Freemasonry
is the oldest and most recognized
fraternal organization in the world. Our
current structure was founded in London,
England in 1717, it then came to the
United States with the colonists and
after the Revolutionary War the first
grand lodge in America was formed in New England
in 1733. The traditions of Freemasonry
begin with the building of King Solomon's
Temple, and relate to the ceremonies,
working tools, and symbolize the moral
lessons and truth of a righteous life.
Freemasonry unites men of different
faiths, social and ethnics backgrounds,
and is based on good moral character,
patriotism, charity, and a firm belief in the
tenants of mankind.
Membership into a Lodge of Free &
Accepted Masons in the State of Ohio has
the following requirements:
-
Must
have Ohio residency for a minimum of
one year.
-
Must
be Male at least 19yrs of age.
-
Have a
belief in the existence of God,
regardless of religious affiliation.
The
process for candidacy begins with a
petition for membership. The petitioner
must be recommended by two Master Masons
of good standing. The petition will be
received by the lodge with the
applicable fees, and read at the next
meeting. An investigation committee will
be appointed to meet with the petitioner
for an interview and questionnaire for
lodge information. The investigation
committee will report back to the lodge
if the petitioner is acceptable, and the
lodge will vote to accept the
petitioner, if for some reason it is
rejected the individual will have his
fees returned and will be excluded from
petitioning a lodge for one year. On a
favorable vote, the candidate will be
contacted to begin the ceremonial stages
of the membership process. The three
degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry include
the Entered Apprentice, Fellow-craft,
and Master Mason.
Currently
the Grand Lodge of Ohio comprises over
116,000 members in more than 530 active
lodges; with nearly 4 million members
worldwide. Our members enjoy an
opportunity to associate with other
sincere, forthright individuals who
desire to improve their communities, by
being dedicated citizens with strong
values, patriotism, charity and a desire
to share it with others.
Membership in the so called 'Blue Lodge'
is just one part, or the beginning of
the Masonic structure. There are
many a pendant organizations for every member
of the family, all have different
interest and studies, and contribute to
various charitable efforts.
Further questions,
and petitions may be requested by
contacting our current lodge officers by
clicking here
. More information may also be
found at Grand
Lodge of Ohio.
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