I want to be a Mason, What do I do. , page 2

reply to post by rattan1

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A belief in a Supreme Being is not the only requirement. There are quite a few...

In order to become a Mason, a candidate must:
- Be male
- Have a belief in a Supreme Being
- Be over 21 years of age
- Be naturally charitable
- Not be wanting to join for personal gain financially or career-wise.
- Join of one's own free will and accord, unbiased by the solicitation of friends or masons against one's own inclination (which means that nobody can ever be invited - you have to ask to join)
- Have a favorable opinion of the institution
- Have a general desire for knowledge
- Have no criminal record or current criminal charges against him

If any one of the above are missing, the person cannot become a Mason.

[edit on 25/2/2009 by Saurus]

reply to post by Saurus

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Thanks for that. I just wanted to stress on the fact that you need to believe in God being most important and of course all the other you mentioned.

reply to post by homage

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Step 1: Find a Mason and tell him you want to join. If you do not know one, find your nearest lodge and go there before a meeting, when the Masons are arriving at the lodge. Alternatively, write to your nearest lodge, and they will call you back, or simply phone the secretary yourself.

Step 2: You will need two character references of Masons who have known you for a while. In order to meet this requirement, you will be invited to attend a BBQ or dinner or function where they will meet you informally, and get to know you. Here, you may ask anything you want to know about Freemasonry, and you will get honest answers.

Step 3: After they feel that they know you well enough (probably after about two visits), they will give you a petition (application form), which you fill in and return to your lodge.

Step 4: After your application form, you will have a formal interview (normally comprised of a few members on this year's committee) where they will meet with you and find out whether or not you meet all the requirements I have listed in my previous post. They will also chat to your wife (if applicable) to make sure that she does not have a problem with you joining. Masonry does not like causing family problems. Support of your immediate family is important, and you can be sure the committee will want to chat to them.

Step 5: Your application is read out in the lodge, together with the opinion of the committee as to your suitability as a candidate. The secretary will normally check up to make sure that you have no criminal record.

Step 6: At the following meeting, the lodge will ballot for you. Unless somebody knows of a valid reason why you should not become a Mason, the lodge will almost always accept the recommendation of the committee.

Step 7: You will need to pay joining fees (varies from lodge to lodge, but normally quite affordable.) You will be initiated at the next free meeting.

All in all, you can expect this process to take about six months.

This is the exact route that I took three years ago (I found the number of the secretary of my lodge, and simply phoned, introduced myself, and stated that I was interested in becoming a Mason.) After my initial phone call, I was really surprised at the warm reception I received. Every step was explained to me, and I felt welcomed from the very first phone call.

The most important guideline I can give you as a prospective candidate is to show enthusiasm. The fact that you make the effort to find a local lodge and phone and talk to the secretary indicates that you are serious about Masonry. Joining requires a bit of effort, and this effort is almost always rewarded.

[edit on 25/2/2009 by Saurus]

reply to post by xxxJClarkxxx

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Here are some questions for you to ponder while you smugly sit there and accuse masons of world domination.

If there was a secret agenda to manipulate mankind, or do anything other than what the masons on ATS claim, don't you think somebody would have spilled the beans by now? How long does a "low level" mason need to be involved before he is let in on the super secret stuff? What constitues a High level mason? If you don't trust a low level mason because he doesn't know what the real deal is, and you don't trust a high level mason because he would lie to you, how is it that you are getting your information? Lastly, do you think it's possible that the people who are giving you your information may be telling you an untruth to make their cams seem a bit more fantastic?

I look forward you the incredible insight I am sure you will give on these questions.

Sincerely,

Mike
(Low level 3rd degree porch mason, 32nd degree scottish rite porch mason)

reply to post by Daiedi

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do you know anyone who is a mason? If you aren't sure, go to the lodge in your town and talk to the brothers there. You probably do know a few and just don't know it yet. Not every mason wears a ring. If you know one it will make the process a little quicker. Once you turn in your pettition, an investigating commitee will contact you and visit with you. They are just looking to make sure you are who you say you are. As long as you are a good person without a criminal past and you beileve in a higher power, you should have no problems. Just be yourself and ask any question you have, no matter what you think the brothers might think. That way you will not be disillusioned. And if you have any questions or need help along the way just ask. I or any brother here would be happy to help in any way. Good luck on your journey. Sorry to derail the thread earlier. It was not my intention.

Calling all ATS members, what is your age?
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Recently enlisted in the United States Army
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