2B1, ASK1 (To Be One, Ask One)Petition. Membership in a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons is completely voluntary. From beginning to end, your petitioning and advancement through the degrees are an act of your "own free will and accord." Accordingly, if you are interested in petitioning a Lodge for membership, you must ask a Brother in good standing with his Lodge for a petition.
It is highly advised that you do some research into Freemasonry in general, and the Lodge you wish to petition in particular, prior to petitioning a Lodge. After receiving a petition from a Brother in good standing, complete it along with the signature of two Brothers of the Lodge you wish to petition. A fee is usually required along with your petition. Be aware of this and ask about additional fees up-front so that you understand the financial requirements of membership.
To be eligible for a petition, you must be a man, 18 years of age or older, and sound of mind.
Investigation. Every man who petitions a Lodge is investigated to ensure that he is of sound moral character, shares a belief in God, has the support of his family, and is able to meet the financial requirements of membership. Investigation committees of 2-4 members will meet with the candidate, usually in his home or place of business. After the investigation is completed, the Investigation Committee reports their findings back to the Lodge with a 'Favorable' or Unfavorable' recommendation.
Voting. Each member in a Lodge
must vote either for or against your petition. No man can be elected to membership if even one 'No' vote is cast against his petition. Thus, all members of the Lodge must unanimously approve of your joining the Lodge in order to become a Mason.
Notification. After your petition is voted on, you will be notified by a member of the Lodge as to the result. If approved, you will be invited to join the Lodge by being initiated as an Entered Apprentice.
Degrees. There are three principle degrees in Free Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These three degrees take at minimum three months to complete, or 28 days between the conferral of one degree to the conferral of the next degree. Prior to completing a higher degree, a proficiency must be demonstrated in the teachings and moral lessons of the preceding degree.
Appendant Bodies. The highest degree in Free Masonry is the Master Mason degree. However, there are a number of appendant bodies in which a Master Mason may gain further Light and understanding. The three appendant bodies in which the majority of Masons enroll are: