What is a Freemason and how do I become one?
See the FAQs and How to Petition section at the bottom of the page for details on the petitioning process.
What is a Freemason?
A Mason is a man, who through his own free will, may choose to improve himself by the learning and practicing the noblest virtues of society. A Mason is a just and upright individual who seeks the truth in all things and commits himself to the betterment of humanity. The Operative art of Masonry taught its members the use of geometry and imparted knowledge that allowed them to contruct edifices that are the admiration of every age.
Speculative Masons, or Freemasons, have adopted the use of the Opertaive Masons working tools to perfect themselves. Modern Masons learn and inculcate the practice of the Noblest Virtues, specifically Fortitude, Temperance, Prudence and Justice. It is by these virtues that a Mason walks uprightly in his journey through life and positively affects the lives of his family, friends, and humanity at large. There are three Degree of Blue Lodge Masonry.
Entered Apprentice
The Entered Apprentice Degree in Freemasonry is the first degree to be conferred upon a candidate accepted by the Craft. It is meant to impress upon your mind the beginning of a journey toward knowledge, or as Masons term 'Light'. Light is the beginning of all things, and is the illuminant for human thoughts and actions. By virtue of this degree, the Entered Apprentice Mason is shown the initial tenets and visions of this time honored fraternity.
History of masonry and Freemasons is strongly emphasized, along with the inner workings of a Lodge. This Degree is replete with symbolism and moral lessons; they will all be explained to you in great detail, after which you will be charged to learn and perfect them. In accordance with the education and perfection of these symbolic and moral lessons, each Entered Apprentice who successfully completes the initiation will begin to learn the catechism of this Degree.
Masonic catechism is a question and answer forum that will allow the Entered Apprentice to comprehend and understand all that has occurred in this degree, its symbolic meaning, and moral representations. Mastering this degree will require the Entered Apprentice to successfully complete this catechism with proficiency to the Master Masons of the Lodge. Upon proven proficiency, he will be passed to the 2nd Degree, Fellowcraft.
Fellowcraft Mason
As an Entered Apprentice Mason, you were taught the beginnings of Freemasonry, its symbolism and morality. Further, you were given working tools for that Degree, and taught the manner in which to use them toward achieving proficiency and perfection.
The second, or Fellowcraft Degree in Freemasonry, is symbolic of the advancement of your mind. In this degree, science, intellect, and industry are emphasized to teach young Brothers how to conduct themselves in a manner that impacts the whole of humanity in a positive way. Honorable conduct, wisdom to make decisions, and strength to such decisions and conduct are exemplified to each Entered Apprentice. Industry has been the cornerstone of mankind since its inception, and the labor to which a Mason is to undertake is explained in great detail.
In accordance with the lessons of science and industry, and to continue the education and perfection of the symbolic and moral lessons taught in the Entered Apprentice Degree, each Fellowcraft will begin to learn the catechism of this Degree. Again, the Masonic catechism is a question and answer forum that will allow the Fellowcraft to comprehend and understand all that has occurred in this degree, its symbolic meanings and representations. Mastering this degree will require the Fellowcraft to successfully complete this catechism with proficiency to the Master Masons of the Lodge. Upon proven proficiency, he will then be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
Master Mason
Upon demonstrated proficiency in the catechisms of the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees, you will be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. As a Master Mason, this is the highest degree that can be conferred upon you within a Masonic Blue Lodge (your home Lodge). Although this is the last degree within your Lodge, it is not the end of your search for knowledge and Light. In fact, it's just the beginning!
In this degree, you will be taught lessons of integrity and tragedy. As you will learn, the working tools of a Master Mason are many, and it is only by the use of all the tools that a Master Mason will discover truth and Light. After being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, you will have the opportunity to learn the catechism of this degree. If you complete this catechism with proficiency, you will be given your own Masonic apron, which will include the dates of each previous initiation.
Learn more about becoming a member by reading the FAQ section below!
Frequently Asked Questions and How To Petition
How old do I have to be to join a Masonic Lodge in Florida?
Is Freemasonry a religion?
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
What do Masons do?
Can I be a member of two Masonic Lodges?
Do I have to be a Mason to join the Shriners?
If I petition a Masonic Lodge, will I be investigated?
What are the steps to joining / petitioning?
Answer: The normal path of a petitioner is as follows:
- A man interested in joining attends one or more dinners or other open events at the Lodge. The more the better!
- He obtains a petition.
- Two members of the Lodge must sign the petition. It must also contain three references.
- The petition is turned in with the necessary fees.
- The Petitions Committee meets with the petitioner.
- The petition is accepted by the Lodge (by vote).
- The petitioner is contacted and visited by an investigating committee of three members (typically at his home).
- The background check is completed and reviewed.
- The petition is balloted upon at a business meeting.
- If elected to membership, he is contacted by the Secretary and informed of the date of his EA degree.