Frequently Asked Questions
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men committed to lives of honor, integrity, and character. These men 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.
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.
Who can be a Freemason?
Freemasonry welcomes men of every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. However, to join Oregon Freemasonry, one must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a male at least 18 years of age
- 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
- Be an Oregon resident (6+ months)
What are the benefits of membership?
Fellowship – Freemasonry induces a strong bond between members and produces life-long friendships. Members enjoy mixing and working with men of high integrity and strong principle.
Benevolence – An essential element of Freemasonry is the care for the needs of Masonic Brothers and the whole community. All Freemasons promise to be aware of the needs of those around them.
Self-development – A Lodge provides opportunities in organization management, public speaking and other character-building skills. Life balance – In the 21st Century, life can be hectic and stressful. Freemasonry is seen by many to be an oasis where calm and order prevail, therefore providing a distinct and refreshing channel where a busy man can find diversion and relaxation.
Family – Most Lodges offer social programs to provide opportunity for partners and families to widen their social engagement with others with common interests.
How do I apply to become a Freemason?
If you’re interested in joining Freemasonry, there are a few ways to begin the process. You can contact your state’s Grand Lodge (the overarching Masonic governing body in your state where you live), find a Masonic Lodge in your area that you wish to join, or reach out to a man who is a Freemason and ask for his help.
Once you’ve decided to submit a petition to join, the members of the Lodge will review it and form a small committee to meet with you. This meeting gives them the opportunity to learn more about you, while also allowing you to ask questions and better understand what Freemasonry is about.
Afterward, the Lodge’s members will vote on your petition. If approved, you’ll begin your journey into the centuries-old Brotherhood of Freemasonry.
What do Freemasons do?
A Freemason’s first Masonic commitment is to attend the regular meetings of his Lodge.
If he has the ambition to become the a leader within the Lodge, he will need to become an officer, and for that he needs to become practiced in its ceremonies and customs. In turn, this requires attendance and participation in the more frequent ‘instruction’ meetings.
Visiting other Lodges is a well-ingrained activity in which Lodges universally engage to build and widen fraternal associations and friendships. A member would usually accompany the Worshipful Master, though he may make visits independently.
All Lodges have an active social life both within and outside the Lodge in which wives, partners and families are frequently involved. Charitable activities can include both financial assistance and hands-on involvement.
How much does it cost to become 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.
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.
