How to Join

TO BE ONE YOU MUST ASK ONE!

In order to become a member of a Lodge owing allegiance to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of DC, there are few basic but important requirements to becoming 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 are as follows:

1. Being a man, freeborn, of lawful age (18 years) and well-recommended (two Master Masons vouching for your character);
2. A belief in a Supreme Being that promotes peace, love, and harmony towards all mankind;
3. Ability to support one's self and family;
4. Come to Freemasonry of your "own free will and accord."

Having expressed a desire to become a Freemason, we presume you are willing to consider thoroughly the step you propose to take. The exact nature of our Institution being unknown to you, we deem it advisable that you should be informed on certain points, the knowledge of which may affect your decision to apply for membership.

Freemasonry has its lodges throughout the free world. 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.

Freemasonry is an initiatic experience defined as "a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." Freemasons conveys its teachings, virtues and maxims in ceremonies called degrees. It passes on the symbols, teachings, law, history and work culture of the craftsmen of stone-masonry and architecture employed at the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem, commissioned by Solomon, King of Israel, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible. You can't become a Mason by reading a book or by hanging out on the Internet. All Masonic lodges working under regular grand lodges can trace their origin to a mother Grand Lodge who has origins "since time immemorial." The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia can trace its lineage to the United Grand Lodge of England through African Lodge No. 459 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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.

We have no authority at the present time to give you further information regarding the Brotherhood you propose to join, but we have imparted sufficient information to enable you to conclude that Freemasonry is not contrary to the principles which mark a man of upright heart and mind, and has in it nothing inconsistent with one's civil, moral or religious duties or privileges, be they what they may.

We think it advisable to inform you that your admission to our Craft will entail certain financial obligations which you should be able to discharge without detriment to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees and contributions payable on your entrance, there will be an annual subscription for the support of your Lodge, and from time to time you may be called upon to contribute for the relief work connected with the Craft.

In the event that you are elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry, and this fact becomes known, you may be called upon by someone seeking to take advantage of that fact by attempting to sell you insurance in some form, a Bible with some Masonic information in it, or other books or items related to the Craft. Any and all such solicitations are completely without authorization and are in violation of our rules and regulations. We strongly urge you to be decline to talk with any persons offering such items for sale.

If you've read this far and are now interested in Masonic membership for yourself, simply visit your local Masonic lodge or call the Grand Lodge for your area. Masons don't hide: our buildings are clearly found in virtually every city and town throughout the inhabitable planet! If you reside in Washington, DC or in Maryland within the Capitol Beltway I-95/495 (i.e. Prince George's and Montgomery Counties in Maryland), you may petition a Masonic Lodge in the District of Columbia for membership. Our information can be found on the CONTACT US page. We welcome membership inquires.

Click HERE for a list of Grand Lodges. Nearly all of them have locator lists on their site to assist you in finding your local lodge.

If you know a man who is a Mason, ask him how you can join: we suspect that you'll both be glad you did! In many parts of the world, Masons wear jewelry which makes them easily identifiable.