Gaining membership into the world's largest, oldest, and most
prestigious fraternal order requires one surprisingly simple
step: ask.
Freemasonry does not recruit members. We believe that the best
and most willing members are those who seek out the
opportunity themselves. To help assure that our brotherhood
shares a desire for community service and charity, and to help
promote harmony within our lodges, we instead present the
opportunity to all qualified men; allowing them to petition
us.
The qualifications for membership are to be male, 21 years or
older, holding a belief in a Supreme Being, under no
'restraint of liberty' (no convicted felons or Freemasons
suspended or expelled in another jurisdiction may apply), and
having resided within the state for at least the last six
months. Any person meeting these qualifications is entitled to
apply.
Any qualified applicant may apply at any lodge in the state.
It is suggested however that the applicant reside near the
lodge he intends to join, in order to maximize his
participation in -- and enjoyment of -- lodge events. To find
a lodge near you, visit the
Grand Lodge of Connecticut
Lodge Directory and scan the available locations.
When completing a membership application -- also referred to
as a 'petition' -- the applicant requires a 'recommender' and
an 'avoucher'. These individuals act as the applicant's
sponsors, and typically are familiar enough with him to know
his overall demeanor, and to believe that he and the
membership will be a good fit. If you don't personally know a
Freemason, contact the lodge of your choice. More often than
not, you do know a Freemason, you simply aren't aware that he
is a member of the fraternity.
After receiving your application, the lodge will appoint a
committee to interview you. This interview will be a 'two-way
street', not only giving the lodge a chance to learn something
about you, but also giving you the opportunity to learn
something about the lodge and Freemasonry in general.
The committee will present their recommendation to the lodge,
which will vote on your petition. A unanimous vote is required
for any man to be offered membership. A single 'nay' vote
disqualifies the petitioner for at least six months.
Following your petition's approval, you will be invited to
participate in three degrees, exemplifying man in his youth,
adulthood, and old age. These degrees provide Freemasons
everywhere a shared experience, and through them, make us all
brothers.
For further information, or to speak someone personally about
Freemasonry,
please contact the
Grand Lodge of Connecticut.
Source:
Grand Lodge of
Connecticut
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