Freemasonry is the world’s oldest, largest, and most charitable fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, his faith, his country, and his fraternity.
We as Freemasons seek to shape the future by fostering the personal growth of the mind, heart, and moral character of men from all walks of life, perpetuating lifelong friendships and philanthropic service to enrich the lives of our communities, Lodges, and members.
Through our rich history extends centuries, Freemasonry offers much to its current-day members – the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, and the means to build a better world for our children. Our principles extend far beyond our interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our daily lives, unifying us not in where we come from but what we aspire to be.
Become part of something great.
1. Requirements
- Be a man at least 18 years old or older.
- Believe in a Supreme Being and in the immortality of the soul.
- Live an ethical life.
- All applicants for membership in Freemasonry in New York are required to obtain a Background Check Report as a part of the application process. The Report will be sent directly to you. The cost of the Background Check is $16.00
- Have a strong interest in the Fraternity with a desire to participate in our charities & activities.
2. The Process. Sometimes Called the NorthStar Process.
Each lodge usually has a similar process to get to know the candidate and a typical process is listed below.
- Contact us – You reach out to us by contacting the lodge, a member, or by using this website. 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 this website and click the link or button that says “Take the First Step”.
- Meeting – The lodge will set up a meeting with some of the members. Take this as an opportunity to meet some of the members and ask questions. Don’t be intimidated, they’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
- Background Check – Us this website.
- Letter of Introspection – After the first meeting, you will need to do a Letter of Introspection.
- Meeting – Usually, another meeting to review your background check, letter of introspection, and talk about the next steps.
- Social Event – A social event such as a dinner, BBQ, educational meeting, etc.This will you to meet even more of the members.
- Family meeting – Usually right in your home, so that your family can ask any questions that they may have.
- Receive a petition.
3. The petition and Initiation Fee
- Fill out a lodges petition.
- There is an Initiation Fee (one-time fee for the three degrees of Masonry), as well as regular annual dues. These vary widely depending on the number of members, the actual physical facilities of the Lodge, etc. The fees and dues, however, are not prohibitively expensive.
4. The Ballot
After you’ve submitted your Petition, Initiation Fee, and Background Check your petition is read in a Lodge meeting by the committee (usually composed of three members). The committee and maybe some of the other members will report their findings to the Lodge, and a secret ballot is taken. 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.
5. The Degree Process
Our Fraternity’s private nature sometimes creates misconceptions about our “initiation ceremonies.” Rest assured that we are a moral institution whose tenets are Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love. Masonry teaches us to practice charity and benevolence, and to revere ordinances of — but not replace — any man’s religion. Quite simply, our Fraternity exists to make good men better.