How to become a Freemason | Lodge Tullibardine 227

How To Become A Freemason ...

Simple answer is ... ask a freemason – but there is a little more to it than that ...

Joining Our Lodge

The minimum age for membership is 18 years. There is no maximum age ... The underlying assumption is that all applicants should be mature adults.

So! If you are 18 years or over, and believe in a Supreme Being then your application would be welcomed. Not otherwise.

The first thing you should be aware of is that we can let anyone know that we will receive and consider applications, but it is for the individual to ask about joining, it is not for us to ask anyone to join, it is for you to ask us.

Typically a possible member will have been introduced by a friend at a lodge social function, or at some form of open evening in the lodge and most candidates for Freemasonry will have met most active members of the lodge they are joining before they are initiated.

Once an individual asks to join Freemasonry a set process begins with regards to their application. I guess that it is fair to say that if you want to be a freemason then you simply ask a freemason.

WARNING – Simply knowing and asking a freemason about joining does not guarantee that the application will be accepted.

In modern times, interested men often track down a lodge through the Internet; but as I said, while candidates may be encouraged to ask, they are never invited.

The Craft (as we call Freemasonry) offers many things to its members.

Some will explore the ritual and symbolism of the Craft; others will focus their involvement on the social side of the lodge, while still others will concentrate on the charitable functions of the lodge. It is indeed all things to all people....or it can be.

To help you make your decision please have a look at the following questions and the answers that we have provided.

So, as indicated the traditional way of joining Freemasonry is to ask someone who is already a member. If you know someone who's a member, let him know that you're interested in joining, and tell him you'd like to petition for membership. He should direct you to the appropriate venue to issue your petition; you'll have to answer some questions about why you want to become a member.

If you don't know someone who's member, there are a few things you can try:

Look for the Masonic square and compass symbol. This is a bit hard to spot, but you may see someone wearing it on a t-shirt or another item.
Look up your local Freemason lodge in the phone book. Call the lodge and ask them how to pursue membership in that jurisdiction.

There are a few “musts” - there are always a few “musts”

You must:

Believe in a single god or deity above all others, a Supreme Being if you will. It does not matter to us what religion you are, that is your business, but we do require a declaration of belief in any deity. We do NOT accept atheists (we view them as potential cause of discord with Freemasonry). People from all religious backgrounds are welcome as long as this holds true. There are a few jurisdictions that don't require members to believe in a deity, but this is a requirement for most Freemasons. It certainly is in our Lodge.

Have high morals. This may be the most important quality to have as a potential Freemason.

“Better men make a better world", and honour, personal integrity, and

responsibility are held in high esteem.

Be able to demonstrate that you are a man with good character in the following ways: Have a good reputation so that those who know you would happily vouch for your character and be a good family member, with the means to support your family.

Have an educated understanding of freemasonry. Many people seek to enter the fraternity because they heard about it in movies, books, and mainstream media. Freemasonry is often portrayed as a secret society that is trying to take over the world, with clues to this effect hidden all over Paris and DC.

The truth is that Freemasonry is comprised of regular men striving to support each other in fellowship, friendship, and good citizenship.

Becoming a member gives you access to the following:

Entrance to the monthly gatherings at Freemason lodges, where you commune with fellow Masons.
Initiation into and ongoing instruction on the teachings on the history of Freemasonry.
Participation in the ancient rites of Freemasonry, such as rituals of initiation, the symbol, usages and customs.

It is a lifetime’s journey and the journey of a lifetime.

Once the initial inquiry is made, an interview and the interview held, if you decide to proceed an application form is completed and submitted to the Lodge. They in turn will submit it to the Grand Lodge where it is considered for the first time.

If approved by the Grand Lodge our lodge will receive written advice of your acceptance in principle and we will receive permission to ballot for your admission to our ranks.

The lodge is balloted before you can be accepted. A few do not pass the ballot. This is not an incitement on their character, not at all. It is simply that two or more members do not think that the applicant would be compatible with the membership as it stands at the time of application. This does not happen often but it does happen.

During the ceremony of initiation, the candidate is expected to swear (usually on a volume of Sacred text appropriate to his personal religious faith) to fulfill certain obligations as a Mason.

These obligations are not taken lightly.

There are three degrees or levels and each has its own unique ceremony. As you progress through the three degrees, new masons will promise to keep the secrets of their degree from lower degrees and outsiders, and to support a fellow Mason in distress (as far as practicality and the law permit).

Obviously there is instruction as to the duties of a Freemason, but on the whole, Freemasons we leave you to explore the craft in the manner you find most satisfying.

Interview with the members of our Lodge

After you've submitted your petition to our lodge, we will review it and decide whether to invite you in for an interview with an investigative committee. If everything is ok you will receive a phone-call and a date and time will be arranged with you for a face to face interview.

However you make the first approach we will ask to hold an interview with you and if possible with your life partner. We do this for two reasons...

So that we can try to determine your suitability, and
So that you have an opportunity to ask questions so that you can determine if you really wish to join. The wife of one of our members would happy to come along if your partner would be happier speaking with a woman.

During the interview, you can expect the following:

You'll be asked questions about why you want to become a Freemason, and you'll be asked to describe your life story and your own character.
You'll get the opportunity to ask them questions about how things work at the Lodge.

You will be able to ask about the various fees and charges.

Await the decision

After the interview, the Freemasons will conduct a review of your application. This may include calls to people close to you that you have nominated, persons who can verify that you have a high moral character.

Once the investigative committee has made their decision, you'll receive a call:-

It may advise you that your application has been unsuccessful, or
It may be an invitation to join the fraternity

If successful you'll receive further instructions about meetings

What happens next?

1. You will start as an Entered Apprentice. (Initiation ceremony)

This is the first stage of initiation, and you'll learn the basic principles of Freemasonry. After you gain enough knowledge and put in some time, you'll work your way up through two more symbolic degrees. Throughout the apprenticeship period, you must continue to demonstrate good character.

Before you can advance to the next degree, you must demonstrate proficiency in understanding the degree work you experienced

2. Later you advance to the Fellow Craft Degree. (Advancement ceremony)

You'll delve deeper into the teachings of Freemasonry, especially as they pertain to the arts and sciences. To complete this degree, you'll be tested on your knowledge about everything you've learned so far.

3. Down the track you will receive the Master Mason Degree. (Advancement ceremony)

This is the highest level you can achieve, and it usually takes up to 12 months to get there. To get the degree, you must demonstrate proficiency in the values of Freemasonry. Your completion of the degree will be celebrated with a ceremony.

Now that you have read all of that we want you to ask yourself...

Why you want to become a member?
What do expect to receive?
What advantage are you seeking?

You have an understanding of the process now; so please read the document titled:

Read First - 'It is a great place to be and a better way to live'

Then, if you still wish to become a Freemason , make contact with us.

The oldest Masonic Lodge
in the world.

Antient Masonic Medals

The Steward's Wand

Highland Dirk