Craft Freemasonry

How do I become a Freemason?

Craft Freemasonry is the basis of all Freemasonry. It is the starting point
for Freemasons, who may later decide to join the other degrees and orders
under the Masonic banner.

How do I become a Freemason?

Many men become Freemasons because there is a family tradition - son follows father into the same Lodge. But for others, an approach has to be made. It was long thought that a candidate had to be asked to join, but this is not the case. If after reading through the relevant pages of this website, you feel that you would like to take part in Masonic activities, then the following may help you to attain that desire.

Is there a family connection?

If there is a member of your family who is a Freemason, ask him.

I don't have a family connection

Is there someone who you meet through sports activities, business, social contacts, who you believe may be a Freemason? Again, the answer is - ask him.

I don't know anyone

You would be surprised - with some 600 Freemasons in Jersey there is probably someone, but you are unaware that he is a member of the Craft. In such cases, you should approach the Provincial Grand Secretary. From the year book, it is possible that you may recognise a name, and can make contact. If not, then an introduction can be made to one of the ten Lodges in Jersey.

Provincial Grand Secretary -
W.Bro G.L.Spence, PAGDC
Telephone 01534.858868
email:G.L.Spence

What a Candidate should be made aware of

Masonry consists of a body of men banded together to preserve the secrets, customs and ceremonials handed to them and for the purpose of mutual intellectual, social and moral improvement. Its members endeavour to cultivate and exhibit brotherly love, relief and truth, not only to one another, but to the world at large.

A basic condition of admission into, and membership of, the Order, is a belief in a Supreme Being. This being essential and admits of no compromise. It recognises no distinctions of religion and while inculcating in each of its members the duties of loyalty and citizenship, it does not permit any of its members, either in Lodge or in their capacity as Freemasons, to discuss theological or political questions.

It offers no pecuniary advantages binding one Mason to deal with another, or to support him in any way in the ordinary business relations of life.

It has certain Charities, but it is not in any sense whatsoever a benefit society, nor is it based upon any calculations which would render this possible. The Masonic Charities are solely for those who, having been in good circumstances, have been overtaken by misfortune or adversity. Neither a mason, his wife, nor his children have any automatic claim upon them.

Masonry teaches that a man's first duty is to himself, his wife, his family and his connections. No one should join the Order who cannot well afford to pay the initiation fees and the subscription to his Lodge, as well as to the Masonic Charities, and this without detriment to the comfort and well-being of those who have any claim on his support.

Therefore anyone, before offering himself as a candidate, should be well assured in his own mind:

That he sincerely desires the intellectual and moral improvement of himself and his fellow creatures.
That he is willing to devote part of his time, his means and his efforts in the promotion of brotherly love, relief and truth.
That he seeks no commercial, social or pecuniary advantages.
That he is able to afford the necessary expenditure without injury to himself or his connections.

What is the procedure for joining a Lodge?

You require a Proposer and Seconder, both of whom have known you for a period of time. These "sponsors" must be aware of their responsibility in this matter, and their acquaintance with you must be of such a nature that they can, by their personal knowledge, vouch that you are a man of good reputation and integrity and well fitted to become a member of their Lodge. There is no minimum period for a Candidate to be known to his Sponsors - it is the extent of the knowledge which is important.

You will be required to complete an application form, and this is countersigned by both the Proposer and Seconder. In the form, you will be required to confirm that you have not been convicted of any offence. If there is an indiscretion in your past, this may not preclude you joining, but full disclosure of the details must be given.

This form is submitted to the Lodge that you wish to join. They will call a committee meeting of past Masters of the Lodge to interview you. Your Proposer and Seconder will both be present. You will be required to satisfy this committee that you believe in a supreme being; that you understand the commitment to attend meetings of the Lodge; your financial commitments; that your family are supportive of your application; and of your earnest desire to become a Freemason. You will be asked many questions to elicit such matters, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions yourself. The committee will consider your application in private, following which you will be invited to return to the meeting for the conclusion. In some cases, the Master may wish to meet you at your home.

If their conclusion is positive, the Lodge will then submit your application to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Jersey for registration. Once approved, your proposer can announce the application at the next meeting of the Lodge. The details are then included on the summons for the subsequent meeting, at which a ballot of all the members present, will be taken. If this is successful, then a date will be set for the initiation. This may take several months to complete depending upon the meeting dates of the Lodge.