Why Freemasonry?
Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry!
We're looking forward to getting to know you a little and helping you get to know Freemasonry in southwest Washington.
Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It was established in its current form in 1717 in England, but goes back centuries before that (we just don't have many reliable records that old).
Today, Masonry exists worldwide and Masons still practice some of the same ceremonies used in its early history.
Why Masonry?
Some parts of Masonry are serious and solemn, but modern Freemasonry began in an English tavern. We know how to have a good time, too.
How will Masonry bring out the best in you?
To petition to join a Lodge of Freemasons in Washington, you must:
How do you get those recommendations?
Contact us with your name and your phone or email address. Let us know your home address or at least which community you're in, so we can direct your information to a Lodge near you.
One of our Lodge members will contact you and start a series of meetings with Lodge members. Those meetings might be at a Lodge breakfast. Maybe you'll meet somewhere for a coffee or a family event.
We simply want to start getting to know you.
They'll want to answer your questions about Freemasonry.
Then what?
No Mason will ask you to join. The application process starts only when you decide it's for you, and then you ask for a petition. By this point you should have three Lodge members willing to sign your petition.
Wait, I'm not ready
No problem. Take your time. There's a ton of great information on Masonry on this web site and elsewhere. Have a look at:
OK, I'm ready
Great! Head on over to our Contact page. Let us know something about you and we'll arrange for someone near you to guide you through the next part of the process.
Good luck!
We're looking forward to getting to know you a little and helping you get to know Freemasonry in southwest Washington.
Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It was established in its current form in 1717 in England, but goes back centuries before that (we just don't have many reliable records that old).
Today, Masonry exists worldwide and Masons still practice some of the same ceremonies used in its early history.
Why Masonry?
- Masonry has brought men together from around the world and from almost every part of society. These are men who never would have met otherwise. We socialize with an amazing group of men from all kinds of backgrounds.
- Some are interested in exploring various ideas that have sparked lively, fascinating discussions since the Enlightenment.
- We leave our religious and political opinions outside Lodge.
- We have a retreat from the strife and divisions of the regular world.
- Others are interested in serving their community through volunteer or charitable work.
- We support our Brothers and their families in time of need.
- We support many Masonic and non-Masonic community groups.
- We improve our public speaking and organizational skills.
- As for the ceremonies, it's pretty great to participate in the same ceremonies as George Washington.
Some parts of Masonry are serious and solemn, but modern Freemasonry began in an English tavern. We know how to have a good time, too.
How will Masonry bring out the best in you?
To petition to join a Lodge of Freemasons in Washington, you must:
- be a man at least 18 years old,
- have lived in the state of Washington for at least six months (at the time of petitioning),
- believe in a Supreme Being (we are not interested in what your beliefs are, only that you hold them),
- be of good moral character and a respected member of the community, and
- obtain the recommendation of three members of a local Lodge.
How do you get those recommendations?
Contact us with your name and your phone or email address. Let us know your home address or at least which community you're in, so we can direct your information to a Lodge near you.
One of our Lodge members will contact you and start a series of meetings with Lodge members. Those meetings might be at a Lodge breakfast. Maybe you'll meet somewhere for a coffee or a family event.
We simply want to start getting to know you.
- Do you have a genuine interest?
- Do you meet the basic qualifications for membership?
- Are you compatible with Lodge members?
They'll want to answer your questions about Freemasonry.
- How much does it cost?
- How much time does Freemasonry take?
- What about my wife and kids?
- What about my interest in ___?
Then what?
No Mason will ask you to join. The application process starts only when you decide it's for you, and then you ask for a petition. By this point you should have three Lodge members willing to sign your petition.
Wait, I'm not ready
No problem. Take your time. There's a ton of great information on Masonry on this web site and elsewhere. Have a look at:
- Grand Lodge of Washington (our governing body in this state)
- Be a Freemason (great info here)
- Introduction to Masonic Lodges (Wikipedia)
- The always interesting articles by Most Worshipful Past Grand Master Cameron Bailey, at his Emeth blog.
OK, I'm ready
Great! Head on over to our Contact page. Let us know something about you and we'll arrange for someone near you to guide you through the next part of the process.
Good luck!