Masonry will not come to you.
There is a tradition in the fraternity that we do not recruit or solicit for membership. Those seeking to join must make a proactive step to pursue membership. Masonry is a path that each man comes to in his own time for his own reasons and the craft seeks those that will not only achieve acceptance into our ranks, but will become a vibrant and lifelong part of our community.
"2B1Ask1"
Many lodges over time have become familiar with the phrase "2B1Ask1" as a subtle way of communicating the starting point for entrance into the fraternity for those with interest. Simply stated "To Be One, Ask One". If you find yourself here reading these words, you have likely at least had an interest in learning more and it will be up to you make the first step.
Is Everyone Accepted?
The only true requirements to joining the fraternity are being a man of legal age (18 and above) and having a belief in a non-specific higher power which Freemasons have some to collectively refer to as
The Grand Architect of the Universe.
Aside from those firm requirements, the lodge seeks to meet with men of high moral character that will bring something of themselves to the craft. Just as you will be asking yourself if this is a fit for you, the brothers of the lodge will look to learn about you and what you will potentially bring to our brotherhood.
One of the guiding principals of the organization is that the good men of our fraternity "meet on the level", and in this we find what many believe is our most precious virtue. No man that applies to or enters our brotherhood will be judged by their religion, race, or financial status and discussion of religious or political views are not tolerated within the lodge or related social events.
The Northstar Program and Introductory Meetings
As part of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York we adhere to an onboarding process called The Northstar Program which will formalize some of the information required to join the fraternity. Part of this process is the voluntary participation in a formal background check through a third party service. Other elements of this process will typically include a tour of the lodge and introduction to some of the brothers to answer any questions that a candidate may have. This is often followed by an invitation to a social event where the brothers can get to know you better and for you to get a better feel for the social atmosphere of the lodge. The investigative committee will also look to answer questions from spouses or partners who may have their own questions about the potential commitments involved. If there is enough positive momentum through this process, a candidate will be asked to submit a formal petition for membership which will be voted on by the brothers of the lodge.
Initiation Costs, Membership Dues, Ongoing Expenses
Initiation into the fraternity comes with an upfront fee of $500 which covers cost of onboarding, processing, and items associated with membership. Annual membership dues are $175 and may increase over time as needed and approved by vote of the brothers of the lodge. Other ongoing costs of membership are meals served at the lodge after monthly meetings (typically $20-$40) and attendance at various ticketed social events throughout the year. While participation in lodge charities is not a requirement, charitable works stands as one of the pillars of the organization.
Time Commitment
The lodge meets every first and third Wednesday of the month from September through June unless those dates fall on sensitive holidays. Attendance at these meetings is expected of all active members. There are various other social events throughout the year that welcome spouses, partners, and families and all brothers of the lodge are encouraged to attend. As with many organizations there are many opportunities to volunteer for leadership roles or supporting participation in lodge initiatives outside of regularly scheduled meetings.
The Three Degrees of Masonry
Similar to the progression through the grades of a university, there are several stages to becoming a full member in the International Brotherhood of Freemasons. These three stages are referred to as "degrees" and are
Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
Progression through these degrees will be assisted with one-on-one and group mentorship classes and will require several passages of study and memorization. Once a brother has achieved the rank of Master Mason they are considered a full member of the fraternity and will enjoy acceptance as such through lodges around the world.
There is a tradition in the fraternity that we do not recruit or solicit for membership. Those seeking to join must make a proactive step to pursue membership. Masonry is a path that each man comes to in his own time for his own reasons and the craft seeks those that will not only achieve acceptance into our ranks, but will become a vibrant and lifelong part of our community.
"2B1Ask1"
Many lodges over time have become familiar with the phrase "2B1Ask1" as a subtle way of communicating the starting point for entrance into the fraternity for those with interest. Simply stated "To Be One, Ask One". If you find yourself here reading these words, you have likely at least had an interest in learning more and it will be up to you make the first step.
Is Everyone Accepted?
The only true requirements to joining the fraternity are being a man of legal age (18 and above) and having a belief in a non-specific higher power which Freemasons have some to collectively refer to as
The Grand Architect of the Universe.
Aside from those firm requirements, the lodge seeks to meet with men of high moral character that will bring something of themselves to the craft. Just as you will be asking yourself if this is a fit for you, the brothers of the lodge will look to learn about you and what you will potentially bring to our brotherhood.
One of the guiding principals of the organization is that the good men of our fraternity "meet on the level", and in this we find what many believe is our most precious virtue. No man that applies to or enters our brotherhood will be judged by their religion, race, or financial status and discussion of religious or political views are not tolerated within the lodge or related social events.
The Northstar Program and Introductory Meetings
As part of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York we adhere to an onboarding process called The Northstar Program which will formalize some of the information required to join the fraternity. Part of this process is the voluntary participation in a formal background check through a third party service. Other elements of this process will typically include a tour of the lodge and introduction to some of the brothers to answer any questions that a candidate may have. This is often followed by an invitation to a social event where the brothers can get to know you better and for you to get a better feel for the social atmosphere of the lodge. The investigative committee will also look to answer questions from spouses or partners who may have their own questions about the potential commitments involved. If there is enough positive momentum through this process, a candidate will be asked to submit a formal petition for membership which will be voted on by the brothers of the lodge.
Initiation Costs, Membership Dues, Ongoing Expenses
Initiation into the fraternity comes with an upfront fee of $500 which covers cost of onboarding, processing, and items associated with membership. Annual membership dues are $175 and may increase over time as needed and approved by vote of the brothers of the lodge. Other ongoing costs of membership are meals served at the lodge after monthly meetings (typically $20-$40) and attendance at various ticketed social events throughout the year. While participation in lodge charities is not a requirement, charitable works stands as one of the pillars of the organization.
Time Commitment
The lodge meets every first and third Wednesday of the month from September through June unless those dates fall on sensitive holidays. Attendance at these meetings is expected of all active members. There are various other social events throughout the year that welcome spouses, partners, and families and all brothers of the lodge are encouraged to attend. As with many organizations there are many opportunities to volunteer for leadership roles or supporting participation in lodge initiatives outside of regularly scheduled meetings.
The Three Degrees of Masonry
Similar to the progression through the grades of a university, there are several stages to becoming a full member in the International Brotherhood of Freemasons. These three stages are referred to as "degrees" and are
Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.
Progression through these degrees will be assisted with one-on-one and group mentorship classes and will require several passages of study and memorization. Once a brother has achieved the rank of Master Mason they are considered a full member of the fraternity and will enjoy acceptance as such through lodges around the world.
White Plains Lodge No. 473
Copyright 2024