Becoming a Master Mason

  Becoming a member of the world's oldest and largest men's fraternity.   Membership appeals to men of every race, religion, sect, or opinion who meet the three basic qualifications. 

• A belief in God

• Residency in Indiana (unless specifically waived)

• Good moral and social character

  Freemasonry is a charitable and educational society, dedicated to morality, mutual aid, charity, leadership, religious toleration, and political freedom.  Freemasons unite with each other and their families in bonds of friendship and mutual assistance.  Freemasonry provides the mutual tie that is greatly needed in the world.  Freemasonry is not a mere social institution even though it provides social contact and many friendships have begun in the Lodge, but its primary purpose has always been, and still remains the advancement of its doctrines of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

An Ancient Tradition

  Many men have wondered why they were never asked to join our fraternity.  An ancient tradition requires that a man become a Freemason of his own free will.  Many Masons wait patiently hoping that their sons and friends will ask that simple question,  "So how do I join?"  You were given this because a Master Mason believes you have the qualifications necessary to become a Master Mason.  He hopes you will want to become a member of his Fraternity.

Getting Started

  There are a few simple steps in becoming a Candidate for Masonic Degrees:

• Ask a Mason you know, perhaps the one who gave sent you here to recommend you for membership in his Lodge.

• Fill out the membership request form we refer to as the Petition.  (PDF File: Get an Adobe Reader here.)

• Your Petition must be signed by two members of the Lodge you wish to join.

  The Petition along with the required membership fees, should be given to the Brother recommending you for membership.  He will then give the Petition and membership fees to the Lodge Secretary.  Or, you may send the Petition and membership fees directly to the Lodge Secretary.

  Next, the Lodge will review your Petition.  A three man committee will call on you to ask you why you want to become a Mason.  They will report to the Lodge whose members will vote on your Petition. If approved, you will be notified when your degree work is scheduled.

Methods of Joining

  There are primarily two methods for initiation into a Masonic Lodge in Indiana.  One method is the one day class and the other is the traditional method.
  A one day class is an event where you and possibly several hundred other men would be initiated into our fraternity. We confer the three degrees of the Lodge namely, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.  The one day class is a very expedient method for those who prefer to do this.
  The traditional method is the more common way to become a Master Mason.  In the traditional method a candidate for the degrees will participate either by himself or in a very small group with other men who are also going through the ceremony.  The three degrees are usually given individually and usually over a period of several weeks.  You would take one degree on one evening and the other degrees a few weeks later.  The Lodge may also require that you commit to memory key passages of the ceremonies.  By this manner you may become more aware and have a better understanding of the teachings of the Fraternity. 

  The choice is yours either of the one day class or the traditional method.