How do I become a Mason?

For a Fraternity steeped in over four hundred years of tradition, you might think it is difficult to become a Prince Hall Mason. It is. You must ask. That's it. Not as hard as you thought it would be, was it? 

For a Fraternity steeped in over four hundred years of tradition, you might think it is difficult to become a Mason.

It is. There is one major hurdle each candidate must pass.

They must ask.

Prince Hall Freemasonry in Ohio accepts no one for membership unless they come of their own free will and accord, having already obtained a favorable impression of our Fraternity.

There are few other qualifications. You must:

• Be a man, over the age of eighteen.

• Have a personal belief in a Supreme Being.

• Be a citizen of Ohio

• Be of good moral character.

• Decide to become a Prince Hall Freemason of "your own free will and accord".

• Be loyal to your country.

• Dedicated to providing for your own family.

• Have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others.

• Possess a desire to help others through community service and universal benevolence.

• Be of good mental and physical health, and have good control and use of your limbs.

We believe that men are first made Masons in their hearts, then they ask to join our Fraternity. Freemasonry will take these men — good men in their communities — and help them become better men.

Each man brings something different into the Fraternity, as different as the types of men that become Masons. But each shares a common core of beliefs and of dreams; each believes that, in a small way, by their actions they help make their world, their communities, and themselves better.

Follow these steps to become a member:

• Talk with someone you know who is a member of the Fraternity.

• If you do not know anyone who is a Mason, just contact a lodge in your neighborhood.

• Masons do not solicit for members. You'll need to express your personal interest in joining the Fraternity.

• Complete a petition for membership, obtain three signatures of members of the Lodge you are petitioning and return it to your local Lodge with your petition fees.

• Three members will meet with you to answer your questions.

• Your petition will be presented for secret ballot. If accepted, you will be notified to appear to receive the first of three Degrees of Masonry.

If you are interested in receiving more information about the Fraternity of Prince Hall Freemasonry, please contact Larry W. Johnson, Phoenix Lodge #112, 1295 Curtis Street, Akron, Ohio 44301.

This is for Ohio residents only.  If you reside in another state, you must contact your state's Grand Lodge.  The Grand Lodge of Ohio has jurisdiction (listing of PH Ohio jurisdictions) in Ohio only.