All about joining
The how, the why & the who
As many reasons as members
One members story and why…
Our Communications officer came up with this comic strip to show his own journey to joining and has since been told it rings true for others as well.
He was at a point in his life when although many areas were going well, there was a feeling of something missing, so he looked around for something local to get involved in. He was think perhaps a charity or community group. Nothing quite felt ‘right’.
So it was Freemasonry appeared on his radar, so he enquired about finding out more. After some initial contact he met with a few members for a drink and chat. From these early stages he found himself comfortable with the members, interested in the history and curious to learn more.
Following a (relaxed) interview, he found out he was accepted as a future member. All the way through there was regular contact and someone to answer any questions. He received a date for his initiation, which he approached with some nervous excitement.
The months that followed have found him fully accepted into the community of Dorset Freemasons, involved with various initiatives, having helped the lodge support charity efforts, attended some fantastic social functions with his partner, made new friends and excited for what his future journey in Freemasonry brings.
Some facts may change, but this is a familiar pattern for those whose interest is sparked.
There are as many reasons as members, with some including: the comradery, charity work, self improvement, an interest in history, or a relative/friend being a member.
Who can join?
It is fair to say the people who join Freemasonry represent the full spectrum of the society they meet in. There are a couple of basic clarifications first, to be a man, at least 18 years old and be able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being (not of any specific religion, or even any religion). If you need clarification or are uncertain on any points, please get in touch.
Then an adherence to the guiding principles we adhere to of: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service; is important.
How do people join?
The old saying goes “Ask one to be one…”
One of the abiding myths around Freemasonry is you have to be asked to join, which is categorically not the case. While it is likely some members will have known a Freemason who was able to point them in the right direction, the fact is, anyone can show an interest and find out more.
So an initial interest and curiosity is most men’s starting point.
Then they either will talk to a friend, family member or colleague who is a Freemason to start the ball rolling on applying, or (as is happening more) they search online and find themselves with a form to fill in. The button below takes you to our provincial site where you can complete your details and a representative of the Membership team will be in touch.
This relaxed start lets us answer any immediate questions you might have and for us to check you are likely to meet the criteria (briefly mentioned above) to join. It also helps us start to form an idea of which local lodge may best suit you, based on a variety of factors. While there are many common areas between lodges, each also has it’s own character. We really want people to enjoy their time and journey, so try to find the best fit for them.
The full process will be explained as things progress, but rest assured, everything you go through has been a process hundreds of thousands of men have been through before you!
As with all things, we encourage curiosity, so any questions should always be asked, rather than keeping them in you head.