Becoming A Mason

Take a Step in the Right Direction
Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the fraternity. A man who becomes a Texas Mason can expect to find the opportunity to learn and to lead; to be inspired and entertained; to be challenged and respected; to be involved with his family, his Brothers and his community; and be proud to be a member of an organization committed to making a difference.

Masonry is a fraternity, so all members are male, and must be at least 18 years of age and be a Texas resident. You should believe in helping others, be willing to respect others, and be open to growing and developing as a human being.

Traditionally, Masons do not ask others to join. Here are the steps that you will need to follow in order to become a member:

1. Request a petition (application) from a Mason, complete the form, and return it to him. To request a petition from Hill City Lodge, please come and join us for dinner any Tuesday evening. Brethren begin showing up around 5:30 pm and dinner is served at 6:30.

2. Your petition will be taken to your local Lodge and a committee will be appointed to visit you. During this visit they will find out why you want to be a Mason and answer any questions you may have.

3. The committee will report back to the Lodge and the Lodge will vote on your petition. If the vote is affirmative, the Lodge will contact you and schedule the Entered Apprentice Degree. This is the first of three steps to becoming a full member of the fraternity.

Three Degrees to Becoming a Master Mason
There are three degrees that a man takes before becoming a Master Mason: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft Degree, and Master Mason Degree.

Just as in any trade, you begin as an Apprentice or, as we call it, an Entered Apprentice. As an Entered Apprentice you will learn how the Lodge works, what is required to progress, and other important information. The Fellowcraft Degree consists of increasing your knowledge in the systems of the Lodge. Once you complete this degree, you are eligible to receive the Master Mason Degree.

Each of these Degrees teaches timeless lessons of morality, brotherly love, and charity. These degrees are conducted in the Lodge. No “hazing” of any kind takes place at any time.

Meeting Night
All Lodges have regularly scheduled meetings each month or quarter at which time the business of the Lodge is conducted. Correspondence is read, reports are given, and issues are decided upon by the membership. Additionally, at some meetings traditional “lessons” are shared. These lessons are not in a school sense, but rather, knowledge is shared in an interesting, allegorical way.

Lodges may also hold social events or choose to volunteer within their community. Each Lodge has its own dues structure, set by the members of that Lodge.