Qualifications for Masonic Membership
Each man who petitions a Masonic Lodge for membership is
examined by a special Investigating Committee which reports
its findings to the Lodge. Receiving a petition, completing
the examination, reporting and balloting requires a minimum
of a month and can often require additional more under
certain circumstances. Each petitioner is finally elected
or rejected by ballot of the Lodge membership.
A Masonic Lodge expects to select men with adequate internal
and external qualifications which indicate that he can become,
and remain, a worthy Mason.
Each man must have a desire to become a Mason of his own
free-will and accord, and no good Mason will ever ask any
man to join the Fraternity - each must petition unsolicited.
No man may be influenced by mercenary motives, because no
man can expect to find business, professional or financial
gains for himself by joining the Fraternity and no Mason has
any right to solicit such favors from him. These are
internal qualifications because they involve motives, and only
a man himself can know what his true motives are.
The external qualifications are physical, mental, civic,
moral, and religious attributes.
l - Physical. Each petitioner must be a man of lawful age
(which in our usage is 18 years), and shall not have reached
his years of dotage. He must be in full control of all his
senses, able to assume his Masonic obligations, be legally
responsible for all his acts, and recognize and discharge
his responsibilities.
2 - Mental. Since there is much for a Mason to learn, each
petitioner must possess average and normal intellectual
abilities-otherwise the teachings of Masonry would be of
no benefit to him.
3 - Civic. Freemasonry requires its members to be loyal to
their country and obedient to the laws under whose protection
they live. In our jurisdiction each must believe in and
support and defend the Constitution and the Government Of
the United States of America. Each menber must be one who
has not lost his rights of citizenship, and he must refrain
from involvement in rebellions or mob actions in defiance
of public order. Each must be free to assume his Masonic
obligations without any outside interference or dictation,
a good neighbor and citizen in his community, and under the
tongue of good report; that is of sound reputation among
those who know him. A good citizen is at all times obedient
to the Civil Magistrate.
4 - Moral. A petitioner must be a man of honor and honesty
who governs himself by the Compasses, tries himself by the
Square, and tests himself by the Plumb. Each Mason is
expected to be an example of integrity and rectitude.
5 - Religious. Each petitioner must acknowledge and retain
a belief in God and eternal life, and all Masons are
required to practice tolerance. Freemasonry questions no
man about his personal theological beliefs and no Mason
has a right to question the religions beliefs of his brethren.
There are specifications governing the residence of petitioners
and each Mason is obliged to pay his share of the dues and
assessments levied by his Lodge, but these internal and
external qualifications are basic attributes which each
petitioner must possess.
A Mason must be a man well able to satisfy the demands of
the work; of adequate mental capacity; within the years
of responsibility and discretion; of sound character and
reputation; a good citizen; a man of religious faith; his
own master, free from external control; devoted to the
claims of Brotherhood and finally, acceptable to the
members of his lodge.
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