FAQ

Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men committed to lives of honor, integrity, and character. The men of Freemasonry are on a journey of self discovery. For hundreds of years, Freemasons, with deep brotherly support, have worked to become the best version of themselves while working to better their communities and our world.

Open a phone book and look up Masonic lodges. On the internet, many lodges have their own websites. Drive around town and find a well-marked building that says “Masonic Lodge.” On the door, you will find dates of meetings, names of officers, phone numbers and more information. Tax records have the names of senior officers. Many members put decals on their cars. Most wear rings. Some wear lapel pins on their business suits. An organization that is so public can not be secret. The secrets that Masons keep are the secrets that keep our organization effective. The decisions made by the majority of the craft are the voice of the lodge. Inside the lodge room, members are free to speak freely so the best opinions are always voiced. But there is no politics or campaigning. When the lodge has made a decision, Harmony prevails and the lodge moves forward.

Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. Freemasonry does not intrude on the religious beliefs of its members, although it does require that all members profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Men of all faiths are represented in Freemasonry. Religion is not discussed at lodge meetings.

The exact origins of Freemasonry remain lost in time. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. Certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt and the building of King Solomon's Temple.

The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These “Accepted” Masons adopted more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesmen’s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization.

Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, historians have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was formed.

Freemasonry welcomes men of every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. However, to join Freemasonry, one must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a male at least 18 years of age (the minimum age varies in some jurisdictions, sometimes up to 21)

• Believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, although Freemasonry is not concerned with theological distinctions or particular religious beliefs

• Be of good moral character

• Be motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit

• Your decision to apply is based on your own “free will and accord”

• Be prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry

Becoming a Freemason can help you achieve great personal reward by guiding you to build your moral character and connection to your community. Freemasonry is built upon the core tenets of Brotherly love and affection, relief, and truth. Through a commitment to these values, all Freemasons share the common goal of making good men better. In addition to self improvement, a Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.

Masonic lodges working under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Florida are strictly prohibited from discriminating against any candidate for the three degrees based on race. Lodges have members from many different ethnic and racial backgrounds. There are lodges known as Prince Hall Masonic Lodges which many people wrongly assume are African-American Lodges. But Free and Accepted Masonic Lodges, like Prince Hall Lodges do not use race as a determinant of admission. Masonic Lodges are built by the best men who join the lodge. Skin color is not indicative of a man’s worth nor a factor in admission.

The process of applying to become a Freemason can be expedited a few different ways. You can contact your state’s Grand Lodge (the overarching Masonic governing body in your state where you live), find a Masonic lodge in your area that you wish to join, or reach out to a man who is a Freemason and ask for his help. You will submit a petition for membership. Members at the lodge will read your petition and form a small committee to meet with you to determine your qualifications and answer any questions you have regarding Freemasonry.

If you are local to the Lynn Haven / Panama City / Bay County area, you can contact us at:

• Email: harryjacksonlodge@outlook.com

• Phone: 850-265-4926

If you are outside of the Bay County area you can take the first step, by getting in touch with a Freemason representative in your area.

The cost of becoming a Freemason varies from lodge to lodge. The fees associated with membership include a one-time initiation fee and annual dues, which cover the operational expenses of the lodge. Contact your local lodge to find out the exact costs.