How to Become a Freemason

Our fraternity has a rich history, which dates back more than three centuries. It is one of the world's oldest secular fraternities, a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Founded on the three great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, it aims to bring together men of goodwill, regardless of background and differences.

The basic qualifications for admission are that you are a man, of 18 years or older, and have a belief in a Supreme Being. If you meet these qualifications, we recommend you read about Freemasonry, here on our site and elsewhere, and speak with a family member, friend, or other person you know to be a member. He may be able to provide useful information to you about the Fraternity that may help you decide whether you wish to pursue membership. He may also be able to refer you to one or more lodges that meet in your neighborhood, or one particularly suited to your candidacy.

We invite you to contact the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, at 202.686.1811, to learn more about Freemasonry and Masonic Lodges here in Washington, DC. You're also invited to contact any of our lodges, directly. Consult our list of lodges in Washington, DC.

When you make contact with a lodge or with a member of a lodge, you may be invited to one or more events, where you and the members of the lodge will have the opportunity to get to know each other. If you would like to become a member of a lodge, you may ask a member for a petition to be initiated into Freemasonry. After submitting a petition, you will meet with a committee of members of the lodge, who will make recommendation to the lodge regarding your candidacy.