Freemasonry FAQs

Published On: April 17th, 2020Categories: News

Who Can Join?

To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 18 years of age, one who believes in the existence of a “Supreme Being,” of good moral character, motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry, interested in learning and willing to practice the customs of the fraternity.

What is the Purpose of Freemasonry?

The basic purpose is to make “better men out of good men” — better fathers, husbands, brothers and sons. Freemasonry places emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook and broadening his mental horizons.

What Do You Get Out of Being a Freemason?

When you join Freemasonry, you get a second family — a network of an estimated 1.1 million brothers in the United States, according to the Masonic Service Organization of North America and worldwide membership is about 2 million. You can visit any lodge in the world and attend lodge meetings with your brothers. You can be a part of something bigger than yourself. Freemasons donate millions to charity: nursing and personal care homes, children’s homes, children’s hospitals, medical research, education and much more.

Steven Kessler, a member of William Elkins Lodge No. 271 in Philadelphia, said Freemasonry is all about “bettering yourself.”

“It’s about taking the time to open yourself up to be a better person,” he said. “The Masons give you a lot of tools to be a more mature person. They’ve taught me to take a breath and think before I talk. Anything I need help with, they give it.”

When and Where Do Masons Meet?

The Lodge Locator will help you find out where and when the Masonic lodges in Pennsylvania hold their stated meetings. Most lodges in the United States meet once a month. Meetings are typically held in the evening, after members leave their daytime jobs. Pennsylvania Masons do not meet during the summer months. Technically, Freemasons meet “as a lodge,” rather than “in a lodge.” In this context, the word “lodge” refers to a local chapter of Freemasons meeting as a body.

Why Should You Join?

Freemasonry makes good men better. Look around the Grand Lodge website and you will find information about our history, purpose, educational programs, character development and charity. Many brothers find lodge meetings to be an excellent “break from life,” where everyday troubles are forgotten and brotherhood prevails. Whatever your reason, Freemasonry has something to offer nearly every man.

Kessler said he joined his lodge in order to help others.

“Everything goes so fast today, and people walk with their heads down or on the phone,” he said. “They don’t sit and talk to each other or have a mentor to teach them how to be a better citizen. That’s what I felt was missing – that connection with people, and I get it through Freemasonry.”

How Do You Join?

The fraternity’s centuries-old tradition was to wait for interested men to inquire about membership. Today, however, Pennsylvania Masons allow its members to selectively invite men of good character, who will be a credit to the fraternity, to consider submitting a petition. If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry in Pennsylvania, please complete this form. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania will forward your inquiry to a representative of a local lodge in your area to personally contact you. Or, call the Grand Lodge at 215-988-1912. If you have already been in touch with a local lodge and are ready to submit a petition, which must also be signed by two Pennsylvania Masons, you may download a petition here.