Becoming a Mason
Becoming a Mason
This “Between Friends” production was produced on behalf of the Masonic Education and Service Committee of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Texas, and at the request of Most Worshipful Jerry L. Martin, Grand Master 2014. This video is entitled “Becoming a Mason” and as the title suggests, is geared toward those members of the community who are interested in learning more about, and potentially joining the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Freemasons. This is a four part series comprised of an Introduction to Texas Masonry and the Grand Lodge, an overview of Texas Masonic History, a segment of Masonry and the Family, and How to Pursue Masonry. After watching the video, if you have an interest in joining the Ancient Free and Accepted Fraternity of Freemasons in Texas, please call or visit a local Masonic Lodge in your community.
Becoming a Mason (Part 1 of 4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lEboHqgWqU
The first section of this four-part video introduces the Grand Lodge of Texas and its structure. It introduces some key concepts of Masonry and illustrates what Masons believe. “Meeting on the Level” is discussed as a unique component of the Masonic Fraternity. The Interviewee for this section is Right Worshipful Elmer Murphey, Past Grand Master 2005.
Texas Masonic History (Part 2 of 4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWCf2ekqkfU
The second section of the “Becoming a Mason” video focuses on Texas History and its ties with Freemasonry. In it you will find information on the first Lodge in Texas, learn how the Grand Lodge of Texas was formed, and hear about some of the Heroes of Texas who were Masons. Brother Dick Brown is interviewed in the segment; he is a Past Master and recent Chairman of the Texas History Committee for the Grand Lodge of Texas.
Masonry and Family (Part 3 of 4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYxbNvH8y8E
The third section explains how Freemasonry relates to the Family, from Masonic Organizations that wives and kids can join, to family activities sponsored by the individual Lodges and Grand Lodge. It also touches on the world-wide Brotherhood of Freemasons and talks of the time constraints of Masonry in the modern world. This interviewee is Brother Harold Brown, a Past Master and recent District Deputy Grand Master in 2013.
Pursuing Masonry (Part 4 of 4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeMVVemtlBQ
The conclusion of this four part series speaks to the individual interested in pursuing Masonry, from finding a Lodge, through the petition process, and up to the point of initiation. It explains some of the ways Masonry teaches candidates, and alludes to a basic understanding of the Masonic Experience. The interviewee is Brad Billings, a Past Master and current member of the Purposes and Policies Committee of the Grand Lodge of Texas.
The Process
Joining the fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons requires that a man, of his own free will, petition a Masonic Lodge for the Degrees in Masonry. No Texas Mason should ever ask you to join our fraternity.
Below are the general steps that a man seeking membership in Freemasonry may consider. Lodges will likely have their own procedures, but this will help you get started and give you a better understanding of the process.
ASK FOR INFORMATION
If you know a Mason, ask him about the fraternity. Don’t be shy, we love talking to those interested in Masonry.
VISIT THE LODGE
Try to find out if there is a good time for you to visit the lodge. Take this as an opportunity to meet some of the members and ask questions. Don’t be intimidated, they’ll be happy to see you. Most lodges have dinner before their regular stated meetings (meetings usually occur monthly) and guests are almost always welcome. In many areas more than one lodge may exist. Visit as many as you can, get a feeling for the lodges you visit and pick the one that best meets your needs.
REQUEST A PETITION
Request a petition from the lodge you would like to join or you may find it at the bottom of this page. Your petition will require the signature of several Masons. If you do not know any Master Masons, then ask members of the lodge you are petitioning to sign it. Many lodges will want to get to know you before they sign the petition. Once they feel you are a good man and a good fit for the degrees of Freemasonry, they will sign your petition.
SUBMIT YOUR PETITION
Turn in your completed petition to the lodge you would like to join. Ask if there are any fees that need to accompany the petition. Your petition will be received by the lodge and will be read during a stated meeting.
Now that the lodge has your petition, these are the actions you can expect the lodge to take:
THE INVESTIGATION
The Master of the lodge you submitted your petition to will assign three members of the lodge to interview you and investigate your background. The investigators may want to meet with you at home. There is a standard set of questions that all investigators must ask, but many will ask additional questions. Be honest with the investigators. No Mason is perfect…we don’t expect petitioners to be perfect, either.
THE BALLOT
Your investigators will be given a deadline by which to return their completed investigation reports to the lodge. Their reports along with their recommendation will be read to the lodge at a stated meeting. At this time, the Master of the lodge will usually call for a ballot to be taken on your petition. Eligible Masons will then vote on your petition and the outcome of the ballot will be announced to the lodge.
AFTER THE BALLOT
Soon after the stated meeting, a member from the lodge should contact you with the outcome of the ballot and provide you with additional instructions.
