How to Join the Masonic Fraternity
New London Masonic Lodge No. 545 F&AM
OUR PURPOSE
Freemasonry is a fraternity of brothers who share one common goal: to help each other become better men. We strengthen and improve our character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal love, charity, and truth. Our principles extend far beyond our interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our daily lives. All who join Freemasonry must declare their belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and practice their own personal faith, but the fraternity is neither a religion nor a place to worship. Rather, it is a place where men of all monotheistic creeds can meet and focus on the great truths of peaceful human interaction that are common to all religions.
Freemasonry is a fraternity of brothers who share one common goal: to help each other become better men. We strengthen and improve our character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal love, charity, and truth. Our principles extend far beyond our interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our daily lives. All who join Freemasonry must declare their belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and practice their own personal faith, but the fraternity is neither a religion nor a place to worship. Rather, it is a place where men of all monotheistic creeds can meet and focus on the great truths of peaceful human interaction that are common to all religions.
WHO CAN JOIN?
To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 18 years of age, one who believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, of good moral character, motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry, desirous of earning knowledge, and willing to conform to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.
HOW TO JOIN - send email request with your interest to our Secretary bruce.smith07@comcast.net
Our tradition was to wait for you to seek membership entirely of your own free will and accord. Today, however, we allow our members to selectively invite men of good character, who will be a credit to our Fraternity. But this doesn't mean that you have to wait to be invited to join the Freemasons of Pennsylvania. Your interest is enough, if you meet the qualifications. To start the process, you will be asked to submit a petition for membership. This petition will be read at a meeting of the Lodge you are seeking to join. You will then be visited by a small committee from the Lodge who will ascertain your qualifications and answer any questions you or your family may have regarding Freemasonry. At the next meeting the members will vote on your petition for membership. Once approved, you will be asked to attend three successive meetings, during which you will learn the teachings of Freemasonry. In ceremonies known as Degrees you will assume your vows of membership. The fee for joining Freemasonry varies with each Lodge and includes your dues for the first year.
YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW
HAZING- There is absolutely no hazing permitted in the Masonic fraternity.
ATTENDANCE- There are no attendance requirements.
RELIGION- Freemasonry is not a religion. Your religious beliefs are your own. You must, however, believe in a Supreme Being.
A SECRET SOCIETY- Freemasonry is not a secret society. Our members do not hide their affiliation with us. Our buildings are well-marked and often available for community use. While there are a few confidential handgrips and passwords used to confirm membership, we have no secrets concerning our purpose and programs. Many of our activities are open to family and friends.
MEMORIZATION- Like all fraternities, Freemasonry has impressive ritual ceremonies that date back centuries. These are presented from memory by officers who are developing their leadership and public speaking skills. There is no requirement to memorize any ritual, but members can choose to participate as they wish.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP
Every man has his own reason for wanting to be a part of the greatest fraternity in the world. Regardless of your reason, you will benefit from membership, because Freemasonry makes good men better. Look around this web site and you will find much about our history, purpose, and charity.
If you live outside the New London PA area and know a Mason, ask him to help you find the right Lodge for you.
To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 18 years of age, one who believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, of good moral character, motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry, desirous of earning knowledge, and willing to conform to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.
HOW TO JOIN - send email request with your interest to our Secretary bruce.smith07@comcast.net
Our tradition was to wait for you to seek membership entirely of your own free will and accord. Today, however, we allow our members to selectively invite men of good character, who will be a credit to our Fraternity. But this doesn't mean that you have to wait to be invited to join the Freemasons of Pennsylvania. Your interest is enough, if you meet the qualifications. To start the process, you will be asked to submit a petition for membership. This petition will be read at a meeting of the Lodge you are seeking to join. You will then be visited by a small committee from the Lodge who will ascertain your qualifications and answer any questions you or your family may have regarding Freemasonry. At the next meeting the members will vote on your petition for membership. Once approved, you will be asked to attend three successive meetings, during which you will learn the teachings of Freemasonry. In ceremonies known as Degrees you will assume your vows of membership. The fee for joining Freemasonry varies with each Lodge and includes your dues for the first year.
YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW
HAZING- There is absolutely no hazing permitted in the Masonic fraternity.
ATTENDANCE- There are no attendance requirements.
RELIGION- Freemasonry is not a religion. Your religious beliefs are your own. You must, however, believe in a Supreme Being.
A SECRET SOCIETY- Freemasonry is not a secret society. Our members do not hide their affiliation with us. Our buildings are well-marked and often available for community use. While there are a few confidential handgrips and passwords used to confirm membership, we have no secrets concerning our purpose and programs. Many of our activities are open to family and friends.
MEMORIZATION- Like all fraternities, Freemasonry has impressive ritual ceremonies that date back centuries. These are presented from memory by officers who are developing their leadership and public speaking skills. There is no requirement to memorize any ritual, but members can choose to participate as they wish.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MEMBERSHIP
Every man has his own reason for wanting to be a part of the greatest fraternity in the world. Regardless of your reason, you will benefit from membership, because Freemasonry makes good men better. Look around this web site and you will find much about our history, purpose, and charity.
If you live outside the New London PA area and know a Mason, ask him to help you find the right Lodge for you.