Become a Member
Have you ever thought about becoming a Mason but just did not know where to start? Have you ever had questions about what the requirements are for becoming a Mason? We are here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact the Lodge, or to join us for one of our two yearly Open Houses to see if we are the right organization for you.
First, it should be noted, that the requirements will change from State to State, but there are always some basic requirements that are the same. One example of how the rules for joining can change is that in some Masonic Jurisdictions, a man wishing to become a Freemason must ask to join of his own free will. However, in other Jurisdictions, a man can also be invited to join by a current member who feels that he would be an asset to the Fraternity.
Traditionally, Pennsylvania Lodges have relied on a man approaching us to petition for membership, but recent changes in the rules of our Jurisdiction allows for both methods now. Either way, a man must wish to join Freemasonry of his own free will and accord.
Basic Requirements for Joining
The requirements to join the Freemasons in the state of Pennsylvania are that:
- You must be male
- You must be of good moral character
- You must be over the age of 18
- You must believe in the existence of a Supreme Being (No Denomination in particular)
- You must be motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit
- You must be prompted to join by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry
How to Join?
To start the process, you must first submit a petition for membership to Good Samaritan Lodge. These petitions can be obtained by asking a known member of the Lodge to get you one, by visiting the Lodge during one of our events or Open Houses, by contacting the Lodge directly, or by clicking the link below:
This petition must be signed by two Master Masons as people who would recommend you in joining the Fraternity. In this State, only one of these men needs to be a member of the Lodge you are petitioning. The other simply needs to be a Master Mason in good standing in their own Lodge.
Once received, this petition will be read at a Stated Meeting of the Lodge to notify the members of your wish to join the Fraternity. You will then be visited by a small committee from the Lodge who will ascertain your qualifications for membership, and who will answer any questions you or your family may have regarding Freemasonry. At the next meeting of the Lodge, the members will vote on your petition for membership.
If approved, you will be asked to attend three meetings of the Lodge, during which time you will learn the teachings of Freemasonry in ceremonies, known as Degrees. These Degrees are also where you will assume your vows of membership for the Fraternity.
