I am thinking of joining the free masons?
970821
WOW,  it looks like nobody on here has any clue what they are talking about.  As a Mason, I should be able to answer this question for you.\n\nTo become a Mason, you must merely be a good man who believes in a higher power.  Then you should ask a member of your local lodge to meet and discuss joining.  They will be happy to talk to you and get you started.\n\nWhen I joined, I had no idea what to expect.  I have since met many wonderful people and have learned a great deal about myself and others.  You really learn how to work well and serve your community through charity.  It is a great fraternal organization. \n\nThere will always be those who accuse Masons of being Satanic, or of being evil at the higher levels, but let me assure you that the higher degrees of Freemasonry are only a continuation of the first three, which recounts a legend that takes place during the building of King Solomon's temple.  As a 32nd degree Mason myself, I have never seen or heard anything to lead me to believe that anyone in our midst is a Satanist.  In fact, there are members of my lodge who are Christian ministers, Muslims, and Jews.\n\nContrary to what some may say about the higher degrees, those of us who are 32nd degree Masons are often the ones with more opportunity to do good work in the community.\n\nIf you take away nothing else from my writings here, know this....you will always learn more about Freemasonry from Masons than you will from people who are guessing about the fraternity or regurgitating opinions about what they have read.  Find out for yourself.  We are a noble institution that strives to make good men better.
1148218
The explanation given by the "co-mason" NeoArt is accurate and informative.  I, as an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason (the "real" Masons if you will), can only add this.  "Co-masons" are generally not recognized by real Masonic Lodges and will most likely not be permitted to attend meetings.  Many Masons in this country still are not even aware that this group exists.  \n\nNeoArt mentioned that Co-masons require that their "brothers" must declare belief in a higher power, but are not pressed further on the issue and there are no religious requirements apart from not being an atheist.  This is the case with real Masons as well.  There is no futher requirement where religious belief in concerned.\n\nCo-Masons seem to mean well, and are most likely very good hearted individuals who are lookinig to improve themselves and their community, just as real Masons are and have.  They just seem to differ in a few areas that caused them to form their own fringe group.  Co-masons should still be respected as people who are trying to do good, but they will not be accepted by real Masons, as doing so would violate the oath that every Freemason takes.
887611
I am a member of an esoteric Order of Freemasonry, American Co-Masonry. I can tell you from my experience, and mine alone, that not all Masons are anything, especially when it comes to religion or politics. You see, those two subjects we do not bring up inside Lodge. \n\nYes, we do require a candidate for Initiation to affirm that he or she (yes, Co-Masonry does admit women as Brothers) believes in a Supreme Being. What the candidate calls that Being is a personal thing. We do not allow atheists in American Co-Masonry. Deist means a belief in God without the need for a religion. Some are that, I am sure. Some of my Brethren are of other religious belief. \n\nSomething some ardent fundamentalists of different religions say is wrong about Freemasonry is that we sit in Brotherhood with folks of many different religions and still call them Brother. I am reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Jews hated the Samaritans, I think you might recall. What was Jesus trying to teach there? Hmmm.\n\nAnyway, some in my Lodge are Christian, some are of other faiths. All of us are Brothers. Feels good, actually.\n\nA Master Mason\nAmerican Co-Masonry\n\nHiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)\nAmon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)\nSapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)\nAdamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
392556
Congratulations and good luck....Public forum is not the place to discuss any lodge type questions.....Speak to a fellow Mason for the info you need....As you know they will be happy to assist you....The web sites looked good also from the other answer.....
922761
Go to www.Masoncountyjailinmate.com.
218821
After he submits his petition, a committee of men (2 or 3) will be assigned to visit your home, and assure that he is a clean living man.  They will most likely ask you to be there, to make sure that you are okay with his decision. If that goes well, a vote will be held, and if there are no negative votes, he will be allowed to join.  Most lodges hold 1 or 2 meetings per month.  Masons arent required to wear business suits but most do, because it feels appropriate.  In the first three months he may have to spend a bit of time memorizing some "question and answer" material (the olde english he spoke of) that will prove him "proficient" and ready to advance to the next degree. From the moment he becomes a Mason, you become a Mason's Lady, which means that if you find yourself in another city, etc, you will get help from any Mason you can find.  If (God forbid) anything should happen to him, Masonic widows are held in the highest esteem, and are usually taken care of for the rest of their lives.   Thats pretty much what you can expect.  the lodge usually takes 2 or 3 days a month from a man's life, but tries to give it back in every way it can.  hope that answers your questions.  IF you would like to ask me any specific questions (much more can be told than most people want to believe) feel free to email me at pilgrim1033@yahoo.com.  I will answer as honestly and openly as I can, and if you ask a question I cant answer, I will tell you so, and move on to the next question.
335272
It is a branch of the Masons.  Many Masons belong to the Scottish Rite, but not all, and you must be a Mason to join.  I doubt if there's anything terrible going on in there--my husband is a Mason, and he's told me just enough for me to know that it's a good group, and it follows Christian teachings.  (They claim to be the builders of the temple of Solomon, hence the name).
905782
Did you ask the chapter or review their website? I know in this day and age you should still be able to pledge, just not do all of the "activities" involved. Best of luck and congrats on your pursuit of a degree. I do hope that your dreams come true.
973192
Masons have a role in society.  I don't know what it is but they must be a worthwhile organization.
595357
the Masons are not a  religious organization or a religious cult. No matter what the uneducated 'bible thumpers' will say. the ceremonies and rituals are religious in nature but the Masons accept all religions with the exception of an atheist. you must believe in a supreme being. This is why the Christians don't like the Masons.\noriginally the Masons were like a gentleman's club with the most powerful and influential men in the town, or city belonging. \nif you want more information talk to a Mason.
838185
I am neither Prince Hall nor AF&AM, but American Co-Masonry (American Federation of Human Rights). I find it hard to believe that some Masonic Lodges will not talk Masonically with others, offer amity. Are we not all of the same intent? Perhaps not.\n\n I know the Lodges of American Co-Masonry admit women and men. That seems to be a stumbling block for some even though we can find historical evidence that English and especially York rite have admitted women. Still, does that make us some sort of pariahs that we say that women have souls and make fine Masons? We are hardly selling degrees. We certainly hold a long line of Charter from our founders.\n\nOur Lodges also admit people of all races. Maybe that is another stumbling block? I understand lately that some states do not. How that is Masonry, I don't know either. \n\nI am merely a Master Mason and a Mark Mason. It will take me years before I am worthy to even approach taking the proficiency for 18th degree. Our rites and rituals are arduous. I have only been a Mason in name for two and a half years. Been one in my heart for much longer than that. So, if I misunderstand, put it down to that. I am sure there are reasons for separation of people based on gender and color and belief, I just don't see them.\n\nMaster Mason\nAmerican Co-Masonry\n\nHiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)\nAmon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)\nSapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)\nAdamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
872607
If  you want to become a free and accepted mason, then you have to find a mason to sponsor you and to put your name up for membership.
49112
You must ask a Free Mason if you want to join.They won't ask you.The absolute requirements for becoming a Mason are:\nBe a man, [NOTE: there are other branches of Masonry that accept both men and women, or women only]; \nIn most places at least 21 years old. \n[NOTE: Some lodges and some jurisdictions allow 18- or 19-year-olds, or may make exceptions for those who are sons of Masons, or for university students.  For instance, a recent change by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts makes 18-year-olds eligible for membership in that state.] \nHave belief in a Supreme Being -- of any faith. No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.
412738
All reason  you would have for being anti-mason would be complete bull carp. I am a mason EVERY bad thing i have read about masons is complete fiction. Please I.M or email me My email is tatimsaspas@yahoo my name on messenger is tatimsaspas. I will and am allowed to tell you almost every secret masons have. The one secert I cant tell you is the passwords you would use to get into a lodge. But you could find out those serect just by attending 3 meeting. BUT YOU MUST ASK TO JOIN WE DO NO RECRUIT.
647539
SHARON, I am the daughter of a man in the masons. Of course he had to make it sound so great-one of my brothers joined. they've been in a long time. I almost married a man who was beginning to go through all the Junk!!  I am a born again Christian, and believe me, God layed Freemasonry HEAVILY upon my heart. He even gave me a bunch of questions to ask anyone going into[or in ]the Masons. It was soooo hard having this stuff on my heart- I prayed to Jesus to choose someone else to bear the burden. I never married that man but Married a believer. I am so happy he is not into that.
759211
I belonged to a church once, and the Pastor committed Adulty with his neighbor. Not that I cared because I know humans are not perfect, just forgiven.\n\nAs for Masonry, you have to Ask one to be one, which means ask a mason in your community for a petition. Fill it out and return it to him with a check, or money order for the amount that that lodge requires...which is usually your first years dues, and your initiation fee. Mine was only $100 which isn't bad some are even cheaper depending on the size of the lodge.\n\nthey will then read your petition and let it lay for 1 month then vote on it. Usually during this one month period a couple of them will contact you and come to visit you and your family to talk with you and answer some questions you, or  your spouse, may have. Also in most states you must be 21 years old, but some are even 18 years of age now. \n\nThe easiest way to find out more about a Lodge in your area (if in the US) is by visiting http://www.wvmasons.org and look under U.S. Grand Lodges then look up your state.\n\nGood luck to you and keep in touch :)
1121191
no..but if you do Become a member let us all know what the hell they are " really" all about ! I mean REALLY  !!!