As a prospective mason, you must seek admission into our society voluntarily, be of lawful age and found to be of good character; for it is not an honorable man that a mason makes, but an honorable man that makes a mason.

To be a mason, acquired wealth is no prerequisite to acceptance into our fraternity of masonry, nor have we little in interest in it. The vocations and professions of brother masons span from the laborer to the CEO. In masonry, all brothers are equal in their brotherhood.

If you have heard that masonry is a “secret society”, you would be strongly misinformed. We are not a “religion”, and our members are of many faiths. We do, however, have a common belief in God and immortality of the soul: In God who binds all men as brothers and provides everything that ever was, is now, and shall exist forever in our world as it is known to us, and in the soul which is the true essence of mankind. These are requirements that are without exception. Many masons attend church, synagogue, or temple of their choice. Although we take an obligation in the name of God, we do not attend lodge for the purpose of worship.

Masonic Lodges (“temples” to a mason) are well kept buildings located in all of our major cities and many small towns, prominently marked with our symbolic square and compass. We do not hold back room meetings in secret locations. We publicize notice of our meetings, rituals or special events in local newspapers, radio and television. We sometimes open our meetings to the public, offer college scholarships and assistance to the needy, and hold some family gathering events through out the year.

Masonic members are often called in to attend ceremonial public functions, such as public ceremony to lay cornerstones of public buildings. We also honor our lost or deceased brothers proudly at funerals, and worship as a body at Divine Services, proudly declaring themselves to be “Ancient Free and Accepted Masons” (A.F. & A.M.).

This is not to say, however, that we are not a society with secrets. We have secret ways of recognition, secret “studies of the ancient ways” whereby masons can be “raised in rank” among their brothers, and ancient and symbolic methods of instruction to members on living as a better man, loving and supporting your country, working with charities, and so the list goes on. These “secrets” are not in place to deceive, but to enlighten one's knowledge of masonry, and so to assist a mason in perceiving a brother in darkness or the light. Many Masons are highly respected in local communities not for their lodge affiliations; for the caliber of an individual required to be a mason.

To be a Mason is to be accepted as part of an exclusive society. Our moral requirements assure that only the most moral in character will be accepted into the brotherhood. Violation of our high moral standards will lead to reprimand, suspension or expulsion of a mason from the fraternity. As masons, we are bound by obligation to uphold the laws of the land upon which we are located and to be true to the government.

If your reasons for becoming involved in masonry are fraternal friendship, morality, brotherly love and support, you will not be disappointed. Should you have been misinformed of tales of financial gain or favoritism by becoming a mason, you have been misled, and masonry may not be right for you.

There are other fraternities in existence, of which you may wish to investigate to become a member; however, as a mason, be assured, there is no honor as deeply rewarding as that of the honor of becoming a Mason.