Six Steps to Initiation
Welcome! You may have been directed to this page upon your inquiry to Freemasonry or you may be a Brother seeking information about how to answer questions of an inquirer. Regardless, you've come to the right place. The information on this page is designed to help someone that knows nothing of Masonry and those seeking further knowledge.
A Guide to the Candidate Selection Process
This document is designed to be used for the pre-screening of all Candidates prior to the Petition to Initiation being presented to them.
It is a tool to help evaluate potential members and determine their suitability for membership in your Lodge. We know from experience that Freemasonry is not for everyone and we need to determine, as best we can, who it is for and who it is not for.
You are encouraged to use this guide in its entirety, fulfilling each step and then complete the final checklist summary report.
This will then be presented to the Lodge, evaluated by the principle officers, and if acceptable, a Petition for Initiation will be issued. The Guide and Petition will be given to the Investigating Committee to assist them in the interviewing process.
The Candidate Selection Process consists of SIX steps:
These steps are a guide, and are outlined in more detail in the main document; with a general recommendation on how to approach each step. Steps two and three have a two-page hand-out that you will present to the Candidate for the completion and return at the next meeting. They will be included in the final check list and should form part of the summary report.
Please get back to the person that directed you to this website, and welcome to Freemasonry!
Six Steps to Initiation FULL Document
Click this link for the FULL online/PDF document
A Guide to the Candidate Selection Process
This document is designed to be used for the pre-screening of all Candidates prior to the Petition to Initiation being presented to them.
It is a tool to help evaluate potential members and determine their suitability for membership in your Lodge. We know from experience that Freemasonry is not for everyone and we need to determine, as best we can, who it is for and who it is not for.
You are encouraged to use this guide in its entirety, fulfilling each step and then complete the final checklist summary report.
This will then be presented to the Lodge, evaluated by the principle officers, and if acceptable, a Petition for Initiation will be issued. The Guide and Petition will be given to the Investigating Committee to assist them in the interviewing process.
The Candidate Selection Process consists of SIX steps:
- The initial response to the candidate ( set meeting & send Approaching the Portals handout )
- The first meeting with the Candidate ( homework/handout the Second Step: Hand-Out )
- The second meeting with the Candidate ( homework/handout the Charge to the Lodge )
- The third meeting with the Candidate ( Introduction to other members )
- The fourth meeting with the Candidate ( Social Function )
- The petition and sponsor signatures
These steps are a guide, and are outlined in more detail in the main document; with a general recommendation on how to approach each step. Steps two and three have a two-page hand-out that you will present to the Candidate for the completion and return at the next meeting. They will be included in the final check list and should form part of the summary report.
Please get back to the person that directed you to this website, and welcome to Freemasonry!
Six Steps to Initiation FULL Document
Click this link for the FULL online/PDF document
Preliminary Statement Concerning Freemasonry
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.
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, or to admit us to the Masonic Retirement Center. It’s charity is intended for those 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.
Have more questions? Please get back to the person that directed you to this page.
If for some reason you find yourself here with no Masonic connection, feel free to contact the Deputy and he will respond.
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.
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, or to admit us to the Masonic Retirement Center. It’s charity is intended for those 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.
Have more questions? Please get back to the person that directed you to this page.
If for some reason you find yourself here with no Masonic connection, feel free to contact the Deputy and he will respond.