Will and Accord"
Freemasonry does not “invite” men to become Masons with promise of reward or status. If you are approached by someone saying these things, you are being scammed. The Truth is in fact, quite the opposite. A Freemason may approach a man they believe to hold the characteristics that they value, and invite them to discuss joining. However, like any other charitable organization, you only get out of it, what you are willing to put in.