Masonic Requirements: How to Join
...Could you please tell me what the requirements are? How could I join?...
The absolute requirements for becoming a Mason in the State of Georgia are:
- Be a man. (It's a fraternity)
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have belief in a Supreme Being of any faith.
(No particular religion or faith is required or excluded.)
Also:
- You should be someone who does, or wants to learn to, enjoy the company
of other men from all different social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races,
countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.
- If you are a family man, Masonry considers that your family obligations
come FIRST, so you must be sure that:
- You have the time to participate (usually two or three evenings per month
at first for meetings and instruction, and then at least two evening per month for meetings. From
then on -- often more if you get involved in lodge activities.)
- You can afford the initiation fees and the annual dues without hardship
to yourself or your family.
- You should be coming to Masonry "of your own free will and accord",
to learn to improve yourself and to enjoy the company of other good people,
not because someone keeps pestering you to join or because you think it
will help you "get ahead" in business.
To join, all you have to do is ... Ask a Mason:
- Masons do not solicit for membership.
- To join, all you have to do is Ask a Mason for a
Petition for Membership.
Preferably from a Mason you have known for at least a year who is a member of the lodge you wish to join or get a Petition
from the Secretary of the lodge you wish to join. As per the rules and regulations established by the Grand Lodge
of Georgia, and followed by all 451 subordinate lodges in Georgia,
you must fill out the Petition in your own hand and have two willing Masons that have
known you for at least one year sign your Petition. One of the Masons signing your Petition must
be a member of the Lodge you wish to join. The second Mason signing the Petition may
be from another Lodge in another City or State that is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Georgia. The two Masons that sign
your Petition are obligated to only recommend a candidate knowing that he is of good moral and upright character and that he will
conform to our Masonic Fraternity.
- At Lawrenceville Masonic Lodge No. 131, starting in 2009, the initiation fee for all three degrees is $250.00 and
the annual dues are $100.00. The initiation fee includes the first year's dues. The initiation fees and annual dues will very
from lodge to lodge.
- Return the completed Petition with the recommender's signatures plus the initiation fee to the Lodge or
have the Mason that provided the Petition to you return it to the Lodge for you.
If you do not know a Mason or having a problem finding a Mason to sign your Petition:
- Check the Lodge membership list by stopping by the lodge before the meeting starts.
You may know some of the Lodge members as a neighbor were you live, work, play or go to church.
- If you do not know any Masons, check the place you work, clubs, church and
other organizations you may belong to. Some men do not let it be known that
they are masons unless you ask around.
If you still can not find any Masons you know:
- Periodically visit the Lodge you wish to join before the meetings begin and get aquatinted with the
members and officers of the Lodge. Also come to any of the fund raisers, open events and open
meetings to get aquatinted with the Lodge members.
- In just one year, you can request a Petition for membership. Many good men have become Masons
and officers of the Lodge by following this simple advice.
Finding a Lodge in Georgia:
- To find a Lodge near you in the State of Georgia, go to the
Grand Lodge of Georgia web site and look at the list of Georgia Lodges.
- Visit, e-mail or write the lodge a letter and tell them of your interest.
...What happens when a completed Petition is returned to the Lodge?...
When a completed and signed Petition is returned to the Lodge, it is read to the brothers of the lodge by
the lodge secretary. The Master of the lodge will assign a three man investigating committee
to investigate and meet with the potential candidate and hopefully his family too. The investigating committee
will meet with the potential candidate at his home, the lodge building or elsewhere. The investigating committee
will report back to the lodge at the next meeting and give their favorable or unfavorable
report to the lodge brethren. The Master of the lodge will ask all the brothers in the lodge to vote by
secret ballot on the candidates Petition. One negative vote will deny the candidate from
joining the lodge and his initiation fee will be returned.
Although it is rare for a candidate to receive a negative vote, he can re-petition the lodge in one year. Upon a
favorable vote, the lodge secretary will contact the candidate to inform him of the date and time
when he should come to the lodge and receive the Entered Apprentice Degree.
...What happens after receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree?...
The Entered Apprentice Degree is a ceremony whereby the candidate receives a number of lessons
and lectures. After the candidate receives the Entered Apprentice Degree, he will be assigned a
coach to teach him of the journey, lessons and lectures he just experienced. The candidate will
stand examination before the lodge brothers while being examined by his coach. Your coach will know
when your ready to stand examination. The Master of the lodge will ask all the brothers in the lodge
to vote on the candidates examination and petition to advance to the next degree. It is very
unlikely that a candidate will fail the examination. It is best if a candidate can meet with his coach at
least twice a week or more often to prepare himself for the examination he is about to take. Your
coach will also prepare you for the examinations in the Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees as you
progress through the degrees.
I hope this helps.....
© Copyright 1998 - 2010 by Lawrenceville Lodge No. 131
