My friend,

If you wonder why you were never asked to become a Mason, it is because Masons do not solicit for members.

If you are seeking Membership YOU must ask a Mason or a Masonic Lodge for an application. To find a lodge in Pictou County check the Pictou County Masonic Directory on this site or contact the Grand Lodge of your Province or State.

•   You must be a man at least 21 (18 in some jurisdictions).
•   You must be of good moral character
•   You must have a personal belief in a Supreme Being (the definition of a
    Supreme Being is up to you)
•   You must be a Resident of your province or state for 12 months
•   You must decide to become a Mason of "your own free will and accord"
•   You will need to express your personal interest in joining the Fraternity.
•   You must be loyal to your country.
•   You must be dedicated to providing for your family
•   You must have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner
    that will earn the respect and trust of others and possess a desire to help
    others through community service and universal benevolence.
•   You must sign a petition, stating your age, occupation and place of residence.
•   The (modest) fees and dues must not become a burden to yourself or family.

There are NO religious, political or racial restrictions for Masonic membership other than the aforementioned belief in a Supreme Being. Any discussion of religion or politics is strictly forbidden in a Masonic Lodge.

Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

Qualifications:

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favourably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.

The mission of Freemasonry is to promote a way of life that binds like minded men into a worldwide Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth: and, by the outward expression of these, through its fellowship, its compassion and its concern, to find ways in which each may serve his God, his family, his country, his neighbours and himself."

Before rushing in to call for an application form, please read on and check in your heart and mind if you can wholeheartedly accept and support the fundamental principles of the Fraternity. Should you decide to petition a Lodge for membership, your application will be evaluated against the guidelines established by the Grand Lodge. Sample: Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, A.F.& A.M.)

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the largest and oldest secular fraternal order in the world, crossing all religious boundaries to bring men together of all countries, sects, and opinion in peace and harmony. It is a universal brotherhood, dedicated to serving the divine by service to family, country, and mankind.

Freemasonry is a philosophical organization emphasizing the study of moral symbols to build character. This education is, in part, the foundation of a more profound understanding of mankind and his existence. Living today in a "throw away / mass consumption society", Freemasonry teaches about the value of people and the meaning of relativism over personal individualism. The real nature of Freemasonry is a spiritual force behind each member, improving himself morally by associating with other like-minded individuals. Also, Freemasonry acts as a social organization, promoting the interaction between like-minded men within the lodge to build bonds between them. By fostering this brotherhood, relationships are made that remain even outside the comforts of the lodge; the bonds remain and genuine affection prevails. Wherever traveling, masons meet and greet other masons as brothers as a result of these bonds.

Freemasonry opens men's eyes to the knowledge that the road to happiness is found in the journey to the perfection of the spirit, intellect & soul, to strive to his fullest potential. Differing from religious institutions, Freemasonry sees all men as equal, not drawing division to beliefs. Fellow Freemasons are regarded as brothers because of the rituals of Freemasonry, which have remained virtually unchanged for many hundred years. By accepting men of all faiths, together in Freemasonry, they learn and teach the truths of morality, justice, patriotism and brotherly love. All expressed through reverence to the divine Great Architect of the Universe.

What Freemasonry does...

Simply, Freemasonry builds and advances the character of men to make them better.

Building on principles of moral integrity, Freemasons hold brotherly love as paramount to the benefit of mankind. Whether through charitable acts, or by direct involvement, Freemasonry has dedicated itself to the prosperity of mankind.

On the individual level, Freemasonry builds on moral philosophy, through allegorical symbols to impart rich and complex meanings about the divine. What that means, is that through Masonic education, individuals are given their own personal building blocks to contribute to the build of their own personal moral character, and then charged with applying that purpose in their day-to-day life.

It does not act to impart religion to its membership, instead it builds on the tenants and virtues taught by all religions; including a faith in the divine, the application of the Golden Rule, and the value of leading a moral virtuous life, all with the drive to put these ideas into personal practice. It promotes the active participation in the member’s individual faith tradition, charging them to build their spiritual character.

Throughout the mason’s life, the lessons of morality and ethics are revisited through the extensions of the various bodies of Freemasonry, building on the principals of Freemasonry. Seldom can a mason say to have learned all of the meanings taught to them through the degrees.

By serving to promote brotherly love masons are involved in extended levels of charity and benevolence to meet the needs of those least able in society.

And this is Who We Are

Freemasons are men who voluntarily sought admission to a lodge and were accepted because they were tested by their peers and found to be of good moral character, with a belief in the divine, and uphold high moral, personal, and ethical standards.

They participate and desire to participate with like-minded individuals in learning what Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth truly mean, practicing these tenets both within and without lodge, in their various communities and vocations.

Freemasons are people from all walks life, from college students to presidents. Men from all walks have petitioned and received the degrees of the fraternity and have attended and served side by side with others who have elected to do the same.

Membership is Freemasonry is not a secret, as many masons proudly wear pins or rings proclaiming their fellowship. There are no secrets in Freemasonry, except for the most initiatic of rituals in the quest for light, and even those are not secret in their activity, but rather in their deeper meanings.

The lessons learned in Freemasonry are openly shared with wives, friends, coworkers and anyone who seeks their meaning on what the great fraternity is about. But, Freemasons are not boastful nor indolent in it's virtues and do not squander their opportunities to impart wisdom whenever possible. Practical duties of charity are planned for and carried out, personally and within a lodge. And lastly, but most importantly, the bonds of fidelity and brotherly love are practiced within the lodge and without towards all brothers and non-brothers alike, but with special consideration to brother master masons, where ever they may be.

Grand Lodge Links

Canadian Grand Lodges

Grand Lodges of the USA

Prince Hall Grand Lodges