Become a Mason
What are the requirements to become a Mason?
Anyone meeting the following primary requirements may petition a Massachusetts lodge for membership:
1. You are an adult male (18 or older) of good character and recommended by a Massachusetts Mason.
2. You believe in a Supreme Being - no atheist or agnostic can become a Mason - but we are not concerned with theological distinctions or your particular religious beliefs.
3. You are interested in becoming a Mason because you hold a favorable opinion of our institution; and, your decision to apply is based on your own "free will and accord" - no one compelled you to join.
How do I become a Freemason? Ask!
Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask? But if you meet the requirements above, it is really quite simple:
Most men can become a Mason by simply asking - like Washington, Franklin, and most every Mason from the past to the present day. Each Lodge manages the membership process for its candidates. In general, men seek out a Lodge near their home or work (you can contact Caleb Butler Lodge or the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts to locate a lodge in your area), or they ask a Mason to recommend a Lodge to them. Once you've found a lodge you would like to join, let them know of your interest and they will provide you with a petition.
If you are unanimously elected by the members of a lodge, joining the Fraternity involves going through three "degrees": Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Every man accepted into the Fraternity goes through the degrees, thereby making each an equal to the others in the lodge. Typically they are conferred during a lodge's monthly meeting over the course of three months
Is There Greatness In You?
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has also created a website, Ask A Freemason, to help answer many frequently asked questions that you might have about Freemasonry. It also has a LIVE Forum that allows individuals to post questions and receive answers in addition to providing other facts regarding Freemasonry.