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To become a Mason, you must meet several requirements for eligibility. You must be male; membership in the Lodge is not open to women (although many Lodges also have chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, which is open to both Masons and female relations of Masons). Minimum age for an applicant is 21 years old. You must be of exceptionally good character; this will be investigated by a committee when your petition is received. Most important, you must believe in the existence of a monotheistic Supreme Being; no atheist may become a Mason. (In Alabama, you must have resided in the state [and in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you apply to] for at least one year prior to the date of your petition. If you haven't fulfilled this, it will not disqualify you, but it will delay action on your petition.)
You must ask a Mason of your local Lodge (or the nearest to where you live) if he is willing to recommend you for membership; the Lodge will not invite you. If he is, he will supply you with a petition form. After filling it out, return it to the Secretary of the Lodge, along with the appropriate application fee. The Brethren will investigate you and vote on your petition in meeting, and you will be informed of the decision; if in the positive, your initiation will be scheduled for a future time. Further details of what will be expected for your advancement beyond the beginning level will be supplied to you upon the completion of your initiation.
