Become a Mason

Who Masons Are

Freemasonry is a fraternity: men who come together regularly to enjoy each other’s company and to encourage one another to improve, intellectually and spiritually. It is known for “making good men better.”

Masons trace their origins to the medieval stonemasons, and use their working tools, such as the square and compasses, as symbols to teach moral lessons. The fraternity’s principles are summed up as Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasonry is not a religion, but it does require a belief in a Supreme Being. A Mason makes friends in his own community, and finds Lodges ready to welcome him across New Jersey, the country, and the world.

To Be One, Ask One

By tradition, a man becomes a Mason by asking. He joins of his own free will, and not for personal gain. As the Grand Lodge of New Jersey puts it: “It’s easy to join but it’s up to you to take the first step.”

If you know a member of Woodstown Lodge No. 138, ask him about it. If you don’t, that’s fine. Send us a note using the form below and we will be glad to talk with you.

Requirements in New Jersey

The Grand Lodge of New Jersey lists these requirements for membership:

• You must be a good man, 18 years old or older.
• You must believe in a Supreme Being.
• You must provide references from members of your community who can vouch for your high moral character.
• You must submit to a criminal background check.
• You must be able to pay the initiation fee and annual dues without causing hardship to your family.

The Grand Lodge also notes that Freemasonry does not offer insurance policies, as some other fraternal organizations do.

How It Works

The Grand Lodge of New Jersey describes the first steps like this:

1. Get to know some Masons. Contact a Lodge near you and arrange to drop in and meet some of the members, before or after a meeting or at one of the Lodge’s events.
2. Ask for a petition. Once you have had a chance to socialize with the members and have your questions answered, ask anyone from the Lodge for a Petition for Membership.

BeAFreemason.org explains what comes next:

3. A small committee meets with you. Members of the Lodge read your petition and form a small committee to meet with you, to determine your qualifications and answer any questions you have about Freemasonry.
4. The three degrees. There are three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. A man who completes all three becomes a full member of the fraternity.

Joining involves a one-time initiation fee and annual dues, which vary from Lodge to Lodge. Ask us for the current figures at Woodstown Lodge No. 138.