WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
A fraternal organization, which unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.
A BLUEPRINT FOR LIVING TO YOUR POTENTIAL
Freemasonry is an individual journey towards becoming a better father, husband, friend, citizen and man, supported by other men at different points on the same journey. For centuries, the Lodge itself has been the launchpad for Masonic Education, and a common ground for Brethren of different backgrounds to meet and exchange ideas, provide support and offer friendship.
BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH
The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love: Caring for each other and our communities
Relief: Humbly assist those in distress
Truth: Using knowledge and understanding to improve ourselves, our families and our community
CEREMONIES
The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic Lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages that Masons call “degrees.” These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval Craftsmen. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood and age. During all three ceremonies, a candidate is treated with complete respect. At no time is he ever made to feel uncomfortable or harassed in any way. These ceremonies are always conferred in such a way as to bring pride to the candidate and the members of the Lodge.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
In order to become a Freemason, you need some basic qualifications these vary from one lodge to the next.
Even if you meet the criteria, you still have to go through a process, from petitioning to becoming a full member
You must believe in a Supreme Being
Masonry believes in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and God is personal, private, and sacred.
You must be joining of your own free will
Don’t let your dad, uncle, neighbor, or friend pressure you into joining. Join because you want to.
You must be a man
You must be of lawful age
in the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas the age is 18.
This varies from Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction.
Must be recommended by Masons
In the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas you will have to be recommended by two members of the Lodge you wish to join and three other Mason maybe but do not have to be members of Lodge.
WHAT IS PROCESS TO BECOME A MASON
BEGIN STEPS
- Visit the lodge and get to know its members.
- After a few visits if you are interested then you may request for a petition. Note: No will offer you a petition, you must request for it.
- Fill out the petition in its entirety. Starting from the date, writing in Cedar Bayou Lodge No. 321, complete questions 1 - 33, sign & provide a drivers license number. Your drivers license number will be used to run a back ground check report.
- Bring the petition to two (2) members of Cedar Bayou Lodge No. 321 which you know or acquaintance with by your visits to request for their signature under the "Recommend by this Lodge section"
- Bring the petition to three (3) Masons whom you know acquainted with. They maybe but do not have to be members of Cedar Bayou Lodge.
- Turn in the petition to the Lodge Secretary along with a photostatic copy of your birth certificate and your degree fee of $100.
- Your petition will be read at the next stated meeting, after the reading an investigative committee composted of three members of the Lodge will be assigned.
- The investigation committee will met with you, talk to your references, and review you petition in detail.
- The investigation committee must wait at least 30 days from assignment before report back to the Lodge. Following the waiting period the committee will make a report to the lodge.
- The petition will be read again to the lodge and a secret ballot vote will be held by all present and eligible to vote.
- The Secretary of the Lodge will contact you informing you of the Lodges decision.
If you are accepted the Lodge will schedule your initiation.
If you are rejected your degree fee and birth certificate will
be returned to you.