Interested in joining?
Your Own Free Will and Accord
You won't find recruiting posters - it's a voluntary organization, sought out by those with a positive impression of the organization.
Masonic membership has always been an intensely personal experience and in times when "feelings" weren't discussed publicly by men, the need for a person to ask for membership was often not communicated to those who might otherwise be interested in the fraternity.
Accordingly, there are many who became Masons much later in life than necessary: they had thought the proper thing to do was to wait to be asked to join!
These basic principles have been the means of attracting the most highly respected persons to Masonry for over three centuries.
Their simplicity confounds and confuses those who see a conspiracy lurking behind every bush; those who want 'religious purity' and those whose own motives are constantly self-oriented.
Freemasonry interferes neither with religion nor politics, but has for its foundation the great basic principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man. No Atheist can be a Freemason.
Freemasonry strives to teach a man the duty he owes to God, his neighbor, and himself.
It inculcates the practice of virtue, and makes an extensive use of symbolism in its teachings.
It cannot be too strongly emphasized that Freemasonry is not to be entered in the hope of personal gain or advancement.
Admission must not be sought from mercenary or other unworthy motives. Any one so actuated will be bitterly disappointed. The aim of the true Freemason is to cultivate a brotherly feeling among men, and to help whomsoever he can.
Freemasonry is not a Benefit Society. This fact cannot be too strongly emphasized. We do not subscribe so much a year to entitle us to draw sick pay or other benefits, or to make provision for those who survive us.
There are other excellent Societies founded for this purpose.
No man should enter the ranks of Freemasonry in hope or expectation that he will derive any financial benefit from it.
Masonic Charity is directed towards those who, from unforeseen circumstances and through no fault of their own, have met with misfortune.
Loyalty to one's country is an essential qualification in Freemasonry, and only those are acceptable who cheerfully render obedience to every lawful authority.
Disloyalty in any form is abhorrent to a Freemason, and is regarded as a serious Masonic offense.
Freemasonry has in all ages insisted that men should come to its doors entirely of their own free will, and not as a result of solicitations, or from feelings of curiosity, but simply from a favorable opinion of the Institution, and a desire to be ranked among its members.
The ability to support one's self and family requirement comes from a time when many would seek to join fraternal organizations in the hope there would be financial and other benefits available for them in their old age.
It is important to ensure that those who seek membership understand the priority of Freemasonry is secondary to religious and family obligations!
Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation which has attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership.
Becoming a Freemason
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest Fraternity in the world. Its members included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEO's, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbour.
Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the Fraternity. It´s ready to welcome YOU, if in your heart you can answer “yes” to a few questions.
Do you believe that there is such a thing as honour and that a man has a responsibility to act with honour in everything he does? Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not found on honour is hollow and empty - that a man who acts without honour is less than a man.
Do you believe in God? No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual faith is, that is a question between you and your God, but we do require that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
Are you willing to allow others the same right to their beliefs that you insist on yourself? Masonry insists on toleration - on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political matters.
Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better place that you found it? Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, or helping children to walk or read or see - the world should be a better place because we passed through it.
Do you believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive? Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know it gives each of us a good feeling - unlike any other - to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude, we're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it? Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that's there too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you believe there is more to life than just financial success? Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development. But they are no-substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building a house.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live? Masons believe that a country is strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development are afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principals of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man should show compassion to others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values? Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life? Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together - a private friendship that tells us, that we owe it to each other to be just in our dealing and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest forces for good on the world.
If you answer "yes," you should consider becoming a Mason.
Freemasonry offers much to its members - the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better world for our children. It offers a chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and ideals - men who have answered "YES" to these questions.
It's easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Masonry. You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and Compasses (Hint) like the one at the top of this page or on a pin, tie tack, or bumper sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your community, stop by or look up the number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book and ask for the secretary of the lodge. He'll be happy to help you.
Have you ever considered becoming a Mason? We'd like a chance to talk with you. For further information, please contact the Provincial Office. (Hint).
Becoming a Mason - You can download a .pdf file on how to become a mason to print and read at your leisure - just click here (opens a new window).
How to become a member
How Can I become a Freemason?
Our fraternity has a wonderful history, which dates back more than three centuries. It is one of the world's oldest secular fraternities, a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Founded on the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, it aims to bring together men of goodwill, regardless of background and differences.
People might think that to become a Freemason is quite difficult. It's actually straightforward.
The essential qualifications for admission is that you have a belief in a Supreme Being. This means that you profess a Religious faith. Freemasonry is not restricted to certain Faiths. Freemasons meet all over the world and embrace men of many differing religions.
It is usual for candidates to be "mature men of 21 years and over", but in some circumstances candidates between the ages of 18 and 21 can be admitted.
Suggested Steps
Download the .pdf file on Becoming a Mason to print and read at your leisure - click here (opens a new window).
After reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" on this site, and you are still interested in becoming a Freemason, we advise that you first talk to a family member, friend or colleague whom you already know to be a member. They will be able to explain to you what they can about the fraternity and help you find a suitable Lodge.
If you don't know anyone at all who is a member, then write to The Provincial Grand Secretary, W.Bro. Peter J. Sorahan, PAGDC, 8 Mostyn Avenue, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno. LL30 1YS, telling him a little bit about yourself and your reasons for wishing to join.
Arrangements will be made to meet you socially to find out more about you, and to give you a chance to find out more about us.
You would then in due course be invited to meet a committee of members from a Lodge you might be joining, prior to being balloted for membership of that Lodge.
All being well, arrangements will then be made for your admission.
Interested in joining?
Would you like to join Freemasonry?
Freemasonry has its lodges throughout the free world. You'll find Masons meeting in almost every town and village and - except where repressive governments make their existence difficult - they're readily found.
None of these lodges was ever organized as a result of any type of 'missionary' work: they came into existence because a group of Masons wanted to share the friendship and fraternity with others in the area.
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 good repute and well-recommended;
A belief in a Supreme Being;
Ability to support one's self and family;
Of lawful age; and Come to Freemasonry of their "own free will and accord".
Freemasonry is an initiatic experience. You can't become a Mason by reading a book or by hanging out on the internet.
The requirement of being "freeborn" harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service as an apprentice or bondsman (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
Being of good repute is another essential requirement. Masons do not wish to encourage membership by those whose actions would stain the reputation of the fraternity. In some jurisdictions this is specifically stated but in all, it is practiced!
A well-recommended person is one for whom another is willing to vouch. Those who become Freemasons have been recommended by a proposer and then examined by lodge members to ensure that the candidate will benefit from his membership.
Masonry does not attempt to define or delineate how a person should pray or to whom worship should be addressed.
The term "Great Architect of the Universe" (or "Grand Architect of the Universe") is used to permit offerings of prayer in a non-offensive manner regardless of the varied religious beliefs of those present.
All Masons understand this concept and when a prayer is said in lodge (a blessing before a meal, a word of prayer for the sick, for example), they understand that regardless of the person speaking the words or the usual form of prayer of others present, the prayer is addressed to their Supreme Being.
Once a candidate professes such belief, no further investigation or interrogation is made. This fact stymies Freemasonry's detractors who seem to be constantly engaged in wars of 'religious correctness' and who consequently wind up in contradiction with each other as a result.
Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practises concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
People joining Freemasons do so for a variety of reasons, some as the result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a curiosity to know what it is all about.
Those who become active members and who grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it.
