I want to become a Freemason--Where do I begin?
Three options are available:
1) Speak with a lodge member you know personally. Simply ask them to get you a petition for membership.
2) Leave a message for the lodge officers at 419-463-1768
3) Send an email to [email protected]
1) Speak with a lodge member you know personally. Simply ask them to get you a petition for membership.
2) Leave a message for the lodge officers at 419-463-1768
3) Send an email to [email protected]
The Application and Initiation Process
The process of joining the Freemasons may sound long and intimidating, but do not let that discourage you! Below you will find a simple outline of what a petitioner may expect.
1. The candidate (you) must contact the Masonic Lodge, or an active member of the Lodge, and request a petition for membership. The petition is a very basic application that asks for name, address, occupation, and the names of two members who recommend you for consideration. You must be age 19 or older and be willing to express belief in a Supreme Being (specific religious denomination/active church membership is not necessary). If you do not know any current members personally, that is not an issue--the members that will deliver your petition will take some time to speak with you, get to know you, and will be willing to vouch for you on your petition. A one-time initiation fee must accompany your petition, which will also cover your first year of dues.
2. Once your petition has been accepted by the Lodge, you will meet with an "Investigating Commitee"--a small group of members who seek to learn more about you and to explain more about the organization and answer any further questions you may have. Traditionally these meetings take place in the candidate's home, and a spouse is encouraged to be present and welcomed to ask questions as well.
3. The Investigating Committee will report on your interview at the next lodge meeting, and a ballot will be taken by the membership in attendance. All candidates must be accepted by a unanimous vote.
4. After the vote has been confirmed a member of the lodge will contact you to inform you of your acceptance and schedule your initiation into our Fraternity.
1. The candidate (you) must contact the Masonic Lodge, or an active member of the Lodge, and request a petition for membership. The petition is a very basic application that asks for name, address, occupation, and the names of two members who recommend you for consideration. You must be age 19 or older and be willing to express belief in a Supreme Being (specific religious denomination/active church membership is not necessary). If you do not know any current members personally, that is not an issue--the members that will deliver your petition will take some time to speak with you, get to know you, and will be willing to vouch for you on your petition. A one-time initiation fee must accompany your petition, which will also cover your first year of dues.
2. Once your petition has been accepted by the Lodge, you will meet with an "Investigating Commitee"--a small group of members who seek to learn more about you and to explain more about the organization and answer any further questions you may have. Traditionally these meetings take place in the candidate's home, and a spouse is encouraged to be present and welcomed to ask questions as well.
3. The Investigating Committee will report on your interview at the next lodge meeting, and a ballot will be taken by the membership in attendance. All candidates must be accepted by a unanimous vote.
4. After the vote has been confirmed a member of the lodge will contact you to inform you of your acceptance and schedule your initiation into our Fraternity.
The Masonic Degrees
Within the Masonic lodge are three levels, or degrees, of membership: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. These ceremonies are modeled after the initiation rites of the medieval stone masons, from whom modern-day Freemasonry is believed to have originated. In order to become a full member of the lodge with voting privileges, each candidate must participate in a ceremony for each of the 3 degrees.
Much speculation can be found about the content of these ceremonies, both online and in print. The exact nature of the ceremonies is something members do not like to discuss openly, preferring for candidates to experience them first-hand. These ceremonies are NOT hazing. The degree ceremonies are solemn, serious, and at no time are designed to make a candidate uncomfortable or at odds with their family and professional lives, or obligations to God and Country.
Much speculation can be found about the content of these ceremonies, both online and in print. The exact nature of the ceremonies is something members do not like to discuss openly, preferring for candidates to experience them first-hand. These ceremonies are NOT hazing. The degree ceremonies are solemn, serious, and at no time are designed to make a candidate uncomfortable or at odds with their family and professional lives, or obligations to God and Country.