Grand Lodge Mission Statement:
Freemasons of Washington will be recognized as a relevant and respected Fraternity, committed to attracting and retaining all men of high quality who strive for self improvement and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community. http://freemason-wa.org/about-us/what-is-a-mason/
The Masonic Fraternity is the oldest Fraternity in the world. The Mason
ic Family includes Masons as well as organizations for their ladies, couples, and youth. The Masonic Family provides more than $2 million a day to charitable activities such as hospitals, youth scholarship, and those less fortunate than we. Masons are looking for men who wish to become better men, who are interested in giving back to their community and in self improvement. We welcome any inquiries concerning Masonry. Why Become a Mason
http://freemason-wa.org/about-us/why-become-a-mason/
Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation. Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.” “The grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
– George Washington
“Freemasonry is an institution calculated to benefit mankind.”
– Andrew Jackson
“Freemasonry is an order whose leading star is philanthropy, and whose principles inculcate an unceasing devotion to the cause of virtue and morality.”
– La Fayette
“Freemasonry embraces the highest moral laws and will bear the test of any system of ethics or philosophy ever promulgated for the uplift of man.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur
So you want to become a Mason? There are many personal benefits to becoming a Mason, and the rewards can be different for each person. But all Masons share a common goal: making good men better. Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Tradition
For all of history, men have come together to build. Fathers taught the secrets of their trade to their sons. Families learned to work together and these builders began to erect evermore beautiful edifices. Freemasonry teaches, exactly, those time tested principles which bring men together amid who can best work and best agree. Those principles apply to building anything, from friendships to communities, private aid to Charities, or simple fun. Just as time has not changed male human nature, Freemasonry has not changed what works. Morality
You’ll share the values of the great men who founded the United States: Men who believed in the brotherhood of man and the ideals express in the U.S. Freemasonry is built upon the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Brotherly loves is the practice of the golden rule. Relief embodies charity for all mankind. Truth is honesty, fair play and adherence to cardinal virtues. Above all, men of all faiths are welcome, as long as they believe in a Supreme Being. Self-improvement
Masons seek to improve themselves and to help others, not because they think they should, but because they want to. Because of this crucial distinction, Masons give freely of themselves and ask nothing in return. Nationally, Masons give away more than $2 million every day to relieve suffering. When you’re a Mason, the satisfaction derived from selfless service is immeasurable, for it is in helping others that one most helps himself. Fraternity
Masons come from all walks of life: accountants, teachers, office workers, laborers — you name it. They represent all creeds and cultures, and all are welcome. You are bound to develop lasting friendships, meet new business associates, and broaden your circle of friends. No matter where your travels take you, it’s great to know there are brothers you can depend on and trust. Fellowship
By attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow Masons, you’ll strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with like-minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. You’ll enjoy the friendship of other Masons in the community, and you’ll be welcomed as a “brother” by Masons everywhere in the world. Freemasonry also promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness, or adversity through no fault of your own, the hands of our great fraternity will be stretched forth to aid and assist you. Charity
From its earliest days, charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons have always been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children, the sick and the elderly. In fact, Masons in North America give away approximately $2 million to national and local charities each day. Masons are also actively involved in a great deal of community volunteer work. Education
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has advocated the education of members since its foundation years. Its ceremonies provide instruction to all members, supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures, workshops, reading and use of audiovisual materials and the Internet. Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as “a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”
Leadership
Freemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge, district, and Grand Lodge level. As Freemasons progress through the craft, they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills that even they might not have known they possessed. By developing leadership techniques that fit their personality, Masons unlock the door to their full potential. How to Become A Mason
http://freemason-wa.org/about-us/how-to-become-a-mason/
Advice to Those Who Seek Membership
Having expressed a desire to become a Freemason, we presume you have thoroughly considered the step you propose to take. The exact nature of our Institution being unknown to you, we consider it advisable that you should be informed on certain points, the knowledge of which might affect you decision to apply for membership. Not all men can become Masons, however. Masonry does not purport to make “bad men good,” only “good men better.” This distinction is critical in that from its early days the Fraternity took itself out of the “rehabilitation” game – which is the purview of religion and the criminal justice system. Only men of good character are accepted into the Fraternity. Masonic lodges review every applicant’s character – and the centuries-old “blackball” system is still in place; candidates for the degrees must be voted by a 100% vote of the lodge members present. Freemasonry strives to teach a man the duties he owes to God, his neighbor and himself. It has for it’s foundation the great basic principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, and requires a belief in the immortality of the Soul. It interferes neither with religion nor politics. Admission to the Institution must not be sought from mercenary or other unworthy motives, nor from hope of personal gain or advancement. Anyone so actuated will be disappointed, and in all friendship we warn you. Freemasonry is not a benefit society. We do not subscribe so much a year to entitle us to draw financial relief or to make provision for those we leave behind. It’s charity is intended for those Masons who, through no fault of their own, have met with misfortune. Freemasonry has in all ages insisted that men shall come to it’s door entirely of their own free-will; not as a result of solicitation; not from feelings of curiosity; but from a favorable opinion of the Institution and a desire to be ranked among it’s members. We think it is advisable to inform you that should you be admitted, it will entail certain financial obligations, which you should be able to afford without detriment to yourself or those dependent on you. In addition to the fees payable with your petition, there will be an annual subscription for the support of your Lodge, as provided by the By-Laws of that Lodge. We trust you will consider these statements in the same spirit of honesty and friendship in which they have been presented. It is of the utmost importance to you as well as to Freemasonry that the motives and ideals governing your daily life be in substantial accord therewith. There are hundreds of Masonic Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Washington in the State of Washington. You must be a resident in the state for 6 months to be considered for membership in one or more of these Lodges. (Exceptions to this requirement are possible for seafaring men, military, and college students.) Use our Lodges page to find a lodge or lodges nearest you. When you select one, you will find information on where and when they meet. We suggest you contact them and arrange to visit them 1/2 to 1 hour prior to one of their meetings. What are the requirements to join? A man, of good repute, and well recommended, 18 or older, living in the state 6 months or more (exceptions for military), recommended by three Masons, no criminal record, and a belief in God. Specifics are listed on the petition for the degrees.
2. What is the application process? Masons cannot invite you to join, it must be of your own freewill. You should visit some lodges and get to know some of the men who are Masons in your area. You must fill out a petition for the degrees and get 3 Mason’s endorsement.
3. How long is the application process? Once you have submitted a petition to a Lodge, your petition is read at Lodge, a team is assigned to meet with you and your family, the investigation results are read at the next lodge meeting and then a ballot is taken. If approved by the members you will be assigned a coach and you will be asked to schedule a date for your initiation. This takes about three months, if the Lodge meets only once per month. After initiation, you will be required to pass a test on what you have learned before proceeding to the next degree. Including initiation, there are three degrees. Memorization of the rituals will be required to advance through the degrees. Normally, it takes three or more months for you to pass all three degrees and get a good understanding of your obligations necessary to becoming a better man.
4. What would change in one’s life after becoming a Mason? One reason to become a Mason is to become a better man. You become a better man by becoming more confident, by living by the rules of your God, by treating all on the level with justice and compassion, and by helping others become wiser and better. This takes effort on your part. The symbols of Masonry: the Plumb, Square, and Level continually remind a Brother to live an upright life, be square with your fellow man, and treat all equally.
5. How much time is required, in an average week, to be devoted to Masonic duties/responsibilities? becoming a better man takes effort. Nothing realized without effort is truly cherished. It is a life-long task to become better than you were each day. How much effort that takes is up to you.
6. What if any financial commitment is to be expected? Joining costs about $200 depending on the Lodge. Yearly dues range in the $50-$100 range, depending on the Lodge. You should be financially secure and be able to support your family.
7. How long do meetings last and what is the purpose? These meetings typically take about two hours and include business and educational content. Typically there is a social hour before or after the meeting that may include dinner.
8. How do I know what lodge is right for me? Your job is to visit Lodges in our area and get a feel from the Masons you meet. Ask questions. You will not be able to attend meetings until to become a Mason, but we have many social events that you and your family may be invited to attend. You may already know some Masons, if so, talk to them. In the mean time, contact a Mason or a Masonic Lodge near you.
