FAQ's
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal societies. It provides a code of living in today’s society based on moral and ethical standards. Freemasonry is an organisation of men who strive to live by the fundamental principles of integrity, goodwill and charity. It is a non-profit organisation that is heavily involved in supporting charity and community service.
Freemasonry is a society that unifies men of high ideals, regardless of colour, creed or worldly status.
Freemasonry welcomes men of every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion.
Historically, Freemasons used various signs (hand gestures), grips or “tokens” (handshakes), and passwords to identify legitimate Masonic visitors from non-Masons who might wish to gain admission to meetings.
To become a Freemason, the applicant has to be an adult male and must believe in the existence of a supreme being and in the immortality of the soul. The teachings of Freemasonry enjoin morality, charity, and obedience to the law of the land.
The Requirements to Join a Freemason Lodge
- You must believe in a Supreme Being.
- You must be joining of your own free will. …
- You must be a man.
- You must be free-born. …
- You must be of lawful age. …
- You must come recommended by at least two existing Freemasons from the lodge you’re petitioning.
In addition to such business, the meeting may perform a ceremony to confer a Masonic degree or receive a lecture, which is usually on some aspect of Masonic history or ritual. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Lodge may hold a formal dinner, or festive board, sometimes involving toasting and song.
How much does it cost to be a Freemason? There is an initiation fee when you join and each lodge charges an annual subscription to cover its running costs. Each meeting is normally followed by a dinner, with the cost depending on the venue. However, there is no requirement to attend the dinner if you are unable to.
How do Freemasons dress?
Some lodges wear tuxedos for only the officers while others all the members must be dressed in a tux. Other lodges, enjoy a casual attire – polo shirts and suit pants.
Masonic bodies do not ban Catholics from joining if they wish to do so. There has never been a Masonic prohibition against Catholics joining the fraternity, and some Freemasons are Catholics, despite the Catholic Church’s prohibition of joining the freemasons.
How long does it take to become a Freemason? It usually takes a couple months to join as an apprentice. You can expect to wait at least 45 days before hearing whether you’ve been accepted. In practice, depending on how busy the lodge is and its exact rules, it’s not unusual to wait 3 or 4 months, or even longer.
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
Freemasonry is an organization of people who believe in brotherhood and helping others. Its members are known as “Freemasons” (in full: “Ancient Free and Accepted Masons”, or simply “Masons”).
Inquire at your local Grand Lodge about whether your relative was a member, or ask at the Grad Lodge in the geographical location where he spent the majority of his life. You can find a list of the Grand Lodges at the Masonic Info website.
