How to become a Freemason?

HOW TO BECOME A FREEMASON

ADVICE TO THOSE WHO SEEK MEMBERSHIP

Having expressed a desire to become a Freemason, we presume you have thoroughly considered the step you propose to take. The exact nature of our Institution being unknown to you, we consider it advisable that you should be informed on certain points, the knowledge of which might affect your decision to apply for membership.

Not all men can become Masons, however. Masonry does not purport to make “bad men good,” only “good men better.” This distinction is critical in that from its early days the Fraternity took itself out of the “rehabilitation” game – which is the purview of religion and the criminal justice system. Only men of good character are accepted into the Fraternity. Masonic Lodges review every applicant’s character – and the centuries-old “blackball” system is still in place; candidates for the degrees must be voted by a 100% vote of the Lodge members present.

Freemasonry strives to teach a man the duties he owes to God, his neighbor and himself. It has for its foundation the great basic principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, and requires a belief in the immortality of the Soul. It interferes neither with religion nor politics. Admission to the Institution must not be sought from mercenary or other unworthy motives, nor from hope of personal gain or advancement. Anyone so actuated will be disappointed, and in all friendship we warn you.

Freemasonry is not a benefit society. We do not subscribe so much a year to entitle us to draw financial relief or to make provision for those we leave behind. Its charity is intended for those Masons who, through no fault of their own, have met with misfortune.

Freemasonry has in all ages insisted that men shall come to it’s door entirely of their own free-will; not as a result of solicitation; not from feelings of curiosity; but from a favorable opinion of the Institution and a desire to be ranked among it’s members.

We think it is advisable to inform you that should you be admitted, it will entail certain financial obligations, which you should be able to afford without detriment to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees payable with your petition, there will be an annual subscription for the support of your Lodge, as provided by the By-Laws of that Lodge.
We trust you will consider these statements in the same spirit of honesty and friendship in which they have been presented. It is of the utmost importance to you as well as to Freemasonry that the motives and ideals governing your daily life be in substantial accord therewith.

There are more than 240 Masonic Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Washington in the State of Washington. You must be a resident in the state for 6 months to be considered for membership in one or more of these Lodges. (Exceptions to this requirement are possible for seafaring men, military, and college students.)

Use our Lodges page to find a lodge or lodges nearest you. When you select one, you will find information on where and when they meet. We suggest you contact them and arrange to visit them 1/2 to 1 hour prior to one of their meetings. Or you can use our Contact Us form on this website. The Grand Lodge office will pass your inquiry to your nearest lodge.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the requirements to join?
A man, of good repute, and well recommended, 18 or older, living in Washington state 6 months or more (exceptions for military), recommended by three Masons, no criminal record, and a belief in a supreme being. Specifics are listed on the petition for the degrees.
2. What is the application process?
Masons cannot invite you to join, it must be of your own freewill. You should visit some Lodges and get to know some of the men who are Masons in your area. You must fill out a petition for the degrees and get three Mason’s endorsement.
3. How long is the application process?
Once you have submitted a petition to a Lodge, your petition is read at Lodge, a team is assigned to meet with you and your family, the investigation results are read at the next Lodge meeting and then a ballot is taken. If approved by the members you will be assigned a coach and you will be asked to schedule a date for your initiation. This takes about three months, if the Lodge meets only once per month. After initiation, you will be required to pass a test on what you have learned before proceeding to the next Degree. Including initiation, there are three degrees. Memorization of the rituals will be required to advance through the degrees. Normally, it takes three or more months for you to pass all three degrees and get a good understanding of your obligations necessary to becoming a better man.
4. What would change in one’s life after becoming a Mason?
One reason to become a Mason is to become a better man. You become a better man by becoming more confident, by living by the rules of your God, by treating all on the level with justice and compassion, and by helping others become wiser and better. This takes effort on your part. The symbols of Masonry: the Plumb, Square, and Level continually remind a Brother to live an upright life, be square with your fellow man, and treat all equally.
5. How much time is required, in an average week, to be devoted to Masonic duties/responsibilities?
becoming a better man takes effort. Nothing realized without effort is truly cherished. It is a life-long task to become better than you were each day. How much effort that it takes is up to you.
6. What if any financial commitment is to be expected?
Joining costs about $200 depending on the Lodge. Yearly dues range in the $50-$100 range, depending on the Lodge. You should be financially secure and be able to support your family.
7. How long do meetings last and what is the purpose?
These meetings typically take about two hours and include business and educational content. Typically there is a social hour before or after the meeting that may include dinner.
8. How do I know what Lodge is right for me?
Your job is to visit Lodges in our area and get a feel from the Masons you meet. Ask questions. You will not be able to attend meetings until you become a Mason, but we have many social events that you and your family may be invited to attend. You may already know some Masons, if so, talk to them. In the mean time, contact a Mason or a Masonic Lodge near you.

SIX STEPS BEFORE BECOMING A FREEMASON

INTRODUCTION

On behalf of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington, thank you for your interest in Masonry. Becoming a Mason is a serious and, potentially, life changing decision. It is not one you should take lightly and will require substantial commitment on your part. However, the rewards of being a Mason can be significant. This is not measured in material wealth, for the Lodge doesn’t offer business opportunities or other material gain, but a system of continual improvement, community involvement, self-discovery and comradery with like-minded men. Historically, men became Freemasons through family or close friends who belonged to the Lodge. This connection ensured that members of good standing in the Lodge knew the character and background of the potential candidate for membership. However, today most men approach Masonry through casual connections (Internet, calling the Lodge, etc.) after their interest has been kindled by reading books and/or seeing videos about the Lodge. Because of this, the Grand Lodge of Washington has developed this plan of six steps that will allow you to know if the Lodge if right for you and the Lodge to know if you are a good candidate to potentially be raised to the highest degree in Craft Masonry: Master Mason.

STEP ONE – BRIEF INTERVIEW AND DISCUSSION

The first step is a short discussion with a Lodge member regarding Freemasonry. Questions may include:
• Why are you considering becoming a Freemason?
• Do you know any friends or family members who are or have been Masons?
• What do you know about Freemasonry?

This discussion can be in person or over the telephone. Since you are reading this pamphlet, there’s a good chance you have already completed step one as it should have been given to you or directed to download it as part of step one.

However, if you happened to obtain this pamphlet in another manner – friend, download, etc. – and have continued interest after reviewing its contents, please contact your local Lodge to set a time for a telephone call or meeting. Lodges can be found at: www.freemason-wa.org/lodge/ where you can search for the contact information of the local Lodge in your city or town.

STEP TWO – INDEPTH INTERVIEW AND DISCUSSION

The second meeting will be in person, either at the Lodge building or another agreed upon location. You are encouraged to bring any and all questions about Masonry to this meeting.
Some potential questions may include:
• What is the financial and time commitment needed to be a Mason?
• Are there any activities for my wife and/or children?
• What do Masons do at their meetings and activities?
• What do Masons believe and why is Masonry important?

During this meeting you will also be asked to read and answer a short survey regarding the Lodge and your motivations and desires for becoming a Freemason. Your honest answers and careful consideration of each question will help determine if proceeding further is the best course for you and the Lodge.
At this point, if you haven’t already done so, you can, if you wish, read one or more of the hundreds of books and/ or websites available on Freemasonry to increase your understanding. A word of caution: there are a number of “theories,” in popular media regarding Freemasonry. Some of these are conjecture based on different levels of evidence and others are just plain wrong. While the Lodge takes no official stance on different author’s writings, we recommend reading with a critical eye and asking questions during this process if you do not understand something or have concerns. A recommended book that is simple and straight forward on the different aspects of Freemasonry is, Freemasons for Dummies by Christopher Hodapp. It’s also recommended that you review the Washington Grand Lodge web site at www.freemason-wa.org and your local Lodge website (if they have one).
This will be the last meeting set by the Lodge. While the Lodge will do its best to inform you, and all good men, of our Craft, we do not recruit new members. All men must decide if a life in Freemasonry is for them by their own free will and accord. Unfortunately, too many good men have said, “I would have joined but no one asked me” not understanding that we will not ask you to join. Moving forward is now at your imitative but this is not meant to be inhospitable or rude on our part but as a way to ensure it’s your true desire.

STEP THREE – THE FOLLOW UP MEETING

As stated above, you will need to set this meeting with your Lodge contact. The focus of this meeting is to answer any and all questions or concerns you may have so you can make an informed decision to move forward or not.

Some of the areas that will be explained are:
1. The physical layout of a Lodge room and why.
2. The aprons, collars and other regalia Freemasons wear. 3. Titles and offices in the Lodge.
4. The three levels of Craft Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
5. What the process of becoming a Master Mason entails.
6. Dress code for different events.
7. Wife and family involvement.

Because you have actively shown interest by initiating this meeting, you will now be asked to actively engage in one of the activities Masons regularly perform. Should you progress to enter the Lodge, there will be ritual you must memorize as you move through the different degrees. So you can get a small “taste” of this part of Masonry, you will be asked to memorize a short passage of Masonic work used during our public ritual presentations. This will need to be recited at the next meeting along with your interpretation of its meaning.

STEP FOUR – THE SOCIAL MEETING

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STEP FIVE – ONGOING SOCIAL EVENTS

You are welcome to attend as many or few social events as you would like. In fact, since you are making a lifetime decision if you move forward, there’s no hurry. Over the year, Lodges typically have summer picnics, outings, dinners and other activities you can participate in. Ask the one of the Lodge officers for a schedule or a way to keep up with activities through a website or being included on an email list.
If you live in an area with more than one Lodge, feel free to ask about their activities and you are encouraged to attend them as well. Your goal should be to find the place where you feel the most comfortable.

STEP SIX – ASKING FOR A PETITION

After you have attended at least 3 social events, it is up to you when or if you ask for a petition for membership and to which Lodge (if you have attended more than one). No one should ask you if you want one. If, for some reason, they do ask, “I’ll let you know when I’m ready for one.” Is a completely acceptable response and would have no negative perception on you.
Once you have asked for, read and completed a petition, three members of the Lodge must sign the petition as your sponsors. The signed and completed petition, along with the required fee, is then given to the secretary of the Lodge. The following steps are taken by the Lodge and may take a few months to complete. During this period, you are welcome to continue attending public social events.
1. Your petition is read in open Lodge for all members and visiting Masons to hear.
2. An examination committee of three members will be appointed. They will need to interview you and your family. A background check may be requested (depending on Lodge policy) as part of the examination committee due diligence.
3. Upon completion of interviews and other processes, the examination committee will make their report and recommendations to the members of the Lodge at a stated meeting.
4. The members of the Lodge then vote on your acceptance into the Lodge. The ballot must be unanimous for admission.
5. If favorable, you will receive a letter from the Lodge secretary asking you to attend on a specific date to be initiated into Freemasonry.