Masonic Princples - Read prior to sending in your petition
After you read the below statement, click here to go back to the page that has application instructions (and the petition to fill out) for joining our fraternity of Masons.
PRELIMINARY
STATEMENT
Concerning
Freemasonry
This
Statement
must be read
before
Signing
Petition
Having
expressed a desire to become a Freemason,
we
presume you have thoroughly considered the step you
propose
to take. The exact nature of our Institution being
unknown
to you, we consider it advisable that you should
be
informed on certain points, the knowledge of which
might
affect you decision to apply for membership.
Freemasonry
strives to teach a man the duties he
owes
to God, his neighbor and himself. It has for it’s
foundation
the great basic principles of the Fatherhood of
God
and the Brotherhood of Man, and requires a belief in
the
immortality of the Soul. It interferes neither with
religion
nor politics. Admission to the Institution must
not
be sought from mercenary or other unworthy motives,
nor
from hope of personal gain or advancement. Anyone
so
actuated will be disappointed, and in all friendship we
warn
you.
Freemasonry
is not a benefit society. We do not
subscribe
so much a year to entitle us to draw financial
relief;
or to make provision for those we leave behind, or
to
admit us to the Masonic Retirement Center. It’s charity
is
intended for those who, through no fault of their own,
have
met with misfortune.
Freemasonry
has in all ages insisted that men shall
come
to it’s door entirely of their own free-will; not as a
result
of solicitation; not from feelings of curiosity; but
from
a favorable opinion of the Institution and a desire to
be
ranked among it’s members.
We
think it is advisable to inform you that should
you
be admitted, it will entail certain financial obligations,
which
you should be able to afford without detriment to
yourself
or those dependent on you. In addition to the
fees
payable with your petition, there will be an annual
subscription
for the support of your Lodge, as provided by
the
By-Laws of that Lodge.
We
trust you will consider these statements in the
same
spirit of honesty and friendship in which they have
been
presented. It is of the utmost importance to you as
well
as to Freemasonry that the motives and ideals
governing
your daily life be in substantial accord
therewith.
After
reading the
foregoing statement and
answering
all
questions in the petition and
signing
it, print
this and retain in your possession.