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 in Masonry. No Georgia Mason will ask you to join.
Below are the general steps that a man seeking membership in Freemasonry may consider. Lodges will likely have their own procedures, but this will help you get started and give you a better understanding of the process.
Visit our lodge
Try to find out if there is a good time for you to visit our lodge. Take this as an opportunity to meet some of the members and ask questions. Don’t be intimidated; they’ll be happy to see you. We have snacks and occasional dinner at our regular stated meetings (second and fourth Mondays) and guests are almost always welcome to visit at 6:30 before our meetings.
request a petition
Request a petition from a Mason or from Dalton Lodge #105. Your petition will require the signature of several Masons. If you don’t know any Masons, ask the lodge you’re petitioning for advice.
SUBMIT YOUR PETITION
Turn in your completed petition. Ask if there are any fees that need to accompany the petition. Your petition will be received by Dalton Lodge #105 and will be read during a stated meeting.
Now that the lodge has your petition, these are the actions you can expect:
THE INVESTIGATION
The Worshipful Master will assign three members of the lodge to interview you and investigate your background. The investigators may want to meet with you at home or at a location convenient for eveyone involved. There is a standard set of questions that all investigators must ask, but many will ask additional questions. Be honest with the investigators. No Mason is perfect, and we don’t expect petitioners to be perfect, either.
THE BALLOT
Your investigators will be given a deadline by which to return their completed investigation reports to the lodge. Their reports along with their recommendation will be read to the lodge at a stated meeting. At this time, the Master of the lodge will usually call for a ballot to be taken on your petition. Eligible Masons will then vote on your petition and the outcome of the ballot will be announced to the lodge.
AFTER THE BALLOT
Soon after the stated meeting, a member of the lodge should contact you with the outcome of the ballot and provide you with additional instructions.