Masonic membership is limited to adult males who meet recognized qualifications and high standards of character and reputation. No Mason or Masonic organization will ever ask a man to become a member, to become a Mason you must ask a Mason. Every man seeking membership must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, an atheist cannot become a Mason. A prospective Mason must be of sound mind and of good moral character. He must be in such financial circumstances that he can maintain himself as a member of his Lodge and meet the financial obligations imposed thereby. He must be a loyal citizen, an honorable member of his community, observant of his obligations to God and man, and be without reproach among his fellows.

Nothing within the Brotherhood of Freemasonry, will conflict with your religious or moral beliefs. The symbolism of Masonry deals with the intellectual, moral, and spiritual values of life. Symbolism reaches a high degree of development in Freemasonry, and it is largely responsible for it's universality. Men of different tongues often may find it difficult to reach a common understanding: but symbols enable all men to comprehend each other without the necessity of spoken word. Two subjects never discussed within a Lodge are religion and politics. Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.

There are certain obligations a man must make to himself and to the Fraternity. The calling of a Mason is a high one, and you should not suffer yourself to deviate from it. Loyalty to home, country and the Fraternity is expected of you at all times. Patriotism is a bounden duty, and you should not countenance disloyalty or rebellion. The Masonic institution stands for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, not only for Masons, but for all mankind. Freedom, of thought, speech, and action, is the watchword of Freemasonry, insofar as it is not incompatible with the same rights of others. In like manner, every Freemason is the enemy of ignorance, bigotry, oppression, superstition, and of all mental and spiritual darkness. A Mason champions the cause of the widow, the fatherless, the weak, and the oppressed; and challenges the arbitrary assumption by anyone of the power to dictate the actions, beliefs, and destinies of any group or individual. The time-honored virtues so cherished by our forefathers are especially cherished among Masons and that humility, patience, charity, and gentleness are among the hallmarks of purity and integrity of character.

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