Petition for Degrees

   Let’s understand the process to gain membership in a Masonic Lodge. No one is ever invited to become a Mason or to join a Masonic Lodge. Though all morally good men are welcome in any Masonic Lodge, the man himself must first ask a Mason about becoming a member. Once done, the candidate Mason will secure an application known as the Lodge Petition. This is the first step. Two Masons who know him will sign his petition to vouch for his character and qualifications. A unanimous ballot of the Lodge members is required.

   Having passed this ballot, the candidate receives The Degree of Entered Apprentice, the first of three degrees which make up the symbolic or Craft Lodge. The second degree is designated The Degree of Fellow Craft, and the third as the Degree of Master Mason. Each Degree is a separate entity and one is always an Entered Apprentice when he sits in a Lodge on the First Degree of Masonry, no matter what his Masonic status may be. Each degree has certain rights and privileges. All of the rights and privileges of Freemasonry are attained only after the candidate has received the Degree of Master Mason.

   With each degree the candidate commits to memory a catechism covering the degree received. He will be examined in open Lodge and prove his right to be advanced thereby. The useful purpose served is to assure the Fraternity that each Mason is able to recognize others as members of the Craft by their manner of speaking. This knowledge enables his admission to visit other Lodges where he’s not known.

   To begin your journey seek out an active Mason at Parkside Lodge.  He can escort you through the Petition process.

Contact Lodge Secretary Jack Huber II at JackHuber2@gmail.com to get started!