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 know 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, you must fill out the Petition in your own hand and have two 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.
• At Lawrenceville Masonic Lodge No. 131, the initiation fee for all three degrees is $100.00 and the annual dues are $50.00. The initiation fee includes the first years dues. The initiation fees and annual dues will very from lodge to lodge.
• Return the completed Petition 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. 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 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 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 report to the lodge brethren. The Master of the lodge will ask all the brothers in the lodge to vote 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. 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.....



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