Frequently asked questions
Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men committed to lives of honor, integrity, and character. The men of Freemasonry are on a journey of self discovery. For hundreds of years, Freemasons, with deep brotherly support, have worked to become the best version of themselves while working to better their communities and our world.
Becoming a Mason can take from six weeks to six months from when you submit your petition until you have finished your degrees.
Once the degree work begins, you may be asked to attend your lodge’s monthly meetings or social functions. There is also “homework” that you will need to complete. Every member of the fraternity has gone through this process, and your lodge will assign a Brother to help you.
Yes. Each lodge sets its own fees for new members, generally between $100 and $300. In addition, members pay annual dues to support lodge operations.
Initiation Fee: The lodge charges an initiation fee for each of the three degrees in Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. By rule, this fee must be paid before a degree can be conferred. Each lodge sets the fee for its degrees, which typically run between $100 and $300. One question a man may be asked when he seeks to join the lodge is whether he can afford these fees without injuring or depriving his family. If paying the fees will be a hardship, he is encouraged to wait until his financial situation improves.
Annual Lodge Dues: Each Master Mason must pay annual dues to maintain his membership in good standing. This amount is paid each year before the lodge annual meeting and election of officers. Typical lodge dues average about $100 per year, depending on the activities and location of the lodge. Lodges with active social and family programs or with buildings to support may collect more in annual dues.
Occasionally, a member will have trouble paying his dues because of job loss, medical expenses, or other financial setbacks. When this happens, the lodge will work with the member to accommodate his individual situation. The goal of the lodge is to keep each Master Mason an active member.
There are 3 ways to pay your Lodge dues, here’s how to:
Your Lodge will send you a Membership Renewal Notice starting in August of each year. The renewals will be sent via email (if listed on your Grand View account) and by mail. Lodge dues are to be paid by the Lodge’s annual meeting in November.
You can pay your dues in 3 different ways:
Drop off your dues notice and payment to your Lodge secretary
Mail your dues notice along with a check written out to your Lodge
Pay via credit card on Grand View
Log into your Grand View account
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see a banner noting that you have a balance due with a button to “pay now” – click the “pay now” button
This will prompt you to enter your credit card information and confirm your payment
Once the payment has gone through you’ll be set for another great Masonic year!
As with any organization, there are several misconceptions about Freemasonry.
Here are some of the most common myths and rumors about Freemasonry, as well as some clarifications to help you better understand the organization.
Myths and Rumors
Freemasonry is a Secret Society
One of the most common misconceptions about Freemasonry is that it is a secret society.
While the organization does have some secret rituals and ceremonies, it is not a secret society.
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being.
Freemasonry is a Religion
Another common misconception is that Freemasonry is a religion.
This is not true. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not have its own set of religious beliefs.
Members are free to practice their own religion, and religion is not discussed at lodge meetings.
Freemasonry is a Cult
Some people believe that Freemasonry is a cult. This is not true.
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that is open to men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being.
Members are free to come and go as they please and are not required to do anything that goes against their beliefs or values.
Clarifying Misunderstandings
Freemasonry is Not a Political Organization
Freemasonry is not a political organization and does not endorse any political candidates or parties.
Members are free to hold their own political beliefs and are not required to share them with other members.
Freemasonry is Not a Business Network
Another common misunderstanding is that Freemasonry is a business network.
While members may form professional relationships with other members, Freemasonry is not a business network and does not exist to further the business interests of its members.
Freemasonry is Not a Path to Wealth
Some people believe that Freemasonry is a path to wealth. This is also not true.
Members are not given any financial benefits and are also not required to give any money to the organization besides their dues.
Yes, there is a cost to membership.
Becoming a Freemason is a personal decision that requires careful consideration.
It is important to understand the values and principles of the organization before joining.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
Freemasonry is a fraternity that values brotherhood, charity, and truth.
Members are expected to exhibit the utmost tolerance and gentlemanly conduct both in Lodge and in their daily lives.
Freemasonry is not a religion, but members are required to believe in a supreme being.
The organization is open to men of good repute who are over 21 years old and able to support themselves and their families.
Joining Freemasonry is a commitment to personal growth and service to others.
If you are considering joining Freemasonry, take the time to research and learn more about the organization.
Contact your local lodge to request an application and attend a meeting to get a sense of the culture and community.
Remember, becoming a Freemason is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication and a willingness to live by the principles of the organization.
As a Freemason, you will gain access to a community of like-minded individuals who share your values and beliefs.
You will also have the opportunity to develop your personal growth and development through the organization’s teachings and practices.
Here are some of the benefits of being a Freemason:
Community and Brotherhood
One of the most significant benefits of being a Freemason is the sense of community and brotherhood that comes with membership.
Freemasonry provides a supportive environment where members can connect and build lasting relationships with one another.
The organization is known for its strong sense of camaraderie and fellowship, which is fostered through regular meetings, social events, and charitable activities.
Personal Growth and Development
Freemasonry is a system of moral and ethical teachings that seeks to improve the character of its members.
Through the organization’s teachings and practices, you will have the opportunity to develop your personal growth and development.
The organization’s teachings are based on the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, which are designed to help members become better individuals and better members of society.
As a Freemason, you will have access to a range of educational resources, including lectures, seminars, and workshops, that will help you develop your knowledge and understanding of the organization’s teachings.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in various rituals and ceremonies, which are designed to help you develop your character and strengthen your moral and ethical values.
Once you have submitted your petition to join a lodge, it will be reviewed by the members.
If your petition is accepted, you will be invited to attend an interview with a committee of members.
This is an opportunity for you to share your reasons for wanting to join and for the committee to ask you questions.
If the committee approves your interview, you will be scheduled for an initiation ceremony.
The initiation process involves a series of rituals and ceremonies that will introduce you to the principles and values of Freemasonry.
During the initiation ceremony, you will take an oath of allegiance to the organization and be presented with a white apron, which is a symbol of your membership.
You will also receive a copy of the organization’s constitution and bylaws.
After the initiation ceremony, you will be considered an Entered Apprentice, which is the first degree of Freemasonry.
You will then progress through the other degrees of Freemasonry, including Fellowcraft and Master Mason.
Freemasonry is based on a set of core values and beliefs. These include:
Brotherhood: Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are united by a common set of values and beliefs. Members are expected to support and help each other. Charity: Freemasonry places a strong emphasis on charity and helping those in need. Members are encouraged to give back to their communities and help those who are less fortunate. Morality: Freemasonry places a strong emphasis on morality and ethical behavior. Members are expected to live their lives according to a set of moral and ethical principles. Tolerance: Freemasonry is a tolerant organization that welcomes men of all races, religions, and backgrounds. Members are expected to be respectful of each other’s beliefs and opinions
The exact origins of Freemasonry remain lost in time. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. Certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt and the building of King Solomon's Temple. The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These “Accepted” Masons adopted more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesmen’s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization.
Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, historians have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was formed.
Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Symbols allow people to communicate quickly, and to transcend language barriers. When you see a green light or a circle with a line through it, for example, you know what it means. Likewise, Masons use metaphors from geometry and the architecture of stonemasonry to inform their continuing pursuit of knowledge, ethics, and leadership skills.
To reflect their heritage, Masons wear aprons while in lodge, at certain public events, and at funerals to demonstrate their pride in the fraternity, and their lineage from stonemasons, who historically carried their tools in leather aprons. The square and compasses are the most widely known symbol of Masonry: When you see the symbol on a building, you know that Masons meet there.
Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. Freemasonry does not intrude on the religious beliefs of its members, although it does require that all members profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Men of all faiths are represented in Freemasonry. Religion is not discussed at lodge meetings.
To become a Master Mason, you must complete the three degrees of the symbolic lodge. Once you have completed the third degree, you become a full member of Freemasonry, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership.
To begin your journey to becoming a Master Mason, submit a petition for membership at a Masonic lodge in your area. Visit our Get in Touch page to take the first step.
The highest rank in Freemasonry is the third degree, that of the Master Mason. While some Masonic organizations offer additional degrees that explore the teachings of Freemasonry in further depth, those degrees are not considered to be higher than the symbolic lodge degrees.
There are three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. These degrees are the three ceremonial stages that a man must complete to become a full member of the Masonic fraternity. Collectively, these degrees are known as the symbolic lodge (often called blue lodge).
The Masonic degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval craftsmen. At each educational stage, a craftsman was required to achieve proficiency before moving to the next stage. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and age. By advancing through the degrees, a Freemason learns the moral and ethical lessons of the Masonic rite.
Learn more about the Masonic degrees.
There are Masonic lodges in or near virtually every city and town in the United States. To find a lodge near you, visit our Get in Touch page and we will connect you with a Grand Lodge in your area. The Grand Lodge in your state will help you find a local lodge.
Becoming a Freemason can help you achieve great personal reward by guiding you to build your moral character and connection to your community. Freemasonry is built upon the core tenets of Brotherly love and affection, relief, and truth. Through a commitment to these values, all Freemasons share the common goal of making good men better. In addition to self improvement, a Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.
Freemasonry welcomes men of every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. However, to join Freemasonry, one must meet the following qualifications:
Be a male at least 18 years of age (the minimum age varies in some jurisdictions, sometimes up to 21)
Believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, although Freemasonry is not concerned with theological distinctions or particular religious beliefs
Be of good moral character
Be motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit
Your decision to apply is based on your own “free will and accord”
Be prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry
Be desirous of earning knowledge and willing to conform to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity
The process of applying to become a Freemason can be expedited a few different ways. You can contact your state’s Grand Lodge (the overarching Masonic governing body in your state where you live), find a Masonic lodge in your area that you wish to join, or reach out to a man who is a Freemason and ask for his help. You will submit a petition for membership. Members at the lodge will read your petition and form a small committee to meet with you to determine your qualifications and answer any questions you have regarding Freemasonry.
To take the first step, get in touch with a Freemason representative in your area
In Freemasonry, the lodge means two things. It refers to a group of Masons coming together in fellowship, and, at the same time, refers to the room or building in which they meet.
There are thousands of Masonic lodges in the U.S. and many more worldwide. The lodge itself typically consists of a lodge room where official business and Masonic rituals are conducted, as well as several additional areas for Brothers to share meals, spend time together, host public and private events, and more.
Learn more about the social and charitable activities that take place in Masonic lodges.