We believe that the journey of Freemasonry requires thoughtful intent and careful discernment. A lodge must be the right fit for each of its member, and each member must be the right fit for their lodge. The process of joining a lodge allows both the lodge and the petitioner to get to know each other well enough to make this judgement.
Online Screening
The members of Fort Worth Lodge will ask you to fill a voluntary survey. These questions collect a little basic information about you, as well as provide us with a photo of you. This allows members of the lodge to recognize you and greet you by name when you come to meet us, as well as giving us a starting point for introductory conversation.
New Candidate Night
Once you submit the survey, the New Candidate Night committee will reach out to you and set up a introductory meeting at the Fort Worth Masonic Temple; this meeting, like our others, will almost always be on a Monday evening. New Candidate Night is a great opportunity for you to get to know our most active members and ask us any questions you have about Fort Worth Lodge or the Fraternity in general.
Getting to Know Each Other
After New Candidate Night, the committee will let you know when (and if) the lodge feels comfortable beginning an informal visitation process. This will let you get to know the members of the lodge (and vice versa) in a casual setting, and you’ll be able to join us at our monthly dinner before our business meetings. Spouses/partners and children are welcome to join you – dinnertime is a family-friendly environment.
Petitioning
When both you and the lodge feel like you know each other well enough, you may request a petition, or a petition will be given to you by a member of the lodge. Each petition requires the approval of five Master Masons: two recommenders (who must be members of the lodge), and three references. Freemasons are strongly encouraged not to recommend someone unless they know with certainty that the person will be a great member; receiving a petition from the lodge is a special moment and an expression of trust.
Investigation
Once your petition is read in lodge, three members will be assigned to an “investigative committee.” Each member of the committee will visit you and conduct a short interview, preferably at your home. Each of the investigative visits is also an opportunity for you (or your spouse, family, etc.) to ask any further questions you have.
Balloting
Once the investigative committee members visits you, they will provide a report of their findings at the next lodge business meeting, and the lodge will “ballot” (vote) on your petition. If your petition is accepted, the lodge will contact you to begin scheduling your Entered Apprentice degree, and your journey through Freemasonry will officially begin.