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Will I be asked to join?
The answer to that is NO! Hopefully,
if the concepts and principles of Masonry as
explained on this website has stirred a
genuine interest in you to desire to become
a Freemason, then you will not need to be
asked to join. You must ask to become
a Freemason. Unfortunately, many men who
would like to become Masons never do because
they are unaware of the above-mentioned
requirement (that it be of your own free
will and accord, and you must ask to join
the Fraternity). If you desire to learn more
about Masonic membership, feel free to
contact a Mason to satisfy yourself
concerning Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we
believe that membership in an organization
as worthy as ours must come from a "sincere
wish of being serviceable to your fellow
creatures" and not because of coaxing,
coercement, or of any promise of material
gain of any kind.
What happens at the Initiation?
An applicant, whose petition has been
accepted by the lodge, is advised of the
date that his Entered Apprentice Degree has
been scheduled to be conferred upon him. On
that date, following a brief Ritualistic
opening, the petitioner is properly prepared
and introduced to the lodge. The solemn
process is an enlightening experience and
the candidate need never to worry that any
embarrassing or compromising situations will
arise during this first degree, or the two
subsequent degrees for the that matter, will
take ever occur.
After receiving the Entered Apprentice
Degree, you will be expected to memorize
several key passages of the Ritual and help
will be extended in the teaching/learning
process.
Having learned the required Ritualistic work
and satisfying the lodge of that
proficiency, you will be asked to return for
the conferral of your Fellow Craft Degree.
Following a proficiency examination on that
Degree, you will advance to the "last and
highest grade of Ancient Craft Masonry-the
Sublime Degree of a Master Mason."
Only after having completed these three
symbolic degrees will you truly understand
the oft-quoted statement, "Freemasonry
Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men."
Is Freemasonry a Religion?
NO! Religion can best teach a man
faith, hope, and charity. Freemasonry only
endeavors to reinforce these teachings.
Masonry is not a religion nor is it a
substitute for or a rival of any doctrine.
It is an aid to religious development in
that it builds character and stresses
righteousness. It is significant that many
clergymen are active members of the
Fraternity. A Mason respects and is tolerant
of that which is sacred to his brother, be
he Christian, Mohammedan, Jew, or of some
other faith in God.
The Fraternity is essentially an institution
providing moral instruction and the rules of
right conduct a member must follow are
acceptable to all religions.
How do Masons help others?
The basic premise of Freemasonry is "The
Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of
God." With that thought uppermost in mind,
Masons strive to learn how better to serve
that "brotherhood of man"-charitably-not
just with money (although a recent survey
revealed that over two million Masonic
dollars are contributed EVERY DAY to
philanthropies) but also through actions and
deeds.
To Become a Mason, simply ask a
Mason in your area for a petition for
membership! |
