About Us
THIS IS OHIO FREEMASONRY
When you join Freemasonry, you join a band of brothers stretching from coast to coast and beyond. Knock on any Lodge door and you will be welcomed by men who, although you’ve never met, you can be sure share your values. What’s more, you will begin the Craft of becoming the best version of yourself, and open endless doors of self-enrichment and charity.
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the World. Founded in London, England in 1717, its current worldwide membership totals 3.6 million members, 1.6 million of which are in North America. With 120,000 Masons and 530 local Lodges, Ohio has one of the largest Masonic memberships of any state in the country.
As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic, or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.
The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. For example, Masons are reminded at Lodge to “meet upon the level of equality, act by the plumb of uprightness, and part upon the square of virtue.”
Like most organizations, one will get out of Freemasonry what he is able to put into it. However, membership in Freemasonry is not meant in any way to interfere with an individual’s commitment to his faith, family, or occupation. Freemasonry is not and never can be a replacement for these important institutions, but rather it is a positive environment that reminds every Mason of his duty to God, his community, his family and himself.
Freemasonry provides opportunities for sincere, honest, forthright men who believe in God and desire to contribute to the improvement of their communities and themselves. Through our Masonic Fraternalism, we reaffirm our dedication and unity to become involved citizens who have a strong desire to preserve the values that have made and continue to make America great.
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.
Become A Mason
All Freemasons are held to the same standard and must be of good character and reputation to become and remain a member. Additionally, to join Ohio Freemasonry, you must first meet the following criteria:
Be a male at least 19 years old
Be an Ohio resident for at least six months
Be able to read and write English
Be prepared to profess a belief in Deity
Be of good reputation as a man of honor and integrity
Be recommended by two members of the lodge you wish to join
Be prepared to obtain a background check if requested
The application fee is generally between $100 and $250, and a Lodge’s annual dues are between $25 and $150. (For Grove City Lodge, the current application fee is $125 and includes your first year’s dues. Annual dues after that are $70, subject to change)
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.
START YOUR MASONIC JOURNEY
If you know a Mason, we encourage you to reach out and talk with him about his experience as a Mason to see if it’s a right fit for you. Or reach out to be put in touch with your nearest Masonic Lodge.
If you do not live in Ohio, please visit BeAFreemason.org to find the Grand Lodge in your state.