How to Join
Interested in joining? Here is some basic information which should address the question: “Where do I go from here?”
What is so often misunderstood is a simple fact: there are few but important requirements to become a Freemason!
While they are stated in slightly different words in various jurisdictions (and a few jurisdictions may have one or two requirements beyond these), they basically are as follows:
Being a man, freeborn, of at least 18 years of age
Masonry began as a male organization, although there are now women’s organizations that parallel that of most of the men’s organizations.
The requirement of being “freeborn” is one which harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
The age of adulthood for joining as established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Constitution.
It’s a simply understood concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to comprehend. Although this isn’t always true, there is a conceptual basis for separating ‘adults’ from ‘children’.
Being a citizen of Maryland (unless you are Active Duty Military)
Masonry began as a male organization, although there are now women’s organizations that parallel that of most of the men’s organizations.
The requirement of being “freeborn” is one which harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
The age of adulthood for joining as established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Constitution.
It’s a simply understood concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to comprehend. Although this isn’t always true, there is a conceptual basis for separating ‘adults’ from ‘children’.
Be of good moral character, and well recommended
Masonry began as a male organization, although there are now women’s organizations that parallel that of most of the men’s organizations.
The requirement of being “freeborn” is one which harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
The age of adulthood for joining as established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Constitution.
It’s a simply understood concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to comprehend. Although this isn’t always true, there is a conceptual basis for separating ‘adults’ from ‘children’.
Ability to support one’s self and family
Masonry began as a male organization, although there are now women’s organizations that parallel that of most of the men’s organizations.
The requirement of being “freeborn” is one which harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
The age of adulthood for joining as established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Constitution.
It’s a simply understood concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to comprehend. Although this isn’t always true, there is a conceptual basis for separating ‘adults’ from ‘children’.
Be in good mental health and have control and use of your limbs
Masonry began as a male organization, although there are now women’s organizations that parallel that of most of the men’s organizations.
The requirement of being “freeborn” is one which harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
The age of adulthood for joining as established by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Constitution.
It’s a simply understood concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to comprehend. Although this isn’t always true, there is a conceptual basis for separating ‘adults’ from ‘children’.