WHAT ARE THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Twenty-two words
establish the most important prerequisite to becoming a Mason. " . . . We receive
none, knowingly, into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good
repute before the world . . .
WILL I BE
ASKED TO JOIN?
NO! Hopefully, if the
concepts and principles of Masonry as enumerated in this folder interest you, you will not
need to be asked to join. You must ask to become a Freemason. 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.
WHAT HAPPENS AT
THE INITIATION?
An applicant, whose
petition has been accepted by the lodge, is advised of the date his Entered Apprentice
Degree has been scheduled. On that date, following a brief Ritualistic opening, the
petitioner is properly prepared and introduced to the lodge. The solemn process is an
enlightening experience and the candidate need never worry that embarrassing or
compromising situations will arise during this (or any other degree) - THEY WILL NOT!
After receiving the
Entered Apprentice Degree, you will be expected to memorize several key passages of the
Ritual and help will be extended in the teaching/learning process.
Having learned the
required Ritualistic work and satisfying the lodge of that proficiency, you will be asked
to return for the conferral of your Fellow Craft Degree. Following a proficiency
examination on that Degree, you will advance to the "last and highest grade of
Ancient Craft Masonry-the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason."
Only after having
completed these three symbolic degrees will you truly understand the often-quoted
statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men." |