Who can join?

Any man who is nineteen years of age or older and of good moral character, who has resided in Ohio for at least one year, and who comes well recommended and who believes in a Supreme Being may petition to become a Freemason in Ohio.

If you believe in a Supreme Being and are a good man interested in being made a better man; if you hold to the principles of brotherly love for all God's children, support providing relief to those in need or distressed; and endeavor to be a good man, true to your country, your neighbor, and yourself;  then, you are eligible to be considered for membership in this fraternity.

Masonry is a family organization, and Lodge activities frequently include the families. There are also other related organizations for specific members of the family, such as youth. Our youth groups are the Order of DeMolay for boys and Job’s Daughters and the Order of the Rainbow for girls. For the ladies there are the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine, and the Amaranth. Each group or order has its particular charity that it works to support.

How to join?

In order to join the fraternity of Freemasonry, you must ask a member how you may join. This is done to insure that you come into Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of material gain. You get out of Freemasonry only what you are willing to put into it.

If the Freemason you ask believes you will be a positive addition to the fraternity, he will give you a petition for membership in his local or Blue Lodge. All men have to go through the same initiation procedure, regardless of their worldly wealth or position.

Your petition will be read in open Lodge and a Committee of Investigation formed. This Committee will visit you and talk with your family. The Committee will give a report in open Lodge and the membership votes by secret ballot. A successful ballot means you will have been elected to membership by initiation.

The three degrees you will then receive teach serious moral and ethical lessons. When you complete your third or Master Mason Degree, you will be a full-fledged member. As a Master Mason, you have many rights and privileges, including visitation privileges to sit in Masonic Lodges throughout the world.