Freemasons do not recruit members. By long tradition, a man must seek admission of his own free will and accord, without persuasion from anyone. That is why you will often see the motto 2B1ASK1: to be one, ask one. If you have read this far and feel drawn to the Craft, you have already taken the first step.
Who May Become a Mason?
Freemasonry welcomes men of good character from every walk of life. To petition a lodge under the Grand Lodge of Georgia, a man must:
- Be a man who is free born, of good morals and sound judgment
- Believe in a Supreme Being; Masonry does not ask which faith you follow
- Meet the minimum age set by the Grand Lodge of Georgia
- Come of his own free will, not from curiosity or for personal gain
- Be recommended by members of the lodge who know him
The Path to the East: Step by Step
- Ask. Speak with any Mason you know, or contact our lodge. A brother will be glad to answer your questions.
- Get to know us. Join the brethren for a meal or a community event. Freemasonry is a lifelong commitment, so it is important that you and the lodge get to know each other.
- Petition. When you are ready, you will complete a petition for the degrees, recommended by members of the lodge.
- Investigation. A committee of brothers will visit with you and your family to answer questions and learn about you.
- Ballot. The members of the lodge vote on your petition at a stated communication.
- The degrees. You will be initiated an Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, learning the lessons of each degree along the way.
Common Questions
Do I have to know a Mason to join?
No. Many men today begin by contacting a lodge directly. Reach out through our contact page and a member of the lodge will get in touch to talk with you.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being, but it is not a religion, has no theology of its own, and does not replace a man's church, synagogue or mosque. Many Masons find that the Craft strengthens their own faith.
How much time does it take?
Most lodges hold a regular stated communication once or twice a month, plus degree nights and events. Masonry teaches that a man's family and work come first; you can be as involved as your life allows.
What does it cost?
There is a one-time fee for the degrees and annual lodge dues. Amounts are set by each lodge; ask us for the current figures.
What happens in the degrees?
The degrees are dignified, meaningful ceremonies that teach moral lessons through allegory. There is no hazing or anything that would embarrass a candidate or conflict with his duties to God, country, family or neighbor.
Can my family be involved?
Yes. The wider Masonic family includes the Order of the Eastern Star for men and women, and youth organizations such as DeMolay for young men and Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters for young women.