Maritime Lodge #239

It is widely thought that one must be invited to become a Freemason or that Freemasonry is so exclusive as to be beyond the reach of the average man. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Traditionally, Freemasonry has restricted itself from recruitment, preferring to draw its membership from those who were so attracted to the prospect of bettering themselves that they would approach the Fraternity on their own.

More recently, outreach has become common in some jurisdictions. While the Fraternity still does not invite men to join, we do most heartily encourage them to investigate Freemasonry and, should they feel that it is right for them, petition to join.
 

If you know someone who is a Mason or who you think is a Mason, don't be shy, ask them about it. Many Masons are willing to talk at length about the Fraternity and answer any questions you may have. If you don't already know someone who is a Mason, you can attend occasional events which are open to the public. There is also a wealth of information available on the Internet.

Interested in joining? The steps are simple:

1. Contact us (click here) saying that you are interested in seeking membership and would like a petition. (Filling out a petition does not obligate you, and at no point in your Masonic career will you be obligated to participate beyond your desire to do so)

2. Fill out and send in your petition. You will need references from three men who know you well. If there is an open event scheduled sometime soon, such as a pre-meeting dinner, show up and meet some Masons, you will be warmly welcomed.

3. Your petition will be read to the Lodge at the next meeting and an investigation committee will be appointed.

4. The investigation committee will contact you and schedule a time to meet with you in your home. This is not as scary as it may sound. The investigation committee is simply a group of three Lodge members who volunteered to meet with you and interview you about your interest in Masonry. This provides an opportunity for answering any questions you may have as well as assuring that you have a good understanding of the nature of the Fraternity and what it means to be a Mason. It's really a very informal chat.

5. The committee will return a report which will be read at the next meeting.
Based on their findings, your petition will be voted upon; a unanimous vote is required in order to proceed. If your petition passes, a date will be set for your initiation and you will be contacted.

6. Show up on your scheduled initiation date and be made a Mason!

Click here to download a PDF version of the petition which you can print out.
This should be printed on both sides of a legal sized sheet of paper (11"x14")

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open PDF documents.

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Content borrowed from Doric Lodge #92