We will not ask you to join. That is not modesty. It is a rule as old as the fraternity. A man comes to Masonry because he wants to, or he does not come at all. But if you want to ask, asking is easy.
First Things Qualifications
Under the laws of the Grand Lodge of Texas, a petitioner must:
- Be a man of at least 18 years of age.
- Believe in a Supreme Being. We do not ask which faith you practice, and we will not discuss sectarian religion with you in Lodge.
- Be of good moral character and good repute in the community.
- Come of your own free will and accord, not at anyone's urging.
- Reside in Texas, generally within the jurisdiction of the Lodge you petition.
- Be able to support yourself and your family. Masonry should never come at their expense.
A background check is part of the process in Texas. Be candid on your petition. An honest disclosure is almost always easier to work with than something found later.
The Process From First Contact to Master Mason
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Reach out
Talk to a Mason you know, or send us a note using the form below. There is no obligation, and no one will pressure you. We will answer your questions honestly, including the ones about what we cost and what we expect.
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Meet the Brethren
Come to a fellowship meal. Meet the men you would be joining. This matters more than any brochure. You should like these people, and they should like you.
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Submit a petition
The Secretary will provide the official Grand Lodge petition form. It requires the signatures of two Master Masons of this Lodge who recommend you, men you will have met by then. The petition is submitted with the required fee.
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Investigation
A committee of three Brethren is appointed to visit with you, and typically your wife or family, and to report back to the Lodge. It's a conversation, not an interrogation.
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The ballot
The Lodge votes by secret ballot. The ballot must be unanimous. This is the fraternity's oldest protection, and it belongs to every member.
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The three degrees
If elected, you will receive the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Between each you will learn a portion of the work and demonstrate proficiency. Expect this to take several months. The pace is up to you and your mentor.
No man is made a Mason in a day. The degrees are meant to be worked through, not gotten past.
Fair Warning What We Ask of You
It is only right to be plain about the commitment:
- Time. Two stated meetings a month, plus degree practice and proficiency work while you are progressing. Life happens and the Lodge understands, but a man who never comes gets little from it.
- Memorization. Texas requires proficiency in each degree before advancing. It is genuine work. Your mentor will help, and generations of men with no particular gift for memorizing have managed it.
- Money. There are petition fees, degree fees, and annual dues. The amounts are modest and the Secretary will tell you exactly what they are before you sign anything. No Mason should ever be embarrassed about cost, so ask.
- Conduct. You will be held to your obligations, and to the standards of the fraternity, inside the Lodge and outside it.
What We Are Not Common Misconceptions
- Masonry is not a religion and is not a substitute for one. We require belief in a Supreme Being; beyond that, your faith is your own business.
- Masonry is not a political organization. Partisan politics are not discussed in Lodge, by rule.
- Masonry is not a business network. Using the fraternity for personal gain is a misuse of it.
- Masonry is not a secret society. Our halls are marked, our members are known, and our charities are public. Only the ceremonial work is private.
The Grand Lodge of Texas maintains a good overview at grandlodgeoftexas.org/becoming-a-mason.
Start Here Ask Us a Question
Send a note and a member of the Lodge will get back to you. This is not a petition and it commits you to nothing.