Joining the Masons

If you are interested in becoming a Mason, do not wait to be invited. You must actively seek membership by petitioning a Lodge for the degrees of Masonry. To obtain a petition, simply ask a member of the Lodge for one.

In order to eligible for the degrees of Masonry, every petitioner must:

  1. Be 18 years of age;
  2. Have the senses of a man, especially those of Hearing, Seeing and Feeling;
  3. Believe in a Supreme Being;
  4. Be capable of Reading and Writing; and
  5. Possess no disability of his body that would render him incapable of conforming reasonably to what the Degrees respectively require of him.
Petitioners must be residents of Washington state for at least six months. Exceptions are made for seafaring men, military men while on duty, and students.

Additionally, we will require that you provide us with references from three (3) men in your community who know you well, preferably Masons. You will also be required to obtain signatures from three (3) members of the Lodge who will attest to personally knowing you and to their belief that, if elected to membership, you will be a credit to our institution.

The fee includes a fixed degree fee, contributions, and an affiliation fee, together totalling $125.

Before petitioning we require that all those who consider doing so read the following statement:

We believe that those seeking to become Freemasons should thoroughly consider the step that they propose to take. The exact nature of our Institution being unknown to them, we consider it advisable that they should be informed on certain points, the knowledge of which might affect their decision to apply for membership.

Freemasonry strives to teach a man the duties he owes to God, his neighbor and himself. It has for its 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 limit 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.