MEMBERSHIP INTO OUR LODGE
How to become a member of Henry Knox Field-John Blair Lodge #187.
To become a member of this ancient and honorable Fraternity, a man must apply of his own free will and accord and with an open heart (2B1ASK). Invitations are not issued to prospective members, nor are members solicited. If a person is interested in joining, he should ask a Masonic friend for more information. Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.
OUR REQUIREMENTS
- Be a man
- Good character and reputation
- Be a peaceful law abiding citizen who guards against intemperance and excess
FOR MEMBERSHIP
- Respect for genuine brotherhood and general good of society
- Belief in a Supreme Being
- Must be 18 years of age to petition a Lodge
THE SECRET
There is no secret to what we believe.
We believe in some pretty old fashioned things. We believe in God. We believe in the Brotherhood of Man. We believe in service to those who are less fortunate. We believe in helping young people get a head start in life. And we believe in freedom. Surprised? Some people are. Somehow they consider us a secret society. Yet we don’t hide our purpose or our membership. Our constitution and regulations are open for all to see.
Masons provide homes for the elderly and for orphans. We provide college scholarships to promising young men and women. We contribute to blood banks, fund medical research, and maintain hospitals for crippled and burned children. That’s why it’s not surprising that some of America’s greatest men have been Masons. We come from every walk of life. And we stand tall, proud to be called Master Masons.
2B1ASK
Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask? Today, because of widespread interest in the Fraternity – along with the plethora of both information and misinformation found on the Internet – the following information was put together on how men can join our brotherhood:
ASK
Most men can become a Mason by simply asking – like Washington, Franklin, and most every Mason from the past to the present day. Membership is open to men of every race, religion, culture, and level of income. The requirements for membership are that you be over the age of 18, believe in a Supreme Being, and can be found to be of good character. The belief in a Supreme Being is said to be a requirement that is needed to take certain oaths, otherwise “no obligation would be binding upon you.”
SEEK
Generally, men seek out a Lodge near their home or workplace, or ask someone they know who is a Mason to recommend a Lodge to them.
Not all men can become Masons, however. Masonry does not purport to make “bad men good,” only “good men better.” Only men of good character are accepted into the Fraternity. Masonic Lodges review every applicant’s moral character – and the centuries-old “blackball” system is still in place; members must be voted in by a 100% vote of Lodge members present.
THE MASONIC PETITION PROCESS
In order to become a Freemason you must have two Master Masons vouch for your character and recommend you into our Craft. You also have to be a man, 18 years old or older, of good character, and believe in a God that promotes peace, love, and harmony towards all mankind. These are some of the basic requirements for membership into our Fraternity.
To become a member of this ancient and honorable Fraternity, a man must apply of his own free will and accord and with an open heart. Invitations are not issued to prospective members, nor are members solicited. If a person is interested in joining, he should ask a Masonic friend for more information or contact the Grand Lodge of Virginia, or a local Masonic Lodge.
Membership is for men, 18 years of age or older, who meet the qualifications and standards of character and reputation, who are of good moral character, and who believe in the existence of a supreme being.
A man who wants to join a Lodge must be recommended by two Master Masons in good standing in any Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Virginia. He must understand that his character will be investigated. After approval by the members of that Lodge, he will be accepted as an applicant for membership in Freemasonry.
The doors of Freemasonry are open to men who seek harmony with their fellowman, feel the need for self-improvement and wish to participate in making this world a better place to live.
Any man who becomes a Mason is taught a pattern for living – reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability, and compassion. He must be prepared to honor his country, uphold its laws, and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honorable relations with others and be willing to share in Masonic activities.