Grand Master's Class 2009

Most Worshipful Brother Charles R. Murphy has announcedGrand Master’s Classes will be held in each of the Masonic Districts in Ohio on June 13, 2009.

The Grand Master’s Class provides the opportunity for experiencing the three initiation ceremonies all on one day.

After the Class, each Lodge will hold a dinner for their new members and their families. “It could be a potluck, a picnic, a catered event or a dinner at a 5-star restaurant, whatever works best for the Lodge. This is an opportunity to integrate the new Brethren,” explained MW Brother Murphy. “In my estimation this is as important, perhaps even more so, as the Class itself.”

Lodges are required to process petitions and investigate candidates in the usual manner. However, special meetings may be called to act on petitions. Petitions from prospective candidates must be submitted to Lodges in early or mid May, because Lodges must turn in their FINAL list of candidates to their District Advisor no later than Saturday, May 23, 2009. No candidates will be permitted to participate in the Class who have not been registered by this date. Anyone wishing to petition for membership can locate the Masonic Lodge in his area by using the Lodge Locator.

Joining a Masonic Lodge and becoming a Freemason is a time-honored tradition, which can be experienced in two ways. A petitioner elected to membership can experience the three initiation ceremonies on three separate occasions or all on one day.

What are the Ceremonies?

The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic Lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages that Masons call "degrees." These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval craftsmen. Symbolically the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and age.

The first degree of Freemasonry is the Entered Apprentice degree. It is a candidate's first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity and like all Masonic ceremonies is a solemn and meaningful event. Though new to Freemasonry, an Entered Apprentice enjoys the title of "Brother."

The Fellow Craft degree is the second ceremony and exposes a Brother to more of the symbolism and philosophy of the fraternity. For skilled craftsmen this degree would have marked one's progress from an apprentice to a journeyman.

The Master Mason degree is the last of the Lodge ceremonies and with it a candidate becomes a full member, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership.

During all three ceremonies, a candidate is treated with complete respect. At no time, is he ever made to feel uncomfortable or harassed in anyway. Masonic ceremonies are a wonderful tradition shared by men such as George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Dave Thomas, and other men of integrity. These ceremonies are always conferred in such a way as to bring pride to the candidate and the members of the Lodge. Joining a Masonic Lodge and Becoming a Master Mason.

Joining a Masonic Lodge is an opportunity for qualified men to become members of the world's oldest, largest, and best known fraternal organization. The process of becoming a member is divided into stages marked by three separate ceremonies, the symbolism of which is intended to strengthen a man's commitment to his Faith, his family, and his community.

Master Masons are men from a variety of ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds who share a belief in the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God, work to improve themselves and their communities, and are an asset to all who know them. Membership in a Masonic Lodge is an honor that says a great deal about the character and personal integrity of a man.

Qualifications for Membership

• * Have been an Ohio resident for at least one year
• * Are at least 19 years old
• * Have a belief in a Supreme Being
• * Live a good moral and social life
• * Do not advocate the overthrow of the government
• * Can read and write English
• * Are recommended by two members of the Lodge they wish to join. (If you do not know two members of a Lodge, the secretary of the Lodge to which you are applying can arrange a meeting with two members of the Lodge for you.)

The application fee is generally between $100 and $250, and a Lodge's annual dues are between $25 and $150.

General Instructions for Joining

Is it your desire to join the ranks of men, both great and small, who are proud to share in the Masonic tradition of excellence?

If you do desire to join a Masonic Lodge and share in the fraternal fellowship that abounds there, you will need to determine which Lodge is nearest you, contact the secretary of the Lodge for information regarding the fees for application, and meet with two members of the Lodge who would recommend you for membership in the Lodge. Use the Lodge Locator links on the right to find your nearest Masonic Lodge.

Application for Membership

The Masonic term for a membership application is a "petition." The application fee can be determined by contacting the secretary of the Lodge you wish to join. Click here to print out a petition.

Information Hotline

If you meet the qualifications for membership (above), and have any questions regarding membership, you can:

• * Call 800-292-6092 and arrangements can be made to assist you
• * Email inquiries to csimpson@freemason.com