In order to join the fraternity of Freemasonry, you must ask a member how you may join. This is done to ensure that you come into Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of material gain. You get out of Freemasonry only what you are willing to put into it.
If the Freemason you ask believes you will be a positive addition to the fraternity, he will give you a petition for membership in his local or Blue Lodge. All men have to go through the same initiation procedure, regardless of their worldly wealth or position.
In a Masonic Lodge, the President of the United States would be considered equal to the newest member. When Washington, Truman, or the Roosevelt's sat in Lodge, they were addressed as Brother. Everyone is "on the level" and is judged by how he lives in the community and upholds the tenets of the Fraternity. As long as he is "on the square" with his brethren, he will be well regarded.
Your petition will be read in open Lodge and a Committee of Investigation formed. This Committee will visit you and talk with your family. The Committee will give a report in open Lodge and the membership votes by secret ballot. A successful ballot means you will have been elected to membership by initiation.
The three degrees you will then receive teach serious moral and ethical lessons. When you complete your third or Master Mason Degree, you will be a full-fledged member. As a Master Mason, you have many rights and privileges, including visitation privileges to sit in Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
Masonry is a family organization, and Lodge activities frequently include the families. There are also other related organizations for specific members of the family, such as youth. Our youth groups are the Order of DeMolay for boys and Job's Daughters and the Order of the Rainbow for girls. For the ladies there are the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine, and the Amaranth. Each group or order has its particular charity that it works to support.
If YOU believe what you have just read is for you, then it is up to you to take the next step. Remember, you must ask for a Petition for Membership if you want to become a Freemason. The extent of your participation in your Lodge activities will determine your effectiveness.
~ We look forward to greeting you as a Brother Freemason.
Videos:
Learn about the Men of Freemasonry Videos - sit back and learn about Freemasonry.
ABC News clip about Free Masons approx. 5 min.
State of IN Grand Lodge video about Free Masons approx. 5 min.
Commerical about Free Masons approx. 1 min.
State of MA Grand Lodge video about Free Masons approx. 15 min.
Knights Templar video approx. 5 min.
