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Application to become a Mason begins with your local Masonic Lodge and may be made in a number of ways.
1. Masonic Lodges are usually listed in the “Fraternal Orders” section of your “Yellow Pages” telephone directory. To start the process, all you have to do is ask. In most states, members are not allowed to ask you to become a Mason. Thus, you must do the asking. Just call the Lodge closest to you.
2. Or, of course, you can drop a note addressed to Secretary at the Lodge address listed in the telephone book. Also, you can just ask someone you know to be a Mason or ask a man wearing a Masonic pin or other Masonic identification. Usually, it is a Square and Compasses.
3. Once you have expressed an interest, a few members of the Lodge will contact you for a visit. This gives you and your family an opportunity to ask questions and to find out if Freemasonry is for you and your family. Let’s hope it is since Masonry can be a real benefit to you personally and to your family.
4. Generally, you will be asked to fill out a form, called a petition, which is then signed by Masons who have met or know you and recommend you. The petition is shared with the other Lodge members who then vote on your membership.
5. After that, you will receive further instruction and participate, possibly with other candidates for membership, in three introductory ceremonies, called Degrees, at the Lodge. These explain Freemasonry and give you the opportunity to experience the Lodge’s tradition and fellowship. Everything is dignified. You are not joining a college fraternity where hazing might take place. Rather, you are joining the oldest, largest fraternal organization in the world.
