FAQ's
How does one become a Mason?
Many men live a lifetime and never know that they must ask for admission to the world's oldest, most purposeful and greatest fraternity. They do not realize that they will not be invited. They must come of their own free will and accord without persuasion. They must preferably ask a Mason to support his application but if a potential member does not know any Freemason then a way can be found after a direct approach to a Lodge.
Why have I not been asked to join?
Unlike the members of other fraternal organizations, Masons do not solicit anyone to become a member.
The prescribed requirements for membership are:
To become a Mason, a man must be at least 18 years of age ( and finished full time education), physically and mentally able to carry out his duties in the Lodge, free to make his own choices and he must express his personal belief in a Supreme Being. He must possess a good reputation in his community and be of good moral character. His petition must be recommended by two members of the Lodge being petitioned.
Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?
Freemasonry is emphatically not a secret society, but in common with many other organisations, its meetings are private and, as might be expected, only open to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are readily available, as are details of every Masonic Lodge and the names of all senior members of the organisation. The locations and addresses of all Masonic centres are given in telephone directories. Many centres hold open days where members of the public are invited to visit and see for themselves the aims and objectives of Freemasonry. The Freemasons Hall in Great Queen Street, London is open to the public and guided tours take place regularly.
What then are the Secrets of Freemasonry?
The so-called secrets of Freemasonry are the traditional ways of recognition. These signs in the past enabled a complete stranger to arrive at a building site and at once establish his status as a craftsman. Those signs were a sort of PIN and as such were closely guarded.
Is Freemasonry a Substitute Religion?
Although Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being, it does not in any way try to either replace religion or act as a substitute for it. While it demands a belief in a Supreme Being, every member is encouraged to practice his own religion. Freemasonry is complementary to and supportive of religion, allowing all cultures and creeds to meet in harmony and understanding.
Why “The Great Architect Of The Universe”?
Freemasonry embraces all men of goodwill who believe in a Supreme Being and its members follow many faiths. By referring to God as “the Great Architect of the Universe” men of different religions can meet together without giving offence to any of them or their faith.
Who can join?
Membership is open to men of all faiths and all races providing they are of good repute, honest, law-abiding and acknowledge a conviction that there is a Supreme Being to whom we are all ultimately accountable. However, it is unlikely that anyone with a criminal record would be considered for membership.
Do Mason’s practice preference with their fellow masons?
Freemasons are certainly not expected to prefer fellow Masons at the expense of others. Such an action would be a fundamental abuse of membership and would be subject to Masonic discipline, possibly expulsion. A man who becomes a mason must expect no material gain.
Why only men?
One could just as easily ask why the Women's Institute is only for women. In fact there are four organizations in the UK calling themselves 'Masonic Orders". Two of these are exclusively for women, one is mixed and our own (admittedly much the largest) which is exclusively for men.
And in conclusion
We hope that you will have found this interesting, and that it will increase your understanding of the Fraternity.
Many men live a lifetime and never know that they must ask for admission to the world's oldest, most purposeful and greatest fraternity. They do not realize that they will not be invited. They must come of their own free will and accord without persuasion. They must preferably ask a Mason to support his application but if a potential member does not know any Freemason then a way can be found after a direct approach to a Lodge.
Why have I not been asked to join?
Unlike the members of other fraternal organizations, Masons do not solicit anyone to become a member.
The prescribed requirements for membership are:
To become a Mason, a man must be at least 18 years of age ( and finished full time education), physically and mentally able to carry out his duties in the Lodge, free to make his own choices and he must express his personal belief in a Supreme Being. He must possess a good reputation in his community and be of good moral character. His petition must be recommended by two members of the Lodge being petitioned.
Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?
Freemasonry is emphatically not a secret society, but in common with many other organisations, its meetings are private and, as might be expected, only open to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are readily available, as are details of every Masonic Lodge and the names of all senior members of the organisation. The locations and addresses of all Masonic centres are given in telephone directories. Many centres hold open days where members of the public are invited to visit and see for themselves the aims and objectives of Freemasonry. The Freemasons Hall in Great Queen Street, London is open to the public and guided tours take place regularly.
What then are the Secrets of Freemasonry?
The so-called secrets of Freemasonry are the traditional ways of recognition. These signs in the past enabled a complete stranger to arrive at a building site and at once establish his status as a craftsman. Those signs were a sort of PIN and as such were closely guarded.
Is Freemasonry a Substitute Religion?
Although Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being, it does not in any way try to either replace religion or act as a substitute for it. While it demands a belief in a Supreme Being, every member is encouraged to practice his own religion. Freemasonry is complementary to and supportive of religion, allowing all cultures and creeds to meet in harmony and understanding.
Why “The Great Architect Of The Universe”?
Freemasonry embraces all men of goodwill who believe in a Supreme Being and its members follow many faiths. By referring to God as “the Great Architect of the Universe” men of different religions can meet together without giving offence to any of them or their faith.
Who can join?
Membership is open to men of all faiths and all races providing they are of good repute, honest, law-abiding and acknowledge a conviction that there is a Supreme Being to whom we are all ultimately accountable. However, it is unlikely that anyone with a criminal record would be considered for membership.
Do Mason’s practice preference with their fellow masons?
Freemasons are certainly not expected to prefer fellow Masons at the expense of others. Such an action would be a fundamental abuse of membership and would be subject to Masonic discipline, possibly expulsion. A man who becomes a mason must expect no material gain.
Why only men?
One could just as easily ask why the Women's Institute is only for women. In fact there are four organizations in the UK calling themselves 'Masonic Orders". Two of these are exclusively for women, one is mixed and our own (admittedly much the largest) which is exclusively for men.
And in conclusion
We hope that you will have found this interesting, and that it will increase your understanding of the Fraternity.