Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I not asked to join the Masonic Fraternity?

Contrary to popular belief, membership in Freemasonry is not by invitation.  Instead, if you seek membership, you must do so on your own initiative by making your wishes known to a member of the fraternity.

What are the qualifications for membership in the fraternity?

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better”.  Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favourably considered for membership.  They must profess a belief in a Supreme Being.

How does an individual petition to become a member of a Masonic lodge?

A petitioner must be recommended by two members of the Masonic lodge to which he seeks membership.  At a subsequent monthly meeting of the lodge the petition is voted upon by secret ballot.

Are qualified individuals ever rejected?

In an organization as old and as large as the Masonic fraternity, surely some individuals may have, on occasion, been unfairly rejected.  Because voting is by secret ballot, there is no way of knowing who votes for or against the individual.  On the other hand, surely no fraternity in the world cares more or teaches more about fairness, justice and brotherly love as does Freemasonry.  One of the reasons for Freemasonry’s success is the careful manner in which it considers petitions for membership.

Are unqualified individuals ever accepted?

Because of the size of the Masonic Fraternity, occasionally an individual may be accepted for membership who does not practice the honorable precepts of Freemasonry.  When this is discovered, and the fraternity’s established rules of conduct have been violated, suspension may result.  Because of the careful manner in which petitioners are considered for membership, however, this problem has proven to be most rare.

What types of individuals are members of Freemasonry?

Freemasons come from virtually every occupation and profession.  Within the fraternity, however, they all meet on an equal basis.  They come from diverse political ideologies, but within the fraternity, they meet as friends.  They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in a Supreme Being.  Freemasons are patriotic citizens who obey the governments under which they live.  One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been how many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together, begin and end the meeting with prayer, always conduct their affairs in peace, harmony, friendship, and call each other “Brother”!

Is there more than one Masonic organization?

After a member receives his third (or Master Mason’s degree) he may, if he so desires, become a member of any of a number of Masonic organizations within the Masonic family which are well known for their charitable work.  They include the Blue Lodge which is involved with youth scholarships and blood drives for Sickle Cell Anemia; the Scottish Rite which is involved with the mentally challenged and bursaries; the Shrine which is involved with  children with orthopedic conditions and burns.

Some of these Masonic organizations (such as the Shrine) are much more visible in our communities than others.  The Shrine Masons have built 22 children’s hospitals throughout North America that provide specialty pediatric care for children up to age 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.  These hospitals were built, staffed, and are maintained without any government money.  Even more incredible, no child has ever been charged for any treatment at a Shriner’s hospital.  That’s because the Shrine Masons and their friends pay for it all with endowments, wills, gifts, and fundraising activities such as the Shrine Circus.  At the Shriner’s hospitals, more than 250 000 children have been restored to a normal or near normal life.  Because of their great work for children with orthopedic conditions and burns, the Shrine Masons have earned the proud title of “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy”.

Several of the organizations within the the Masonic family are much more socially oriented than the Blue Lodge.  It is, however, the strength of the principles taught in the Blue Lodge that establishes the foundation and creates the real bond among Masons everywhere.  No matter how many Masonic related organizations to which an individual belongs, he always holds to that bond of being first, last, and always a “MASON!”.  The individual Blue Lodges dispense charity in many ways within their own communities while, as its primary charity, The Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction provides scholarships to worthy students.

What do Freemasons do?

The Masonic Lodge (called the Blue Lodge) meets monthly to conduct its regular business and vote upon petitions for membership.  It usually includes a speaker, traditionally followed by refreshments.  It is here where the bond of fellowship is strengthened.  The candidate will receive three degrees concluding with the third (or Master Mason degree),  the highest degree in Blue Masonry.  The degree is solemn, enlightening and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments.  It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught.  These principles teach respect for the Deity, for each other, and ourselves.  They also teach that one’s family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.

Is Masonry just a man’s organization?

While membership in Freemasonry is limited to men, many family activities occur year-round with a considerable number of special events of all types for members, their ladies and children.  There are other organizations that exist alongside Freemasonry to which family members may belong.

I am interested what do I do now?

If you have read the above, are at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, profess a belief in a Supreme Being, and are available for a few hours, at least once a month to attend Lodge, and are interested in obtaining more information or petitioning for membership, we would like to hear from you.  You may contact us by sending an email to our Secretary at secretary@mountmoriahlodge24.org

If you were referred to this page by a friend who is also a member of our Lodge, you can be certain that he believes that you possess the qualities for membership in the Fraternity and that you should, at least, have the opportunity to know more about it.  Your friend will be pleased to answer your questions or to obtain the answers for you.  Whether or not you should decide to inquire about membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special friend within the Masonic fraternity who thinks very highly of you.  Please consider the fact that he asked you to read this literature as a message of kindness from FRIEND TO FRIEND.