The Start of Your Masonic Journey

When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. You will build rich, meaningful relationships with your Brothers, commit to the service of those around you, and strive for a deeper, more honest connection with yourself and others. It's a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

After contacting a local lodge, it is encouraged you meet with the men in fellowship to ensure you are a good fit for each other. All lodges are different, make sure you find a lodge that fits you.

Petitioning A Lodge

When you have found the right Lodge for you, request a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry. After submitting the Petition and requisite fee, it will be read in the Lodge at the next Stated Business meeting. Your petition will then lay over for no less than 28 days, during which an investigation committee will contact you, your family, and your references.

If the committee reports favorably to the Lodge, a vote will be held following the 28 day layover period, among the Master Masons of the Lodge to decide on your acceptance into the fraternity and initiation as an Entered Apprentice.

Entered Apprentice

As a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity, this degree is intended to be an introduction to Masonry. It is, like all Masonic ceremonies, a solemn and meaningful event. The Entered Apprentice is entrusted with secrets of the Masonic Order, which are all moral and ethical in nature, and is expected to honor them in accordance with Masonic law. Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice degree, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.”

Before being passed to the Degree of a Fellowcraft, you will be required to display and perform your proficiency in the Entered Apprentice Degree.

Fellowcraft

Fellowcraft is a term used by the ancient Guilds of Operative Masons that refers to skilled members of the craft – a literal ‘fellow of the craft.’ Within Freemasonry, the Fellowcraft references a more advanced search for Masonic wisdom, symbolism, and philosophy. For skilled craftsmen, this degree would have marked a person’s progress from an apprentice to a journeyman, which brings with it increased responsibility, learning, and work.

Before being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, you will be required to display and perform your proficiency in the Fellowcraft Degree.

Master Mason

The third degree symbolizes man’s maturity in life or age and his increase in knowledge and wisdom. The last of the lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree completes the initiation ceremonies into the fraternity, and the new Master Mason may enjoy both the rights and responsibilities of membership.

A Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world, sharing in fraternal fellowship with like-minded men who now share a common bond.

Continuing Your Masonic Journey

While a Master Mason is the highest degree in Ancient Craft Masonry, your masonic journey has just begun. Your regular attendance at Lodge meetings and events, while not required, is highly encouraged. As a Master Mason, you are a voting member of the Lodge and should exercise your right to do so.

After performing your Master Mason proficiency, you will be eligible to hold an elected or appointed office in the Lodge and join one of the numerous appendant bodies in Freemasonry.