What Are the Requirements for
Membership?
Twenty-two words establish the most important prerequisite
to becoming a Mason. " . . . We receive none, knowingly, into our
ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before
the world . . ."
Will
I Be Asked To Join?
NO! Hopefully, if the concepts and principles of Masonry as presented
you on this website interest you, you will not need to be asked to join.
You must ask to become a Freemason. Unfortunately, many men who would
like to become Masons never do because they are unaware of the above-mentioned
requirement (that it be of your own free will and accord, and you must
ask to join the Fraternity). If you desire to learn more about Masonic
membership, feel free to contact a Mason to satisfy yourself concerning
Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we believe that membership in an organization
as worthy as ours must come from a "sincere wish
of being serviceable to your fellow creatures" and not because of
coaxing, coercement, or of any promise of material gain of any kind.
What
Happens at the Initiation?
An applicant, whose petition has been accepted by the lodge, is advised
of the date his Entered Apprentice Degree has been scheduled. On that
date, following a brief Ritualistic opening, the petitioner is properly
prepared and introduced to the lodge. The solemn process is an enlightening
experience and the candidate need never worry that embarrassing or compromising
situations will arise during this (or any other degree).
THEY
WILL NOT!
After
receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, you will be expected to memorize
several key passages of the Ritual and help will be extended in the teaching/learning
process.
Having
learned the required Ritualistic work and satisfying the lodge of that
proficiency, you will be asked to return for the conferral of your Fellow
Craft Degree. Following a proficiency examination on that Degree, you
will advance to the "last and highest grade of Ancient Craft Masonry-the
Sublime Degree of a Master Mason."
Only
after having completed these three symbolic degrees will you truly understand
the often-quoted statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the
Hearts of Men."
Yes!
I am interested in becoming a Mason...
Download a pdf application
for membership to Smithtown Lodge 1127
or request one here.
Don't forget that you still need to be well recommended so get
in touch with our secretary for details on contacting a member.
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