# How do I become a freemason? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 13, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218 "2024-11-13T21:32:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/1 "2024-11-13T21:32:27Z")
I don’t know whether this is the right forum to put this question, but I guess it is not suited for FQ, so here I start. All my life (literally: [I was born in Spain](https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1163/j.ctv2gjx0kr.26)) I have heard about those freemasons, or masons for short, that are oh so powerful and secretly control the world. I never paid much attention, I simply did not believe it. I lack the conspirative mind set. But now I am wondering whether this was wise, I guess I am getting old. Should I not rather try to join them and find out? Great idea! I pat myself on the shoulder and… yeah, what then? Where do I even start? They are secret society after all, they are not listed in the phone book, are they? How do I find them? And what do I tell them so they let me join their club? Does anybody have a clue? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/2 "2024-11-13T21:34:17Z")
IANAM, but my understanding is you need to be sponsored by a current member in order to join. Look for a coworker who’s got one of those bumper stickers with the compass and square on it and start from there. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/3 "2024-11-13T21:35:29Z")
I have no coworkers, I am a free-lancer. And I have never seen one of those stickers. Bummer! ETA: But I have seen a flag that looks a bit like what you describe: [![](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2012/04/10/23/08/east-germany-26865_1280.png) ](https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2012/04/10/23/08/east-germany-26865_1280.png) The flag of the former German Democratic (sic!) Republic. Not a great place to start, living in Berlin. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/4 "2024-11-13T21:36:42Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > my understanding is you need to be sponsored by a current member in order to join. This. My grandfather was a Freemason and he was sponsored by a work colleague. He did it to create business connections, and that apparently worked out well for him. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/5 "2024-11-13T21:37:01Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > And I have never seen one of those stickers. You’ve never seen one of these? [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYu5UXHvAA8eC6eNXJ4CQLOSXK23EsQW-i5A&s) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQYu5UXHvAA8eC6eNXJ4CQLOSXK23EsQW-i5A&s) ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/6 "2024-11-13T21:38:45Z")
Nope. They don’t seem to be common in Berlin. Or Germany in general. Nor in Spain or Belgium, where I have lived too. Sorry. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/7 "2024-11-13T21:41:46Z")
I have two friends who are Masons; they aren’t particularly secretive about the fact that they are members, and as noted, it’s not uncommon (at least here in the U.S.) for Masons to display that logo on their cars or other things. But, as has been noted, my understanding is that membership is by invitation only; you have to be recruited by a current Mason. If you don’t actually know any Masons, that does make it challenging. ---
**Author:** ![Llama\_Llogophile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/8 "2024-11-13T21:44:54Z")
I’ve known a few people who were masons, one who was very into it and talked about it a lot. I didn’t ask many questions, and thankfully my joining never came up. But if it did, I would pay whatever fees are involved to NOT hang around with them in their little secret society clubhouse. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/9 "2024-11-13T21:46:30Z")
You should make freinds with another Freemason. If you are like-minded and agree to the principals and community service, they may recommend you for membership. A recommendation is not done lightly, as the person recommending you is putting their own reputation within the Masons on line. Other than that, it is no longer some kind of secret society. Kind of like the Elks, Moose, other clubs. It can be a way to get ahead in a new community. No Templar Knights, no secret society, but if you are accepted you may meet important members of your town who may help you out. You are not going to learn how to lay bricks or build the pyramids, ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/10 "2024-11-13T21:49:49Z")
There’s a Masonic Temple half a block from my house, it’s kinda old actually. I spent a summer bartending there. It was an interesting gig. The caretaker showed me all around, it was pretty amazing. And I remember they threw a big event for Robby Burns Day, even had pipers. It’s definitely a dwindling population though. I also have some ceremonial wooden mason’s tools cause hubs grandfather was a mason. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/11 "2024-11-13T21:51:39Z")
My brother’s father-in-law was and is a Mason in a small Connecticut town. I went there once with my brother and sister-in-law for some public event (can’t remember what it was) and my impression was that almost all of the members were older men. I suspect they would welcome any new blood, meaning anyone who wanted to join. Edited to add, when I’ve traveled for work, I notice that in many cities, the old Masonic Temples are prominent architecturally (and some are quite nice buildings). If any are still active chapters in your area, perhaps just walk in and ask. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/12 "2024-11-13T21:54:48Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > I have heard about those freemasons, or masons for short, that are oh so powerful and secretly control the world. My uncle was a freemason. The ones in the US are NOT like you describe. Not even a little bit. If you are interested in learning about the many kinds of freemasonry, check out the Wikipedia article. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/13 "2024-11-13T21:57:41Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > in many cities, the old Masonic Temples are prominent architecturally (and some are quite nice buildings) Not in Europe, I am afraid. > [@kayT](#): > > check out the Wikipedia article. Yes, I think I should have started there. The propaganda I read as a child seems to be completely false. And masons seems to mean something very different here and in the USA. I am realizing that this is not the place to ask my question. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/14 "2024-11-13T21:57:58Z")
Although they are not a religious organisation and have been vilified by the Catholic Church for centuries, in order to join you must confess to believe in a personal god. Can you do that? ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/15 "2024-11-13T21:58:49Z")
> [@EinsteinsHund](#): > > in order to join you must confess to believe in a personal god Really? No, I can’t do that with a clear conscience. It would be a lie. ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/16 "2024-11-13T22:01:24Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > Really? No, I can’t do that with a clear conscience. It would be a lie. Yep: > [@](#): > > Freemasonry has always been religious in character, though it subscribes to no particular orthodoxy. To become a Freemason, the applicant has to be an adult male and must believe in the existence of a supreme being and in the immortality of the soul. [What do Freemasons believe? | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/question/What-do-Freemasons-believe#:~:text=Freemasonry%20has%20always%20been%20religious,the%20immortality%20of%20the%20soul). ETA: besides the religious point, I would never join an organisation that excludes female members. ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/17 "2024-11-13T22:06:16Z")
OK, there goes another of my plans down the drain. The thread is solved: I no longer want to join them. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/18 "2024-11-13T22:08:00Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > No Templar Knights, no secret society, Or so they want us to believe! ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/19 "2024-11-13T22:10:27Z")
> [@Pardel-Lux](#): > > OK, there goes another of my plans down the drain. See, what it may be that you _really_ want to join is the Illuminati. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2024, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218/20 "2024-11-13T22:11:24Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > The ones in the US are NOT like you describe. Or so they’d like us to believe! My father was a Mason and claimed there has never been a Mason executed in the US or Canada. He added, “because they were expelled before the sentence could be carried out.” I have seen the Masonic bumper sticker noted above, but have never been able to decipher the accompanying encoded secret message, which read, “2 B 1, ask 1” [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-become-a-freemason/1010218.md?page=2)