|
To become a Freemason, you must first signal your intent to do so by submitting an application form which, in Masonry, is known as a Petition for Membership. This section is intended to give you a brief rundown on the Petitioning process starting with the prerequisites for membership.
Qualifications of a Petitioner
Since the honor and dignity of our great Fraternity must be upheld, there are several requirements one must meet to be eligible for membership:
- You must be a man
- You must be at least 21 years of age for membership in New Jersey (other Jurisdictions may vary in this regard)
- You must be free from any previous felony convictions (we will do a thorough criminal background check through the NJ State Police)
- You must be of good moral character
- No matter what your religion, you must believe in the existence of a Supreme Being (note: monotheistic)
- You must believe in the immortality of the soul
How the Process Works
First of all, it is important that you realize that it takes time and commitment to become a Freemason. Your journey is a serious and weighty venture which, if you take the Craft's teachings to heart, will have a significant impact on your character. We take your efforts very seriously and commit our time and resources accordingly, as should you.
Even though all of this may seem grandiose and a bit foreign, don't worry - we will be with you every step of the process.
Getting and Submitting a Petition
To start the process you need to request a petition from us which you can do from this page. After you signal your intent to join, we will forward you a petition for membership and some background information on the Craft.
Once you fill the petition out in its entirety, we will usually invite you to the Lodge before a meeting to make the acquaintance of the Brethren. You should arrive promptly and be dressed in business attire being sure to bring your petition and a check for the applicable petition fee. After they get to know you and can deem you as a worthy individual, they will then sign and accept your petition.
It is important for you to realize that our meetings are private; as you will not yet be a member, we will ask you to leave before it begins. Do not feel bad or unwanted, it is all part of the process.
The Investigation
Before we can ballot on your membership, there are certain procedures we must undertake according to Masonic law. Therefore, depending on the time of year, it can take months from the time you submit your petition to the time you are initiated. One of the procedures we must undertake is assigning an investigation committee to meet with you.
This committee will consist of no less than 3 Master Masons and since we want you to feel comfortable during this process, we will visit you in your home. The purpose of this investigation is to get a feel for your character, to gauge your interest and to answer any of the questions you might have about the Fraternity or the process. This process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
The Ballot
After the investigation committee meets with you, they will report their findings to the lodge and, as Masons are forbidden from asking anyone or telling them how they voted, a secret ballot on your petition will be taken. The secret ballot is an ancient Masonic custom and it must be unanimous in its result.
Initiation
If you are elected to membership you will be notified via official correspondence and informed of the date and time of your initiation. You will no doubt be excited at this prospect but we urge you to stay off the Internet and to avoid any television shows in regards to Masonry during this time. While some of the information provided by these sources is true, much of it is false - and all of it, without proper explanation and instruction, can dilute the solemnity of the three Masonic Degrees in which you will partake.
On the night of your first degree, you are to arrive alone promptly and to be dressed in a suit and tie. You need not bring anything else with you on this occasion.
At this point, your Masonic journey will officially begin. Enjoy the scenery!
|
