How to become a Freemason
In order to become a
Freemason belief in a Supreme Being is fundamental. If you hold this
belief you are eligible to become a Freemason and are able to join a
Masonic Lodge. There is a process from applying to becoming a full
member which all Masons, without exception, have to go through. The
procedure is conducted at every stage in a dignified manner. There is no
reason to feel apprehensive about taking that first step.
When you have decided
which Lodge you wish to join, ask for an application form. This is a
standard questionnaire provided by the Grand Lodge of Scotland via all
Lodge Secretaries. All the questions must be answered completely and
truthfully. Alternatively, if you know of friends and or family members
who are Freemasons you can make your initial enquiries through them.
All Lodges charge an
annual fee as well as a one-off joining fee. Be sure you fully
understand all costs before joining. Once you have declared an interest
to a given Lodge, you will be contacted by the Secretary who will
arrange for you to meet with two members of the Lodge. They will become
your sponsors throughout the process of your application and thereafter.
Once your application
is submitted (which includes the recommendation of your sponsors) the
lodge Secretary presents your petition to the members of the Lodge at
the next available regular meeting. Your petition is read to all the
members, who are present at the meeting and the application is also
committed to the minutes of the Lodge.
A committee of
enquiry, chaired by the Master of the Lodge, will meet with you in an
official capacity to discuss your application. This meeting is normally
held at the Lodge. The enquiry committee reports to the members at the
next regular meeting, following which your petition is immediately voted
on. The election of you as a candidate in a Masonic lodge is conducted
by a ballot.
Once elected, you will
receive the Degrees of Masonry. These are scheduled by the Lodge to take
place soon after you are elected a member. Normally the degrees are
conducted on consecutive months but there are other considerations and
breaks which, may mean the degrees are not conferred consecutively.
After each degree working the members gather socially at Harmony, where
the evenings are concluded with a supper. Apart from the high, moral
values nurtured by Freemasons there is a social aspect to membership of
a Lodge. In addition, there is also an on-going commitment to worthwhile
and charitable causes. After you have completed your first degree, you
will be eligible to visit other Lodges in Scotland and in other
countries.
We prefer you to go
through your degrees by yourself, one at a time, with a certain waiting
period between them. You will have to prove your proficiency (knowledge
of each degree) before moving to the next one. Your sponsors will be in
a position to help you with this process as well as look after you in
the early stages of your Masonic career.
When you have
completed your Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason
degrees, you are a full member. There is a further degree to be
conferred on you which is an extension of the Fellow Craft Degree which
is known as the Mark Degree or Ceremonial of the Mark.
All Lodges have their
own particular history and peculiarities which makes every Lodge unique
and different to each other. This is especially so in Scotland, where
the differences between the Lodges can be wide and varied.
If you are interested
in becoming a member of this most ancient and venerable Lodge, write to
or email the Lodge Secretary or the Lodge Webmaster through our contact
links on this website with your details and we will contact you to
discuss your application further.
