Becoming a Mason

What is Freemasonary?

Freemasonry (or Masonry) is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. Though its origins can be traced to the stonemasons and cathedral builders of Medieval times, Freemasonry remains a vital force in the daily lives of millions of men across the globe.

At its core it is a brotherhood of men committed to lives of honor, integrity, and character. The men of Freemasonry are on a journey of self-discovery. For hundreds of years, Freemasons, with deep brotherly support, have worked to become the best version of themselves while working to better their communities and our world.

Through a series of degrees and ceremonies, the values of Freemasonry are passed from generation to generation, Mason to Mason, in a timeless and tireless effort to make good men better. These degrees provide a framework that affects every aspect of modern life and are based on the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

Every year in virtually every city and town across America, thousands of men join the ranks of Freemasonry. Men of honor and integrity. Of charity and obligation. Each with a vow to be the best they can be. To be more than just a man. To be a Mason.

What is a Freemason?

A Freemason is a man who has taken an obligation to uphold our timeless principles of Brotherly love, relief, and truth. Beyond these basics, being a Freemason means so much more. A Freemason is a man who is committed to bettering himself and his community, having taken a solemn vow to help and mentor his Masonic Brothers do the same. A Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.

There are three degrees in Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Most men advance to the level of Master Mason, some over the course of months; others may accomplish this goal over years. But once a man has taken his first obligation as an Entered Apprentice, he is, once and forever, a Freemason.

What do we believe?

The core ethical principles of Freemasonry are about compassion and tolerance for all mankind. Freemasons do not use their position in the fraternity to advance an agenda, whether it be political, professional, religious, or secular.

THE THREE TENETS OF FREEMASONRY INCLUDE:

BROTHERLY LOVE
Devotion to and caring for each other and our community

RELIEF
Concern for and selfless giving to those in distress

TRUTH
Using knowledge, honesty, and understanding to build ourselves into better men

Take your first step

When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. You will build rich, meaningful relationships with your Brothers, commit to the service of those around you, and strive for a deeper, more honest connection with yourself and others. It's a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Make a difference.

Find your truth.

Be a Freemason

Additional Frequently asked questions

Who can join a Masonic Lodge in Florida

Freemasonry welcomes men of every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. However, to join Freemasonry, one must meet the following qualifications:

Be a male at least 18 years of age (the minimum age varies in some jurisdictions, sometimes up to 21)
Believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, although Freemasonry is not concerned with theological distinctions or particular religious beliefs
Be of good moral character
Be motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit
Your decision to apply is based on your own “free will and accord”
Be prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry
Be desirous of earning knowledge and willing to conform to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.

Why should I become a Freemason?

Becoming a Freemason can help you achieve great personal reward by guiding you to build your moral character and connection to your community. Freemasonry is built upon the core tenets of Brotherly love and affection, relief, and truth. Through a commitment to these values, all Freemasons share the common goal of making good men better. In addition to self-improvement, a Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. Freemasonry does not intrude on the religious beliefs of its members, although it does require that all members profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Men of all faiths are represented in Freemasonry. Religion is not discussed at lodge meetings.

Why does Freemasonry use symbols?

Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Symbols allow people to communicate quickly, and to transcend language barriers. When you see a green light or a circle with a line through it, for example, you know what it means. Likewise, Masons use metaphors from geometry and the architecture of stonemasonry to inform their continuing pursuit of knowledge, ethics, and leadership skills.

To reflect their heritage, Masons wear aprons while in lodge, at certain public events, and at funerals to demonstrate their pride in the fraternity, and their lineage from stonemasons, who historically carried their tools in leather aprons. The square and compasses are the most widely known symbol of Masonry: When you see the symbol on a building, you know that Masons meet there.

Where did Freemasonry come from?

The exact origins of Freemasonry remain lost in time. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. Certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt and the building of King Solomon's Temple.

The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These “Accepted” Masons adopted more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesmen’s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization.

Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, historians have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was formed.

Is Freemasonry a secret society?

No. Freemasons are part of a worldwide Fraternity of Brothers. While many of our rituals and communication are secret, or known only to Brothers, there is quite a bit of information made available to all regarding Freemasonry. If truly a 'secret society,' we wouldn't be known to all people, and none of our symbols would be visible.

What is the cost in becoming a Freemason?

The cost of becoming a Freemason varies from lodge to lodge. The fees associated with membership include a one-time initiation fee and annual dues, which cover the operational expenses of the lodge. Contact your local lodge to find out the exact costs.

Can I be a member of two Masonic Lodges?

Assuming that you are in good standing with your home Lodge, you may petition a Florida Lodge for dual membership (out-of-state) or plural membership (in-state). While the most current forms can be printed or downloaded from the Grand Lodge website, please discuss the matter with the Lodge Secretary before proceeding to ensure you have the proper forms and procedure. The Lodge Secretary can be reached by email at secretary@c191.org.

Do I have to be a Mason to join the Shriners?

Yes. All members of the Shrine must be Master Masons in good standing.