How to Join?

The Three Steps in Becoming a Mason – Is it right for You?

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It’s members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor. And Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the Fraternity. It’s ready to welcome YOU, if in your heart you can answer “yes” to a few questions.

The First Step :  Can you answer YES to the below Questions?

Do you believe that there is such a thing as honor, and that a man has a responsibility to act with honor in everything he does?

Freemasonry teaches that principle. We believe that a life not founded on honor is hollow and empty – that a man who acts without honor is less than a man.

Do you believe in God?

No atheist can become a member of a Freemasonry Lodge. Masons do not care what your individual faith is,¬ that is a question between you and your God – but we do require that a man believe in a Supreme Being.

Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?

Masons insists on toleration – on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social, and political matters.

Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than you found it?

Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, or helping children to walk or read or see – the world should be a better place because we have passed through it.

Do you believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, it’s also more fun?

Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know it gives each of us a good feeling – unlike any other – to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We’re not after gratitude; we’re more than rewarded by the feeling that comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.

Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it?

Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that’s there too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.

Do you feel that there’s something more to life than just financial success?

Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank, social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building a house.

Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live?

Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.

Do you agree that man should show compassion for others, and that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?

Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.

Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?

Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together – a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with peers, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest forces for good in the world.

IF YOU ANSWERED “YES”, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.

Freemasonry offers much to its members – the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and ideals – men who have answered YES to these questions are the Freemasons of today.

It’s easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Freemasonry. You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you’ve seen the Square and Compasses like the one in this brochure on a pin or tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your community, stop by or look up the number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book and ask for the secretary of the lodge.

The Second Step:

Masonic Lodge Application

Application to become a Mason begins with your local Masonic Lodge and may be made in a number of ways.

Masonic Lodges are usually listed in the “Fraternal Orders” section of your “Yellow Pages” telephone directory. To start the process, all you have to do is ask. In most states members are not allowed to ask you to become a Mason. Thus, you must do the asking. Just call the Lodge closest to you. If there is no response, call again. Lodges do not always have a person available to answer the phone, and there may not be an answering machine. Most Lodges meet in the early evening hours on a weekday. Try calling between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You can send an email to one of the officers of the Lodge that interest you. Asking assistance from any of the officers will allow you to better understand the process and acquire the information you need.

Also, you can just ask someone you know that is a Mason or ask a man wearing a Masonic pin or other Masonic identification for a petition or application.

You will be asked to fill out a form, called a petition, which is then signed by Masons who have met or know you and recommend you. After the requirements of the petition are fulfilled it is shared with the other Lodge members who then vote on your membership.

Here is a link to a fillable & printable pdf version of the petition.

Click Here to download and print a petition  

Completed petitions should usually be provided to an officer of the lodge you are petitioning.
Your annual dues card will gain you entry to any lodge in Texas and you will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate.
Most lodges have a dinner an hour before each monthly stated meeting (dates & times are on each lodge’s page) attending those dinners or contacting the secretary for each lodge is a great way to ask for help completing your petition.

Once membership is approved, a few members of the Lodge will arrange to visit you at home or at a place of your convenience. This gives you and your family an opportunity to ask questions and to find out if Freemasonry is for you and your family.

The Third Step

The Masonic Degrees

After the investigation is completed a final Vote will be taken by the lodge members. If approved you will receive further instruction and participate, possibly with other candidates for membership, in three introductory ceremonies called Degrees, at the Lodge. These explain Freemasonry and give you the opportunity to experience the Lodge’s traditions and fellowship. Everything is dignified. You are not joining a college fraternity where hazing might take place. Rather, you are joining the oldest, largest fraternal organization in the world.

Contact any of the lodge secretary’s by visiting their specific pages on the right or email us at b1@abilenemasons.org