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Interested in joining?
Here is some basic information
which should address the question: "Where do I go from here?"
Freemasonry has its lodges
throughout the free world. You'll find Masons meeting in almost every town
and village and - except where repressive governments make their existence
difficult - they're readily found. None of these lodges was ever organized
as a result of any type of 'missionary' work: they came into existence
because a group of Masons wanted to share the friendship and fraternity with
others in the area.
What is SO often misunderstood
is a simple fact: there are few but important requirements to become a
Freemason!
While they are stated in
slightly different words in various jurisdictions (and a few jurisdictions
may have one or two requirements beyond these), they basically are as
follows:
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Being a man, freeborn, of
good repute and well-recommended;
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A belief in a Supreme Being;
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Ability to support one's
self and family;
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Of lawful age; and
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Come to Freemasonry of their
"own free will and accord".
Let's examine these individually:
Being a man, freeborn, of good
repute and well-recommended
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Masonry began as a male
organization. There are women's groups and groups of mixed male-female
membership who use rituals similar to that of the major body of Freemasons
throughout the world. Some of these groups receive acknowledgement (but
not 'recognition') due to their adherence to high moral principles etc.
while others are frowned upon. It is, after all, quite easy for
anyone to claim that they are the head of a Masonic group and
begin to obtain members.
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The requirement of being
"freeborn" is one which harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry.
It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service
as an apprentice or bondsman (as many were in 17th century England,
for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
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Being of good repute is
another essential requirement. Masons do not
wish to encourage membership by those whose actions would stain the
reputation of the fraternity. In some jurisdictions this is
specifically stated but in all, it is practiced!
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A well-recommended person is
one for whom another is willing to vouch. Those who become Freemasons have
been recommended by a proposer and then examined by lodge members to
ensure that the candidate will benefit from his membership.
Belief in a Supreme
Being
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The major 'bone of
contention' for some detractors, Masonry does not attempt to define or
delineate how a person should pray or to whom worship should be addressed.
-
The term "Great Architect of
the Universe" (or "Grand Architect of the Universe") is used to permit a
more generic worship to the Supreme Being of all present. All Masons
understand this concept and when prayers are offered in their lodge, they
understand that regardless of the person speaking the words or the manner
of prayer of others present, the prayer is addressed to their
Supreme Being.
-
Once a candidate professes
such belief, no further investigation or interrogation is made. This fact
too stymies Freemasonry's detractors who seem to be constantly engaged in
wars of 'religious correctness' and who often wind up in contradiction
with each other as a result.
Ability to support
one's self and family
-
Although not specifically
stated by all jurisdictions, this 'requirement' comes from a time when
many would join fraternal organizations in the hope there would be
financial and other benefits available for them in their old age. Masonry
did want to become a benevolent association and thus the requirement
appeared. Now, this is important to ensure that those who seek membership
understand the priority of Freemasonry is secondary to religious and
family obligations!
Of Lawful Age
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It's a simply understood
concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the
concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to
comprehend. Although this isn't always true, there is a conceptual basis
for separating 'adults' from 'children'.
-
In most US jurisdictions,
this age is now 18. There are, however, some jurisdictions where the age
might be 19 or 21. Canadian and other jurisdictions vary as well. Check
with your local Grand Lodge. A quick summary of US/Canada ages can be
found here.
"Own Free Will and
Accord"
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You won't find recruiting
posters or 'membership bars' on a medal although
one jurisdiction has put 'advertisements' on various web locations
including search engines like Google. Masons simply
don't get awards for bringing in new members. It's a voluntary
organization, sought out by those with a positive impression of the
organization.
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Masonic membership has
always been an intensely personal experience and in times when "feelings"
weren't discussed publicly by men, the need for a person to ask
for membership was often not communicated to those who might otherwise be
interested in the fraternity. Accordingly, there are many who became
Masons much later in life than necessary: they had thought the proper
thing to do was to wait to be asked to join!
-
Some grand jurisdictions,
recognizing the problem arising from false perceptions ("I must be asked
to join such a good organization."), have begun to loosen prior strict
prohibitions. They may now have a provision for Masons to let those who
they may feel would be appropriate candidates know that they are
'welcomed' to join. This does not, however, in any way mitigate or
diminish the requirement that a man make the choice to join under his 'own
free will and accord' not actuated by unworthy motives!
The following was found on
an application form from the Grand Lodge of California and appears here
thanks to Bro. William Maddox who transcribed it.
| Having expressed a
desire to become a Freemason, we presume you are willing to consider
thoroughly the step you propose to take. The exact nature of our
Institution being unknown to you, we deem it advisable that you
should be informed on certain points, the knowledge of which may
affect your decision to apply for membership.
Freemasonry interferes neither with
religion nor politics, but has for its foundation the great basic
principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. No
Atheist can be a Freemason.
Freemasonry strives to teach a man
the duty he owes to God, his neighbor, and himself. It inculcates
the practice of virtue, and makes an extensive use of symbolism in
its teachings.
It cannot be too strongly
emphasized that Freemasonry is not to be entered in the hope of
personal gain or advancement. Admission must not be sought from
mercenary or other unworthy motives. Any one so actuated will be
bitterly disappointed. The aim of the true Freemason is to cultivate
a brotherly feeling among men, and to help whomsoever he can.
Freemasonry is not a Benefit
Society. This fact cannot be too strongly emphasized. We do not
subscribe so much a year to entitle us to draw sick pay or other
benefits, or to make provision for those who survive us. There are
other excellent Societies founded for this purpose. No man should
enter the ranks of Freemasonry in hope or expectation that he will
derive any financial benefit from it. Masonic Charity is directed
towards those who, from unforeseen circumstances and through no
fault of their own, have met with misfortune.
Loyalty to one's country is an
essential qualification in Freemasonry, and only those are
acceptable who cheerfully render obedience to every lawful
authority. Disloyalty in any form is abhorrent to a Freemason, and
is regarded as a serious Masonic offense.
Freemasonry has in all ages
insisted that men should come to its doors entirely of their own
free will, and not as a result of solicitations, or from feelings of
curiosity, but simply from a favorable opinion of the Institution,
and a desire to be ranked among its members.
We have no authority at the present
time to give you further information regarding the Brotherhood you
propose to join, but we have imparted sufficient to enable you to
conclude that Freemasonry is not contrary to the principles which
mark a man of upright heart and mind, and has in it nothing
inconsistent with one's civil, moral or religious duties.
We think it advisable to inform you
that your admission to our Craft will entail certain financial
obligations which you should be able to discharge without detriment
to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees and
contributions payable on your entrance, there will be an annual
subscription for the support of your Lodge, and from time to time
you may be called upon to contribute for the relief work connected
with the Craft. |
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