You become a Mason by joining a Masonic lodge. There are usually three steps to this process:

• Finding out about Masonry;

• Deciding/wanting to become a Mason; and

• Submitting an application or ‘petition’.

Remember that the first step is up to you. If you know any Masons or any members of Lodge Caledonia No. 938, don’t hesitate to ask them about Masonry.

If you don’t know any Masons, please contact our Lodge or the United Grand Lodge of NSW and ACT directly and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.

Freemasonry is a rewarding experience and membership is open to all men aged 18 years or over. We require a National Police Check to be conducted as part of the membership process. Like many membership organisations, there are certain prerequisites that potential members must satisfy when applying to be a Freemason. To become a Freemason a person needs to:

• be a Law abiding person;

• have a belief in a Supreme Being; and

• have made a decision to join Freemasonry by his own free will and not for any personal gain or reasons of idle curiosity.

As Freemasonry offers many unique benefits, these prerequisites ensure those who join get the most out of becoming a Freemason.

If you satisfy these requirements and are interested in joining Freemasonry, there are two ways in which you can apply to become a Freemason.

If you know a Freemason, approach him and inform him of your desire to join. After discussing your intentions he would probably become your ‘nominator’ and make arrangements for you to become a member of his Lodge (Masonic meeting group.

If you don’t know a Mason, then you can approach The United Grand Lodge of NSW and The ACT

If you do not know any Freemasons, you are welcome to approach the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT, which is the governing body of Freemasonry in these areas.

If you are interested in joining, you should contact the Membership Co-ordinator and you will be informed of the necessary steps you need to take to become a Freemason. Through this process you will be asked to attend a preliminary interview with a representative of the United Grand Lodge before you meet with members of the Lodge you may join. This meeting will take place in Canberra.

Alternatively, you can send an email to The United Grand Lodge of NSW And The ACT expressing your interest to join Freemasonry.

Once this process has started, each applicant is invited to a friendly interview during which both the applicant and the Lodge’s representatives may ask any questions about Freemasonry in general, and the application in particular. No preparation for the interview is necessary.

This is a standard procedure and gives any potential member an opportunity to meet with members of the Lodge and ask any questions he may have about Freemasonry.

Provided that you and the Lodge are satisfied with the interview and you are still interested in joining, a date would then be arranged for your admission into Freemasonry.

Having joined Freemasonry, there are several criteria that are to be respected by members. As Freemasons come from all walks of life, members are expected to interact with each other free from religious or racial prejudice.

A freemason is required to pay annual membership fees to his Lodge and to the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT. A joining fee is also charged by most lodges.

The average yearly cost to members varies between lodges, however the fees are explained to potential members before joining.

To obtain an further information on Freemasonry please call the United Grand Lodge of NSW and the ACT on 1800 803 354 or email info@masons.org.au