Freemasonry, mankind's oldest fraternity, remains a charitable and educational brotherhood. Freemasons dedicate themselves to morality, mutual aid, relief, charity, leadership, religious and political freedom.
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Freemasons may not solicit or recruit for membership, but may recommend to those who they feel are good men. If you are interested in becoming a Mason, joining is as easy as ASKING one you many know or using the contact information on the "Contact Us" page and a Lodge Member will be able to provide you with more information. It’s up to you to ASK to become a Mason. So 2B1ASK1 and you will be on your way !!!
Take a moment to read the following pamphlet: R U A Mason at Heart ,then come back and if you are still interested in becoming a Freemanson, continue reading below for the Qualifications Required, and a Walk Through of the Process. We would love for you to join us, so if you feel that becoming a Freemason is right for you, complete a Petition form today !!
North Carolina Qualifications for Becoming a Freemason:
REG. 66-1 QUALIFICATIONS.
Each petitioner for the degrees in Masonry must possess certain qualifications which are as follows.
1. He must be a believer in God and in immortality. A petitioner who is unable or unwilling to express a belief in the existence of God lacks an essential qualification for the degrees in Masonry. In every such case the fee shall be returned with the information that he cannot become a Mason in this Grand Jurisdiction. [63-6; 67-8; 73-6.5; 75-8.3; 78-2.2.C; (Preamble I)].
2. He must be a man free born.
3. He must have the senses of a man, especially those of hearing, seeing, and feeling.
4. He must be of mental worth, sound mind, upright life, and good morals. [73-6.5; 75-8.3; 78-2.2.C].
5. He must possess the ability to earn a livelihood.
6. He must be not less than eighteen years of age at the time his petition is signed. The Grand Master may not waive the provisions of the law requiring an applicant for the degrees to be eighteen years of age at the time the petition is signed. (This subdivision amended, effective January 1, 2003)
7. He must be able to speak and understand the language of the ritual. [65-3.3; 71-24].
8. He must have resided within the state of North Carolina at least six months immediately preceding the date of his petition. [42-7.1; 42-9; 66-3]. (This section amended, effective 1/1/2006 )
9. He must have no physical disability which would prevent him from earning a livelihood or would make him a burden or a charge upon the Craft.
10. He must not have been rejected by any regular lodge in this jurisdiction, or in any other jurisdiction recognized by this Grand Lodge, within six months immediately preceding the date of his petition. [42-16].
11. He must not be under sentence or judgment for violation of any law of the land involving moral turpitude. His right to citizenship must have been restored in the event it was lost by such conviction and sentence. [73-6.5; 75-8.3; 78-2.2.C; 86-2.28; 101-5.4.B].
12. He must not be engaged in any enterprise, business, or profession which would constitute a Masonic offense if engaged in by a Mason. [73-6.5; 75-8.3; 78-2.2.C].
13. He must not have received either an undesirable or dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States. If separation from the Armed Forces was under either of the proceeding classifications, satisfactory evidence must be submitted to verify the discharge has been changed by legal authority to at least a General Discharge.
THE PROCESS OF PETITIONING
Joining the fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons requires that a man, of his own free will, petition a Masonic Lodge for the Degrees in Masonry. No North Carolina Mason should ever ask you to join our fraternity. Below are the general steps that a man seeking membership in Freemasonry may consider. This will help you get started and give you a better understanding of the process.
ASK FOR INFORMATION
If you know a Mason, ask him about the fraternity. Don’t be shy, we love talking to those interested in Masonry. If you don’t know a Mason, you can use the Grand Lodge of North Carolina “Lodge Locator” to find a lodge near you and contact them. You can also reach out to us directly via our “Contact Us” page.
VISIT THE LODGE
Try to find out if there is a good time for you to visit the lodge. Take this as an opportunity to meet some of the members and ask questions. Don’t be intimidated, they’ll be happy to see you. Most lodges have dinner before their regular stated meetings (meetings usually occur monthly or bi-monthly) and guests are almost always welcome. In many areas more than one lodge may exist. Visit as many as you can, get a feeling for the lodges you visit and pick the one that best meets your needs.
REQUEST A PETITION
Request a petition from a Mason or from the lodge you would like to join or download and print the petition from the links on this page. Your petition will require the signature of Two Masons. If you don’t know any Masons, ask the lodge you’re petitioning for advice.
SUBMIT YOUR PETITION
Turn in your completed petition to the lodge you would like to join. Ask if there are any fees that need to accompany the petition. Your petition will be received by the lodge and will be read during a stated meeting. Now that the lodge has your petition, then following below are the actions you can expect the lodge to take.
THE INVESTIGATION
The Master of the lodge you submitted your petition to will assign three members of the lodge to interview you and investigate your background. The investigators may want to meet with you at home. There is a standard set of questions that all investigators must ask, but many will ask additional questions. Be honest with the investigators. No Mason is perfect…we don’t expect petitioners to be perfect, either.
THE BALLOT
Your investigators will be given a deadline by which to return their completed investigation reports to the lodge. Their reports along with their recommendation will be read to the lodge at a stated meeting. At this time, the Master of the lodge will usually call for a ballot to be taken on your petition. Eligible Masons will then vote on your petition and the outcome of the ballot will be announced to the lodge.
AFTER THE BALLOT
Soon after the stated meeting, a member from the lodge should contact you with the outcome of the ballot and provide you with additional instructions.
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