Layman's QuickLinks:
Why Join?
If you are looking for a better way of improving yourself as a father, a friend, a servant of your faith, a member of your community or as a son, then Freemasonry is for you.
Of course, a lot of organizations can say the same thing. But no other organization has a man walk into a room full of strangers, anywhere on earth, and immediately receive welcome and honor as a friend and Brother.
Our fraternity has little or no material benefit. Yet behind the doors of Freemasonry is something greater than what money can buy: The chance to forge the strongest bonds of friendship that last a lifetime.
Freemasonry may take up a portion of your time. But the time you spend in lodge or with brethren is also time that you spend in improving yourself. By your participation in lodge you are given a chance to learn the more important truths of morality and your relationship with God and your fellow man -- something that men just like you find as a worthy endeavor.
Freemasonry is not owned by any one man, but through it you can learn how to take charge of how you live your life for the better.
Ask Yourself.
Among millions of Masons, not one was lawfully invited to apply for membership. Our code of conduct prevents it. Thus, no faithful Mason can invite you. Any Mason can obtain a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry for you, but you must ask for it - and for good reason.
You must first ask yourself if you're suitably prepared to enter the "gentle craft of Masonry" ... to become a brother in the world's most exclusive fraternal order. Few men are intellectually or spiritually prepared to understand or appreciate even the more apparent meanings of Masonry.
Do you reflect on the nature of man's existence and your obligations to God, your family, and yourself?
If such ethical and moral questions hold little interest for you, then you will gain little benefit from the teachings of the Craft. But if you seek a more meaningful quality of life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then Freemasonry has much to offer.
We want you to know what we believe, how we act, and what we do...and, then, should you become a Mason, to be proud to be our Brother and to participate in our work. Only those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should seek a petition.
That's why you must "ask yourself."
Are you ready to be one of the privileged few? Find out how to join.