Generally to be a regular Freemason, a man must:
* Be a man who comes of his own free will.
* Believe in a Supreme Being
* Be at least the minimum age (18–25 years old depending on the jurisdiction)
* Be of sound mind and body (Lodges do not deny membership to a man because of a physical disability; this is largely a historical holdover, and if a potential candidate says there will be no problem, he will be taken at his word), of good morals, and of good repute
* Be free (or "born free", i.e. not born a slave or bondsman. As with the previous, this is largely a historical holdover, and can be interpreted in the same manner as it is in context of writing a will. Some jurisdictions have removed this requirement)
* Have character references, as well as one or two references from current Masons, depending on jurisdiction
A candidate is asked 'Do you believe in a Supreme Being?'. Since an initiate is obligated on the sacred volume which is applicable to his faith, a sponsor will enquire as to an appropriate volume once a decision has been made on the applicant's suitability for initiation.
Some Grand Lodges in the United States have a residence requirement, candidates being expected to have lived within the jurisdiction for certain period of time, typically six months.
2006-12-26 18:12:40
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I was one for awhile. Just look for someone with a freemason ring and say you would like to join. He'll either invite you directly or do it the traditional way and send a formal invitation.
I am also a very devout Christain and freemasons do not in any sense worship a devil called Bathometh(sp). It's a base lie from people who don't have other things to do and can't figure out what the "G" stands for when it's surrounded by a builders square and a compass and one of it's very first functions was to teach a type of mathematics developed by ancient Greek peoples, but became redundant when the topic began to be taught in Public Schools.
Later freemasons became a group who met to discuss how to make improvements for their community and make it a better place to live. Be expected to do something along those lines when\if you join.
Freemasons accept people from every religous belief including atheists. Many American Presidents were freemasons. If you look up a list of famous freemasons you'll find some interesting surprises. I would say instead of an insular group, Freemasons were always more inclusive than a lot of other groups I could mention.
Lastly the most revered man in Canada was a Freemason and provided Canadians with the food group and beverage they like more than any other in the world. If making donoughts and good coffee available to the masses is not proof of the groups' utter and complete dedication to the betterment of humankind, give me a better yardstick and I'll use it.
Besides, you get a cool ring.
I just read Pilgrims answer, it never occured to me, it would probably work. Try that if you do not know an existing member. What he says about the dinner is true. I joined over thirty years ago, regardless, if I had not been inivited I'm sure I would have received an invite to the dinner if I called the Lodge. The posts that say you need to believe in a Supreme Being are NOT true, I told them I was an Atheist (although I am a Christian now) and I was admitted. Some famous Freemason are Atheists. Furthermore, they helped me when I needed it most, when others turned away, the Freemasons made sure I had a place to live and food to eat and gave me the time I needed to recover from a series of setbacks. In fact the person who sponsored me knew I was in trouble and that is why he sponsored me. I have nothing but respect for the Freemasons. May God bless them and keep them for the kindness they showed me.
2006-12-27 02:38:34
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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The requirements are that you are of mature age (18 0r 21 depending on state of residence) and believe in a supreme being. A committee of inquiry from the lodge will want to meet you at your home. They will be checking if your home is in order and if you have the means to be a Freemason.
Freemasonry is a organization of charitable givers. While the joining fees and annual dues are low in the United States, the opportunities for giving are unlimited. You should consider, "Do I have a good job?" "Can I afford to give away a portion of my income to charitable works."
Freemasonry is not a social club or a card party. It is a way of life. It members are successful businessmen and professionals who want to mature by giving of themselves. No one should try to join in an attempt to secure a better position, better pay or just plain curiosity.
2006-12-28 09:12:49
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answer #3
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answered by jerry806 4
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From what I have read, the members who admit being members don't know much about the core of the organization. Those who are closest to the core would never admit to being members, so it would be almost impossible for you to find out the inner workings of the organization without being a member for many years and working your way deeper into its core. However, the core is very dark and you probably would not want to become mixed up with that. Those members on the fringe or outer layer that you would know do many good things for their communities, while at the core no good things occur. The fringe is a front for the core. I recommend you stay away and do not become a member.
2006-12-27 02:18:18
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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I applaud your sentiment and the answers other Freemasons here have given.
In our Order (American Co-Masonry), it requires committment, that C word men have trouble saying. *grin* We meet once a month. Often we drive quite a few miles to our Lodges (one of mine is 185 miles away, the other 200 miles). Of course, the masculine only Lodges are closer. Still, can you commit to coming to Lodge? Can you commit the time it will take to study for the degrees? Talk with your prospective Lodge about that.
Money is a small part of it. Yes, we expect our Brothers not to be destitute. But it is not a wealthy persons only society. We expect every Brother (and we call our women members "Brother," too) to give a small donation and to pay their yearly dues. Yearly dues for each of my Lodges is less than I spend for a meal at a good restaurant (and I do not drink.)
The first year you would have to buy some clothing. That set me back about $400. We wear white suits. Some Lodges wear tuxes.
We ask about your family, how they feel about you joining. I assume that the masculine rite folks do, too. We do not want Freemasonry to interfere with your family life. Co-Masonry has the advantage in that we certainly are open to both women and men. For that matter, we are also non-discriminatory about sexual preferences. Couples do join. My lady waited to see my reaction to Co-Masonry before she petitioned for Initiation. I am proud to say that we were both Passed to Fellowcraft on the same day, Raised one day apart, and both took the Mark degree on the same day. It has moved us closer together.
If you are a felon, a practicer of illegal activities, someone who scoffs at laws, an atheist, or someone intolerant of folks of other religions or races... well, we really would find you incompatable with our brand of Freemasonry. We have folk of all genders, races, and religions in our Lodges. We like it that way.
Whatever path of Freemasonry you choose, know that you have a long history of good people trying to make themselves better. Be proud of that. I am proud of you.
If I can be of further help, please feel free to write,
A Master Mason
American Co-Masonry
Hiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
Amon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)
Sapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)
Adamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
2006-12-28 15:32:15
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answer #5
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answered by NeoArt 6
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If you know a Mason, and have known him for at least 6 months, just ask him. If you dont, find a local lodge in your area, and find out (either on their website, or by leaving a voice message) when they meet. Most lodges have dinner before their meetings, and will welcome you to join them for dinner. There, you can get to know the men in the lodge and after you have known them long enough, someone will be glad to give you a petition to join, and sign it for you. (That's how I joined) You must be of legal age (18 or 21 depending), must be man of good moral character, and must believe in one true and ever-living God. Pay no attention to the fools who keep saying you have to be invited. You cannot be invited, Nobody can be invited. To be a Mason, you must seek out membership. And most importantly, stop asking non-Masons how to becom a Mason. You wouldnt ask someone sitting at the bus stop how to buy a car would you? 2B1 Ask1
2006-12-27 13:05:34
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answer #6
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answered by pilgrim 3
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First you need to talk to a member who belongs to the Freemasons. Get to know them a little kind of drop the hint that you want to belong. If you are lucky VERY lucky the member might invite you to a meeting.
2006-12-27 02:07:12
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answer #7
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answered by establish_1980 2
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I think that you have to be nominated by a good standing Freemason. Perhaps you should talk to some and get good information from the source.
2006-12-27 02:05:40
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Go to the Grand Lodge website of your state I'm assuming your in the US and click the link for membership or how do I join.
It will change your life for the better!
2006-12-27 14:55:48
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answer #9
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answered by Dan 4
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If you know a someone who is a freemason, ask him if he will get a petition for you. You must ask to join -- they do not solicit members
2006-12-27 02:06:48
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answer #10
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answered by Joe B 3
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