Membership, because it is a fraternity, is limited to men. He who would become a member must meet certain recognized requirements--high standards of character and reputation. It does not require that its members subscribe to any particular creed, or belong to any particular church. Church membership does not keep one out of or secure him admission into any Masonic Lodge. The profession of a belief in God and in a future life are the sole absolute requirements.
No one is excluded because of his membership in a particular church. There are, however, a few denominations which do not allow their members to become Masons. In some instances there is a mistaken impression that Freemasonry refuses admission to those who are members of certain denominations. This is inaccurate - it is the church, rather than Freemasonry, that denies them membership.
Many men do not understand the process of acquiring membership in a Masonic Lodge. No one is ever invited to become a Mason or to join a Masonic Lodge. Though all morally good men would be welcome in any Masonic Lodge, the man himself must first ask some Mason about becoming a member. Once he has done so, the requested Mason will secure an application blank, called a petition by our Lodges, and he has thus taken the first step. He must have two Master Masons who know him, or have interviewed him, sign his petition, vouching for his character and qualifications. A vote will be cast by the members of the Lodge to which he applies for membership, and generally, will be notified of his acceptance, and his initiation will be scheduled.
Having passed this ballot, the candidate receives the first of three degrees which make up the symbolic or Craft Lodge. This is designated The Degree of Entered Apprentice. The second degree is designated The Degree of Fellow Craft and the third as the Degree of Master Mason. Each Degree is a separate entity, and each of these degrees has certain rights and privileges, but all of the rights and privileges are attained only after the candidate has received the Degree of Master Mason.
After he has received each of the degrees, the candidate must commit to memory a catechism covering the degree received. He must be examined in open Lodge and prove his right to be advanced to the next degree. This serves a useful purpose, for it assures the Fraternity that each will know himself to be a Mason and be able to recognize others as members of the Craft by their manner of speaking. He will be enabled by such knowledge to visit other Lodges where he is not known, and where he most probably would be examined to prove his right to be admitted.
Write, call or email us of your interest in becoming a Mason. Someone form our lodge will respond and will gladly attempt to answer all of your questions.
You may download a petition here. Fill it out and send it back to us or bring it down to the lodge and have dinner with us.
