NO!
You must ask to become a Freemason. Hopefully, if the concepts
and principles of Masonry as enumerated on this web site interest you, you
will not need to be asked to join.
Unfortunately, many men who would like to become Masons never do because
they are unaware of the above-mentioned requirement (that it be of your
own free will and accord, and you must ask to join the Fraternity). If you
desire to learn more about Masonic membership, feel free to contact a
Mason to satisfy yourself concerning Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we
believe that membership in an organization as worthy as ours must come
from a "sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow creatures" and
not because of coaxing, coercement, or of any promise of material gain of
any kind.
YOU MUST ASK TO
JOIN
The Three
Degrees of Freemasonry
The Degree of "Entered
Apprentice"
Once his application is approved, the
Candidate for Freemasonry will participate in a ceremony called the
"Degree of Entered Apprentice", or "First Degree". He will be assured that
nothing will befall him that has not been experienced by all who have gone
before. He will reaffirm his declarations and then be Entered into the
Lodge and made an Apprentice Mason in "due and ancient form". He will
learn that he is required never to divulge the Secrets of Masonry to any
person "under the canopy of Heaven". He will receive a white Lambskin
Apron, the badge of a Mason. He will be introduced to the working tools of
a Mason. He will receive preliminary instruction on the nature of his new
association and an important lesson in Masonic Charity. He will be
assigned to a Candidate's Coach, who will meet with him as often as it
takes to teach him the question-and-answer summary of the Degree. When his
Coach is satisfied with his command of the Work, he will be scheduled to
perform the Proficiency in Lodge. If done well enough, he will receive the
Second Degree.Degree of
Fellowcraft
The Degree of "Fellowcraft", or "Second
Degree", is widely regarded as the most poetic and instructive of the
Masonic degrees. In it, the Apprentice is Passed to the Degree of
Fellowcraft Mason in due and ancient form. He learns many of the more
expressive symbols of his Craft and hears references to the philosophical
basis for his conduct as a Mason. He will learn that he is obliged to "aid
and assist all distressed, worthy Brother Fellowcraft Masons,
whithersoever dispersed". His knowledge of the working tools of Masonry
will be increased. The importance of the study of the Liberal Arts and
Sciences, especially of Geometry, is emphasized. The Precious Jewels of a
Fellowcraft will be presented to him and he will thenceforth be entitled
to receive the Wages of a Fellowcraft. He will again meet with a Coach to
learn the summary of the Work and will pass a Proficiency
examination.
The Degree of "Master Mason"
In the "Degree of Master Mason", the famous
"Third Degree", the Fellowcraft will be Raised to the Sublime Degree of
Master Mason in due and ancient form. He will receive further explanations
of his specific duties to his Brethren and his instruction in the working
tools of a Mason will be completed. He will participate in a brief
traditional reenactment designed to impress upon him the virtue of
Fidelity. Upon completing this Degree, the Brother is a fully qualified
Master Mason, entitled to all the rights and privileges of that Degree. He
is entitled to "travel in foreign countries, work, and receive Master
Masons' wages". Among us, there is no higher rank than that of Master
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