(Q)  What is Masonry?

(A)  It …

… is a voluntary association of men.

… is a system of moral conduct.

… is a way of life.

… is a fraternal society.

… teaches the Gold Rule.

… seeks to make good men better men.

… teaches morality through symbolism.

… uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members.

… is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul.

(Q) What is Masonry NOT?

(A) It…

… does not solicit members.

… is not an insurance or benefit society.

… is neither a religion nor a cult nor a religious order.

… is not a charity organization, but makes charity a duty.

… is not organized for profit.

… dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.

… seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics.

… is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs.

… is not a secret society, as it dos not conceal its existence or purposes.

(Q) What is a Freemason?

(A) Masons (or Freemasons)…

… belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world.

… are men devoted to self-improvement, volunteerism, stewardship and philanthropy.

… come from all walks of life, all races, all creed and religions and pull together in order to alleviate the pain and suffering of those in need.

… represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity; all meet as equals.

… come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends.

… come from varied religious beliefs and creed, yet all believe in one God.

(Q) What does Masonry teach?

(A) Masonry teaches…

… by using tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members.

… good men how to be better men.

… the bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love that have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries.

… it’s members to practice the faith of their personal choice.

… that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world

(Q) What are the key Masonic principles?

(A) The key principles are…

… Faith must be the center of our lives.

… All men and women are children of God.

… No one has the right to tell another what he or she must think or believe.

… Each person has a responsibility to be a good citizen.

… It is important to work to make the world a better place for all.

… Honor and integrity are keys to a meaningful life.

(Q) What do Mason’s believe in?

(A) Manson’s believe…

… in supporting public education.

… Constitutional government and equality.

… Freedom of religion and expression.

… Helping where a void exists.

… Personal responsibility.

(Q) Why should a man become a Mason?

(A) There are several reasons a man should become a Mason…

… you can confidently trust fellow members and entrust your family with them.

… you can meet outstanding individuals from all walks of life who you may not otherwise have known or called “Brother”.

… the principle tenets are brotherly love, relief and truth.

… Masonry offers self-development opportunities, leadership training and leadership experience.

… As a Mason, you receive support and offer it.

… Moral virtues are taught and regularly reinforced and experienced.

… You spend time with good men who make you want to become a better man. Not better than others, but better than the one you would have been otherwise.

… You become better equipped to serve the community.

(Q) What should I consider before desiding to become a Mason?

(A) Items of consideration include…

… You will enjoy fellowship with men from all different social backgrounds, faiths, races, and ages. Masonry is universal in its ideals.

… You should consider your family obligations. Your family and your obligations to them come first.

… You should have the time to participate in Masonic activities.

… You should be able to afford the initiation fees and the annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.

… You should come to Masonry “of your own free will and accord.”

… You should come because you want to improve yourself and to help others.

… Masons are expected to demonstrate moral character, integrity, charity and honesty. You must be willing to strive to live your life accordingly.

(Q) What are the requirments to become a Mason?

(A) To become a Mason you must…

… be a man, only a man may become a Freemason.

… You must be 18 years of age or older.

… You must be of good character and reputation. You’ll have to provide evidence of living a positive life through references from at least one Mason and three other people.

… You must believe in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.

It should also be noted that race, color or religion is NOT a factor for membership!

(Q) How do I become a Mason?

(A) To become a Mason…

… You will not be asked to become a Freemason; in fact we are prohibited from soliciting membership. To become a Mason you must ask to join.

… First, find a local lodge that is near your home or office. We suggest you use the Lodge Locator at the Grand Lodge of Texas. Once you find a lodge, contact the lodge secretary and arrange a visit.  Most lodges have a monthly business meeting (called a Stated Meeting) with a dinner served before or after the meeting. While you won’t be allowed to enter the meeting, you can get a good dinner and meet a lot of the members!  If you decide Masonry is right for you, ask for a petition! (Remember, you wont be asked to join!)

… The next step is to return the petition to the Lodge you want to join, along with a copy of your birth certificate. The petition is read in a Lodge meeting and referred to a committee. This committee will arrange a time to sit down with you and your family so you and your family can ask questions and they can get to know you.

… After the interview, the committee reports its findings to the Lodge, and a secret ballot is taken. If the vote is favorable, you’ll be notified and you’ll be given a date to start the degree program.

… Becoming a Freemason can be one of the most significant events of your life. From the moment you become a Brother, you will feel immediate acceptance and Brotherly love.

(Q) What are the degree’s I’ve heard about?

(A) Our three degrees are serious, educational and time-tested teachings. Each degree has a primary lesson:

The first teaches us our duty to God.

The second teaches us our duty to our neighbors,

The third degree teaches us our duty to ourselves.

To convey our teachings, we use ritual, ceremony, drama and lectures.

You’ll work with a coach who will help you learn the key material in the Ritual.