One of the most commonly held misconceptions about Freemasonry is that you must to be invited to join. Nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "To be one, ask one."? A self motivated inquiry is the first step. If you are interested in joining Sons of Abraham Lodge #24, you need only ask and we will be happy to begin the conversation with you.
The first and most important step when considering application is to satisfy yourself that Freemasonry is an organization that you actually want to join. If you're motivated to join because you have been misled into thinking that being a Freemason will advance your career, or give you an advantage in business or politics, you should look elsewhere; you will be very disappointed.
There are certain things that are formally required, before a petition for membership can be accepted:
1. BELIEF IN A SUPREME BEING. We need to be satisfied that you have such a belief. The Supreme Being in whom you put your trust, of course, will depend upon your own religious and philosophical beliefs. Each man's truths are his own, and Freemasons, as an organization, hold absolutely no bias or preference in favor of one faith over another.
2. OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL. We need to be assured that you are acting entirely of your own volition, and that you are under no pressure from family, friends, colleagues, or anyone else.
3. OF LEGAL AGE. You are a man over the age of eighteen.
4. OF GOOD REPUTE. You are known to be of good moral character and without a criminal record.
Before your petition can be accepted for consideration, first and second line signers must be found to sponsor you for membership. These two men must be current members of the Lodge. While it is preferred that these people already know you, there are cases where a man may be vouched for by members of other Lodges (perhaps in other parts of the country). At the very least, the brothers of Sons of Abraham will require ALL prospective members to be interviewed by the Lodge Investigation Committee. This process is intended to ensure the following prior to your petition:
--That you do not have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits of membership.
--That you have discussed this with your immediate family, and that they support your decision.
--That you know what it will cost to join and maintain a membership.
--That you understand the basic principles of Freemasonry, and will endeavor to uphold them.
--That you can afford the time to make a regular attendance at our meetings.
--That you have had ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and that you have received helpful answers.
If you wish to proceed, and we are satisfied that you are clear about what you propose to do, there will be a ballot among the Lodge members. If you know of any reason why any existing member may wish to bar your entrance, it would be in your interest to discuss this frankly with the Lodge beforehand. Your views and comments will be treated with strictest confidence, and we may be able to help you overcome an existing personal conflict that may otherwise interfere with your application. Subject to a favorable outcome of the ballot on your petition, you will be notified of the outcome by the Secretary, and provided with further information. You may withdraw your petition for membership at any time.
The first and most important step when considering application is to satisfy yourself that Freemasonry is an organization that you actually want to join. If you're motivated to join because you have been misled into thinking that being a Freemason will advance your career, or give you an advantage in business or politics, you should look elsewhere; you will be very disappointed.
There are certain things that are formally required, before a petition for membership can be accepted:
1. BELIEF IN A SUPREME BEING. We need to be satisfied that you have such a belief. The Supreme Being in whom you put your trust, of course, will depend upon your own religious and philosophical beliefs. Each man's truths are his own, and Freemasons, as an organization, hold absolutely no bias or preference in favor of one faith over another.
2. OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL. We need to be assured that you are acting entirely of your own volition, and that you are under no pressure from family, friends, colleagues, or anyone else.
3. OF LEGAL AGE. You are a man over the age of eighteen.
4. OF GOOD REPUTE. You are known to be of good moral character and without a criminal record.
Before your petition can be accepted for consideration, first and second line signers must be found to sponsor you for membership. These two men must be current members of the Lodge. While it is preferred that these people already know you, there are cases where a man may be vouched for by members of other Lodges (perhaps in other parts of the country). At the very least, the brothers of Sons of Abraham will require ALL prospective members to be interviewed by the Lodge Investigation Committee. This process is intended to ensure the following prior to your petition:
--That you do not have unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits of membership.
--That you have discussed this with your immediate family, and that they support your decision.
--That you know what it will cost to join and maintain a membership.
--That you understand the basic principles of Freemasonry, and will endeavor to uphold them.
--That you can afford the time to make a regular attendance at our meetings.
--That you have had ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and that you have received helpful answers.
If you wish to proceed, and we are satisfied that you are clear about what you propose to do, there will be a ballot among the Lodge members. If you know of any reason why any existing member may wish to bar your entrance, it would be in your interest to discuss this frankly with the Lodge beforehand. Your views and comments will be treated with strictest confidence, and we may be able to help you overcome an existing personal conflict that may otherwise interfere with your application. Subject to a favorable outcome of the ballot on your petition, you will be notified of the outcome by the Secretary, and provided with further information. You may withdraw your petition for membership at any time.