Becoming a Freemason
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One of the most commonly held misconceptions about Freemasonry is that you must to be invited to join. Nothing could be further from the truth; we do not solicit; self motivation is a prerequisite for all aspirants. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Freemason, fill out a Request of Information and we will be happy to begin the conversation with you.
The first and most important step when considering life as a Freemason is to satisfy yourself that Freemasonry is an organization that you actually want to join. If you are motivated to join because you have been misled into thinking that becoming a Freemason will advance your station in life by giving you an advantage in business or politics, you should look elsewhere; you will be sorely disappointed.
There are a few formal requirements that must be met before a petition for membership will be accepted:
- BELIEF IN A SUPREME BEING. We need to be satisfied that you have such a belief. The Supreme Being in whom you put your trust, of course, will depend upon your own religious and philosophical beliefs. Each man’s truths are his own, and Freemasons, as an organization, hold absolutely no bias or preference toward one faith over another.
- OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL. We need to be assured that you are acting entirely of your own volition, and that you are under no pressure from family, friends, colleagues, or anyone else.
- OF LEGAL AGE. You are man over the age of eighteen.
- OF GOOD REPUTE. You are known to be of good moral character and without a criminal record.
Before your petition can be accepted for consideration, a first and second line signer must be found to sponsor you for membership. The sponsors must be current members in good standing of the lodge you are petitioning. Occasionally, there may be an exception, where a man may be vouched for by Masons from other Lodges (perhaps in another jurisdiction or country). At the very least, Minneapolis Lodge No. 19 will require ALL prospective members to be interviewed by the Lodge Membership Committee, and advanced through the customary vetting process. This process is intended to ensure the following prior to consideration of a petition:
- That you do not have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits of membership.
- That you have discussed this with your immediate family, and that they support your decision.
- That you know what it will cost to join and maintain a membership.
- That you understand the basic principles of Freemasonry, and will endeavor to uphold them.
- That you can afford the time to make a regular attendance at our meetings.
- That you have had ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and that you have received helpful answers.
If you wish to proceed, and we are satisfied that you are clear about what you propose to do, there will be a ballot among the Lodge members. If you know of any reason why any existing member may wish to bar your entrance, it would be in your interest to discuss this frankly with the Lodge beforehand. Your views and comments will be treated with strictest confidence, and we may be able to help you overcome an existing personal conflict that may otherwise interfere with your application. Subject to a favorable outcome of the ballot on your petition, you will be notified of the outcome by the Secretary, and provided with further information. You may withdraw your petition for membership at any time.