How to Become a Freemason
Joining the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons requires that a man, of his own free will, petition a Masonic Lodge for the Degrees of Masonry. No Georgia Mason should ever ask you to join our fraternity.
What to expect when joining Freemasonry
When you join Freemasonry, you join a band of brothers stretching from coast to coast and beyond. Knock on any Lodge door, and you will be welcomed by men who, although you’ve never met, you can be sure to share your values. What’s more, you will begin the Craft of becoming the best version of yourself and open endless doors of self-enrichment and charity.
Qualifications for membership
All Freemasons are held to the same standard and must be of good character and reputation to become and remain a member. Additionally, to join Georgia Freemasonry, you must first meet the following criteria:
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Be a male at least 18 years old
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Must believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.
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Be a Georgia resident for at least twelve months.
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Be able to read and write English.
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Be of good reputation as a man of honor and integrity.
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Be recommended by two Masons who have known you for a minimum of six months and are members of a lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Georgia and one of whom must be a member of the lodge you wish to join.
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Be prepared to obtain a background check if requested.
Process to Join
1. Ask for Information
If you already know a Mason, ask him about the fraternity. In the 21st Century, most Masons love talking about the Fraternity! If you don't know a Mason, you can contact us through the form at the bottom of this page.
2. Visit the Lodge
With the requirement that two Masons know you for at least six months before you petition, we like to get to know you! Come and visit us for dinner (we meet on the second Thursday of the month), get to know some of the members, and feel free to ask whatever questions you may have. This way, you will get a feel for our lodge, we will get to know you, and you can decide if both Freemasonry in general and Atlanta-Peachtree Lodge, no. 59 in particular are the right fit for you.
And don't worry - if you are interested in Freemasonry, but you feel like you might not be a good fit for our Lodge, every Masonic Lodge has a different character. We would be happy to refer you to another Lodge that might suit you better!
3. Request and Submit a Petition
Request a petition from the Lodge. This must be filled out in your own hand, and signed by two Masons, one of whom must be a member of the Lodge you are petitioning. Turn that completed petition into a member of the Lodge. There will be certain fees that must accompany that petition (these differ from lodge-to-lodge). Your petition will be read out in open Lodge, and an investigation committee will be assigned.
4. The Investigation
The Worshipful Master of the Lodge will assign three members to interview you and investigate your background. This may happen at your home, or at another location. There is a standard set of questions that are asked, but additional questions may also be posed for you. Be honest with your investigators, and remember that no man is perfect.
5. The Ballot
Your investigators will return their findings to the Lodge. Their report and their recommendation will be given to the Lodge at the next Lodge meeting. At this time, the Worshipful Master will call for a ballot to be taken on your petition. Eligible Masons will vote on your petition, and the result announced to the Lodge. The ballot must be unanimous for it to pass.
6. After the Ballot
Assuming the ballot is positive, a member of the Lodge will contact you to discuss next steps, including arranging a date for your initiation into the Fraternity.
If you are interested in exploring Freemasonry further, contact us through the form below!