Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become a Freemason?
The Steps to Becoming an Freemason with Euclid Lodge No.158
Ever wonder why no one has invited you to join the greatest, most influential and respected fraternity in the world? The fact is, no one will ever ask or invite you to be a Freemason. We do not solicit for members, it is up to you to approach a member or the Lodge and ask us that you are interested in joining our beloved fraternity. Our goal is to make good men better, we are non – denominational, men of all ages and all walks of life.
Welcome to the first step of your journey. How this journey unfolds – that’s up to you.
Many great men have come before you, and many will come after, all of whom will have had questions they needed answered. We are here to answer any questions you may have in regards to Freemasonry or becoming a Freemason. We try to inform people about what a Masonic Lodge is, how it operates, and to set straight myths about our fraternity.
Much has been said about our fraternity, some positive and some negative. You can freely read about our history and culture through numerous websites or books, but you’ll be missing the most important aspect of becoming a Freemason: the experience we provide through our unwritten traditions and our ancient rituals. Don’t despair, none of our traditions or rituals will go against your moral fabric.
Masonry is about respecting the past, understanding and being in the present, and planning for the future. The goal of Euclid Lodge and our Fraternity has always been and always will be to ‘make good men better’. We actively exemplify this ideology by reminding our members of their duties towards their neighbours and communities, and to always be mindful and supportive of those less fortunate, both Mason and non-Masons alike.
If this sounds of interest to you, we would like to extend to you an open invitation to learn more and to join our fraternity. We caution you though to not take this step lightly, as this decision has the power to change your life.
Read, ask, watch the video here, read some more, and take a Freemason for a coffee (one of our favourite activities!). The ideal is to already know a Euclid Lodge member, however, if you don’t, and you choose to contact us, we’ll arrange for an introduction. Your reading should also include the Lodge’s “An Introduction to Freemasonry” on page 2.
Once you’ve done all your reading and research, and you decide that Freemasonry appeals to you, the next step is to contact us! We use a 6-Step process to guide you through to make sure that Freemasonry is right for you.
Initiation as a Freemason with Euclid Lodge is a rare and sought-after privilege. Lodge Officers and Mentors spend hundreds of heartfelt hours sharing the wisdom, joy, mysteries and discoveries of Freemasonry with you; as such, we are limited in the number of new Brethren we can admit each year. Before you are formally proposed by the Membership Committee, there will be a number of informal meetings and discussions with you to ensure that both you and the Lodge will be well-served by your membership. You may also be asked to attend a number of Festive Boards (our Lodge socials), or other Masonic social functions, in order to have an opportunity to meet the Brethren of Euclid Lodge. If you continue-on to the formal membership petition stage, you will need two Lodge Brothers as sponsors. One of Freemasonry’s greatest joys is to extend the fraternal hand of welcome to new Brothers, and the social functions are the perfect way to find your sponsors!
After you have gone through the above steps, and remain fully decided that you would like to become a Freemason, and the Membership Committee has concurred with your interest and fit with the Lodge, your membership petition will be formally presented at a Euclid Lodge meeting. A final delegation will then be struck with three Lodge Brothers to formally meet with you, normally in your home.
Upon favourable report from the three designated Brothers, you will be proposed for initiation into Euclid Lodge, and the Brethren of the Lodge will ballot on the proposal.
You will be advised of the results of the ballot, and if successful, given a prospective date for your initiation ceremony (the First Degree) and the commencement of your Masonic Journey!
How Much Time Does It Take To Become A Mason?
The better question perhaps is the time for a man to complete the three lessons of Masonry. The lessons are called degrees, each of them building on the previous degree.
The Three degrees are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.
Between each degree some memorizing of the previous degree is required, and shown to the lodge as proof of knowing that work. That can take a varied amount of time depending on the man’s ability to memorize work. Brother Coaches are called to help with the memory work.
In general terms it would take a year to complete all three lessons including the memory work.
In some jurisdictions around the world, Lodges will only allow one degree per year. Hence it would take about 3 years to complete the degrees.
The widely held notion that Masonry is a secret society is false. Lodges are openly shown to be a Masonic Hall. Material on websites and other internet servers are full of details about Masonry.
The privilege of travelling to lodges around the world and sharing in a meeting with other Masons, require members to show they are true members of a lodge. Such ability can be considered secretive – the secrets of Masonry, — nothing else. Some countries are obliged to keep their membership to a lodge secretive. In Canada that is not the case.
Be of Good Moral Character
This qualification is the most important. Rather than constructing stone buildings we are building towers of men and great frameworks of communities, because it is strength and support that will foster the prosperity of future generations. Being of good moral character is the most important qualification of becoming a Freemason; joining Freemasonry makes good men better.
Possess Belief in a Supreme Being
The only religious requirement of Freemasonry is that anyone petitioning the degrees of Freemasonry not be an Atheist. This is not to limit anyone’s freedom of religion, but rather to ensure that its members believe that there is a power greater than themselves.
Any person joining Freemasonry ought to believe that they are serving a higher calling, and that their actions have consequences that carry beyond the grave.
It is important to emphasize that Freemasonry is not a religion, though it does include religious principles, specifically from the Judeo-Christian traditions.
While the Bible is one of the centerpieces of the Lodge and quotes from the Old and New Testament are recited in Lodge, it is not necessary that a Freemason be of any particular religion. As Freemasons, we welcome men from any faith, including and not limiting to Christian, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Theist and Deist. All “traditions” are equally accepted and respected as validly fulfilling the required belief in a supreme being.
Freemasonry is not a secret Society… we’re happy to share what we know
Any information about Masons can be found at a well-stocked bookstore or local library. Masonic buildings are clearly marked and listed in the phonebook and members often identify themselves by wearing Masonic jewelry. The so-called Masonic “Secrets” are confined to modes of recognition by which a visitor can prove himself to be a Mason and thereby become eligible to enter a lodge in which he was otherwise not known
Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour, or creed
Masons are spiritual and moral people, but there’s no room for discussion of sectarian religion or partisan politics in freemasonry. Members are free to follow their own path, as long as it fits with the ethical principles of integrity and virtue symbolized by the square and compasses—the icon most commonly associated with Masonry.
Masonry stresses the principles of kindness and consideration at home, honesty in business, courtesy towards others, dependability in one’s work, compassion for the less fortunate and being a good citizen of the world. Masonry recognizes that each man has obligations to his family, his work, his religious beliefs, his community and himself – these must take priority and Masonry does not interfere with his ability to meet these obligations.
Masons participate in three progressive degrees, each one teaching an important lesson through the use of symbols. The degrees help a Mason think about the big questions: Where did I come from? What am I doing here? And what comes next?
A Lodge is not a building…it’s the men that form it
The foundation of the Masonic family is the Masonic lodge. It is here that Masonry teaches its lessons: kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, concern for the unfortunate and respect for one another. Most lodges are clearly signed and located on main streets in communities small and large across the globe.
Masonry offers the opportunity to make each man better through its teachings, his Masonic associations and a philosophy that has served the social needs of men for centuries, by promoting:
- Tradition: when you become a Mason, you become part of ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons that produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing and spiritually uplifting organization of moral men.
- Self-Improvement: learning portions of the Ritual and participating in the Degree stimulates the mind and coupled with committee work and lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise, and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies.
- Sense of Accomplishment: participating in lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others and enjoy the success of effort well expended.
- Fellowship – Belonging to a Like-minded Group: the modern work environment has reduced or eliminated social association with co-workers; joining with lodge members in a fraternal atmosphere can substitute for that former workplace fellowship lost.
- A Break from the Workaday Routine: Masonry brings together in lodge men of diverse backgrounds, where the daily pressures of a career can be left outside the door and where fellowship is the common theme.
These attributes are summarized in the tenets, or fundamental principles of Ancient Freemasonry: Brotherly Love; Relief; and Truth. If these values address your needs, Masonry welcomes you.
Brotherly Love ↗
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Relief ↗
Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care – not for their own – but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
Truth ↗
Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
Further Reading From the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon
What attracts a man to Freemasonry? Every man comes of his own free will and accord, with his own individual needs and interests. One man may join so that he can associate with other men who believe that only by improving themselves can they hope to improve the world. Another man may join because he is looking for a focus for his charitable inclinations. And yet another may be attracted by a strong sense of history and tradition. Many join simply because they knew a friend or relative who was a Freemason and they admired that man’s way of living his life. All who join and become active discover a bond of brotherly affection and a community of mutual support; a practical extension of their own religious and social beliefs.
Your Family Is Important To Us
Your family is very important to you and therefore now important to the lodge. We support your work, health and family. Nothing can come between masonry and your family. They must be first in your life.
Some social events during the year are open for family to attend. Our lodge has a summer barbecue, a Christmas Dinner as well as a picnic in July.
Once commencing in Freemasonry, you have opportunity to join with other social events of other lodges. Sometimes these are open to children. We also support widows of our members and if necessary the children. We see that they are well, that support for them is in hand.
Please read a short article entitled “The Ideal of a Freemason“ . It was written over a hundred years ago and sums up much of what attracts some to Freemasonry. Keep in mind that this is an ideal. This is a goal that some Freemasons may fall short of, but they all have committed themselves to a path that leads to this ideal. We do not consider ourselves superior, but we do hold ourselves to high standards.
The following Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon website articles may interest you
- Aims and Relationships of the Craft
- Responding to our Critics
- Freemasonry and Religion
- Become a Mason | Freemasonry in BC & Yukon Canada (bcy.ca)
To be eligible for membership in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of British Columbia and Yukon an applicant must satisfy the following qualifications:
- The ability to read and write in English.
- Have resided in British Columbia or the Yukon for the previous twelve months.
- Have resided within the jurisdiction of the constituent lodge for the previous six months.
- “shall be a man, of the full age of 21 years, free born and capable of supporting himself and those dependent upon him.”
- Be, in clear conscience, able to answer the following questions in the affirmative:
- Do you seriously and upon your honour declare that uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives, and unbiased by the improper solicitations of friends, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Freemasonry?
- Do you seriously and upon your honour declare that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable opinion conceived of the Institution and a desire for knowledge?
- Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being?
Initiates are required to pay an Initiation Fee, which covers all dues & supplies until the next calendar year after your Master Mason degree. Members thence are expected to pay Annual Dues, and be actively involved in the working of the Lodge. This requires a commitment of two to four evenings a month and the effort to study and understand Freemasonry’s philosophy, history, ritual and practices. As in any society, the member can only get out of it what he puts into it.
Information Booklet – An Introduction to Freemasonry ← click here
Produced by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia & Yukon
If, after reading the above information and you are now interested in becoming a Freemason, the next step is to contact the Lodge Secretary who will arrange a meeting with you, a reminder that you are not joining a club, this is an institution founded on the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief & Truth, and is designed to help improve your life and well being.
” The Freemasons Fraternity is not a club where one writes a cheque
and it is a done deal”.