How to Petition Guilford Masonic Lodge #656, A.F.A.M.

Petitioning a Masonic lodge for the degrees of masonry is no small or impulsive act. The process by which a man goes from petitioner, to Master Mason can take time and many hours of study.

Requirements

Before someone is even considered a petitioner, the following requirements must be met:

1. A Belief in Deity: There are no requirements for what form this belief takes. In fact, we don't even want to know. Debate about religion, particularly a preference for one form of religion over another, is strictly forbidden inside the lodge. Masonry exists throughout the world, and welcomes members of all faiths. However, we cannot accept atheists. If you have no spiritual consideration for the universe in which we live, then Masonry is likely not for you.

2. No Criminal Record: All petitioners for Masonry undergo a criminal background check, just as if you were applying for a job. Speeding tickets are fine, but anyone without high moral character cannot be a Mason.

3. Resident of NC: To petition a lodge in the state of North Carolina, the Grand Lodge of North Carolina requires that you must have lived here for no less than six months.

4. Two References: By the time a petitioner has submitted his petition, he must have two existing masons (at least one who is a member of Guilford #656) who will vouch for him. Many petitioners approach our lodge who don't know anyone who is a Mason, and that's perfectly acceptable. If you're interested in becoming a Mason, we'll take the time to get to know you, and you can get to know us. If you're shy about approaching strangers, then look for an open house, or other public event that we host each year.

5. Cannot Be Suspended or Expelled: If you were a Mason in another lodge, and have been suspended or expelled from that lodge, your petition will be rejected.

6. Legal Male Adult: Petitioners must be men at least 18 years of age.

First Steps

Once someone has expressed an interest in Masonry, met with the brethren, and found two brothers who are willing to recommend him as a candidate, then the petition is submitted to the lodge. The petition must be accompanied by a check for $100. This petition fee is returned to the candidate if, for some reason, he withdraws his petition, or he receives an unfavorable vote and does not become a candidate for the degrees.

The petition has to lay over for one month before it can be voted on. During that time, a committee of three Masons will meet with the petitioner, verify his information, and try to get to know him more.

At the end of the month, the committee reports their findings, the petition is read again, and the members present will vote. Any one mason may vote against the candidate for any reason. If this happens, the petition is rejected..

A favorable vote means that the petitioner is now a candidate. Candidates for Masonry will be scheduled for initiation as a 1st Degree Mason shortly thereafter. Success in the 1st Degree leads to being passed to the 2nd Degree. And finally, success in the 2nd Degree will lead to the 3rd Degree, or Master Mason Degree, where all the privileges and honors afforded any other regular Mason are given.

Master Masons are then allowed to attempt a 3rd Degree test (or catechism) in order to be eligible to be an officer of the lodge. All 3rd Degree Master Masons are also eligible to join one of the several appendant bodies of Masonry, including the Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, and Shriners.

What We're Looking For

Masonry needs good men, who believe in community, charity, kindness, and morality. If you are the kind of person who is curious, introspective, and dedicated, then Masonry might be a good fit (having a good memory doesn't hurt either). If you are the kind of person who is judgmental, intolerant of other people, self-absorbed, or generally not a nice fellow, then perhaps Masonry is not for you.

What You Get Out of Masonry

Masonry is very much the kind of experience where you get out of it what you put in. Some people join the lodge, and enjoy the fellowship. Others like the ceremony of the degrees. Some enjoy the rewards of giving and helping other people through the work of our charities. Regardless, the opportunity exists to have a richer life experience. To gain a new perspective about our world and the meaning behind it.

What You Won't Get Out of Masonry

If you're looking for a great networking opportunity for your business, then perhaps the Rotary Club is more appropriate

If think you're going to discover where the bodies are buried, or finally finding proof that Masons are secretly in control of the world financial markets, or that we're actually satanists... etc. Then perhaps you're better off picking up a copy of one of several different conspiracy theory books, and enjoy a quiet evening of paranoid delusion by yourself.

If you've come this far and still want to pursue membership in the sublime degrees of Masonry, then feel free to E-mail the Master of Guilford Lodge #656 to learn more.