Membership Information

Who can become a Freemason?
A person seeking admission into Freemasonry of Ohio must be a man who is nineteen years of age or older and of good moral character. Has resided in Ohio for at least one year, and who comes well recommended. He must profess his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, thus no atheist or agnostic can become a Freemason.

How can I become a Freemason?
An important characteristic of the Masonic Fraternity is that it never solicits members. In order to join the fraternity of Freemasonry, you must ask a member how you may join. You will not be asked to join. This is done to insure that you come into Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of material gain.  To begin you may use the information on the Contact Us page.

What kind of time commitment is necessary?
Masonry is not meant to interfere with your responsibilities to God, your family or your job. You can be as active or passive as you wish. We encourage you to attend our meetings but this is not required. You get out of Freemasonry only what you are willing to put into it.

How can I find someone to ask?
Use the CONTACT us button at the left and we would be happy to talk to you about it. If our Lodge doesn't seem to fit your needs we can direct you to another Lodge which may be a better fit.


About Freemasonry
   
There are a number of theories, a lot of debate, and a lot of musty history books. As a *very* brief overview, here is part of an essay by Henry C. Clausen, a noted Masonic author. This is, of course, just one point of view-- many other theories exist, but Cluasen nicely covers the basics:
     "Our Masonic antiquity is demonstrated by a so-called Regius Manuscript written around the year 1390, when King Richard II reigned in England, a century before Columbus. It was part of the King's Library that George II presented to the British Museum in 1757. Rediscovered by James O. Halliwell, a non-Mason, and rebound in its present form in 1838, it consists of 794 lines of rhymed English verse and claims there was an introduction of Masonry into England during the reign of Athelstan, who ascended the throne in A.D. 925. It sets forth regulations for the Society, fifteen articles and fifteen points and rules of behavior at church, teaching duties to God and Church and Country, and inculcating brotherhood. While the real roots of Masonry are lost in faraway mists, these items show that our recorded history goes back well over 600 years. Further proof is furnished through English statutes as, for example, one of 1350 (25 Edward III, Cap. III) which regulated wages of a "Master...Mason at 4 pence per day." The Fabric Role of the 12th century Exeter Cathedral referred to "Freemasons."
     The historical advance of science also treats of our operative ancient brethren who were architects and stonemasons of geometry. It is apparent from this portrayal that they had a very real and personal identification with the Deity and that this fervent devotion provided energy to build cathedrals. They embraced the teachings of Plato and understood and applied Pythagorean relationships. Just as there is a beauty of harmony credited to mathematical relationships on which music is based, in precisely the same way these master geometricians treated architecture. The architects and stonemasons became the personification of geometry, performing extraordinary feats with squares and compasses. Geometrical proportion, not measurement, was the rule. Their marks as stonemasons were derived from geometric constructions. The mighty works they wrought, cathedrals with Gothic spires pointing toward the heavens, and especially their "association," were not without danger and opposition, bearing in mind the Inquisition established in 1229, the Saint Bartholomew's Eve Massacre of 1572, and the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. These historical points remind us of the need for our cautions against cowans and eavesdroppers.
     Our operative Brethren of the Middle Ages thus were the builders of mighty cathedrals throughout the British Isles and continental Europe, many of which still stand. These skilled craftsmen wrote in enduring stone impressive stories of achievement, frequently chiseled with symbolic markings. With these architectural structures of these master builders there was a companion moral code. These grew up together. Out of this background modern Freemasonry was born.
     Although "Lodges" had existed for centuries, four of the "old" Lodges met in London on St. John the Baptist's Day, June 24, 1717, and formed the first Grand Lodge of England, thereafter known as the Premier Grand Lodge of the world. No longer operative as of old, the Masons carried on the traditions and used the tools of the craft as emblems to symbolize principles of conduct in a continued effort to build a better world.
     The American colonial Masonic organizations stemmed from this Grand Lodge of England and were formed soon after 1717. Its then Grand Master appointed Colonel Daniel Coxe as Provincial Grand Master of New York, New Jersy and Pennsylvania on June 5, 1730, and Henry Price of Boston as Provincial Grand Master of New England in April 1733." -- Henry C. Clausen.

10 Reasons to Become a Mason

Masonry is a place to spend time with good men who will make you want to become a better man.

Masonry is a place where moral virtue is taught and respected as the cornerstone of life.

Masonry is a place there the spiritual growth of every member can rise to its fullest potential.

Masonry is a place to become better prepared for services to your family, your church and your community.

Masonry is a place where you can be part of a great fraternity that believes in Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Masonry is a place where you can support others and give them encouragement as well as receive it yourself.

Masonry is a place where outstanding individuals from every walk of life will greet you and call you "Brother".

Masonry is a place to meet community leaders and take an active part in community activities.

Masonry is a place where you will find unlimited opportunity to acquire leadership experience, self-development and personal growth.

Masonry is a place where you can be sure every man us a true and trustworthy friend.