Why Join Freemasonry
Interested in becoming a Freemason
If, after reading the other material on the Home page you are persuaded to join Freemasonry, then there are a few points which you need to be aware of.
- The initiative to join must come from you. This means you will have to take the step of communicating your intention to join the fraternity. Since, as mentioned elsewhere, Masonry does not actively solicit for membership, you will not be approached with an offer or invitation to join.
- Your religion, or whether you practise one, is of no consequence to Masonry. What matters is that you must believe in the existence of a Supreme Being. If you cannot bring yourself to agree with this fundamental requirement, you should be honest enough to desist from joining the fraternity, no matter what other moral values you hold or practise.
- Honesty and trust are core values in interpersonal relations between Masons. It is therefore crucial that you do not misrepresent yourself, either deliberately or inadvertently, in your bid to join. Any misrepresentation discovered later can have serious repercussions in terms of disciplinary action, including dismissal, which can damage your reputation among the friends you have made.
- The prime emphasis in Masonry is the upholding by every Mason of moral standards in personal and public life. If your intention is to build a network for business, professional, or other motives, you are advised to join some other suitably focussed club or society.
- Absolute obedience to authority in the Masonic hierarchy is essential and crucial; no protest or insurrection will be tolerated, and the consequences may vary from mild to severe.
- Your public conduct will be a reflection not only on yourself, but also on the character of the Masonic fraternity. You are particularly enjoined to be very scrupulous in your civil duty, by never at any time falling foul of the law in this or any other country. Masonry takes a very serious view of such transgressions, and the consequences vary, again, from severe to very severe. Please note that every Mason is duty-bound to report any major wrongdoing or illicit activity by a fellow Mason.
- You should be prepared to have your personal background questioned and scrutinised at any time based on supporting evidence contrary to what you have had your fellow Masons believe about you.
- Masonry does not make hard financial demands, but you are advised to ensure that you will not be in default or arrears at any time. The initial fee (one-time) will vary between Rs 12000 and Rs 20000, depending upon the Lodge you join. Subsequent annual fees will likewise vary between Rs 4000 and Rs 8000. The above figures are subject to change with time.
Only if you are in complete agreement with the above strictures are you advised to proceed with application for membership.