Making good men better
Becoming a Mason
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Find out who can join, what Masonry asks of you and what it offers, then start a conversation with a Mason near you.
Step 1: check that you qualify
Who can become a Mason?
Any man of faith, 21 years of age or older, who is of good moral character and reputation can become a Mason.
A man
Masonry is for men, but it’s a family affair. Women, girls and boys who share Masonic values are welcome to participate in the many social and charitable events hosted by lodges.
21 years of age or older
Not 21 yet? Young men can join DeMolay (opens in a new tab).
A man of faith
Masons are spiritual and moral men. Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour or creed, and members are free to follow their own path.
Of good moral character and reputation
Masonry stresses kindness and consideration at home, honesty in business, courtesy towards others and dependability in one’s work.
Not for you? There’s a place in the Masonic family. There are affiliate organizations for those looking for ways to become formally involved. Young men can join DeMolay (opens in a new tab), young women can join the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (opens in a new tab) and Job’s Daughters International (opens in a new tab).
Step 2: know what to expect
What Masonry is, and what it isn’t
Masonry is a disciplined and systematic course of self-improvement based on the Golden Rule: always do to others what you would like them to do to you.
- A fraternity first
Masonry is first and foremost a fraternity rather than a service organization, social club or benevolent society. Charity, in the form of helping other people, is considered to be a cornerstone of the fraternity.
- A commitment to learn
Masons participate in three progressive degrees, each one teaching an important lesson through the use of symbols. Learning portions of the Ritual builds self-discipline through commitment.
- Your other obligations come first
Each man has obligations to his family, his work, his religious beliefs, his community and himself. These must take priority, and Masonry does not interfere with his ability to meet them.
- No religion or politics in lodge
Masons are spiritual and moral people, but there’s no room for discussion of sectarian religion or partisan politics in Freemasonry.
- Not a secret society
We’re happy to share what we know. The so-called Masonic “secrets” are confined to modes of recognition by which a visitor can prove himself to be a Mason.
What you’ll find
Why become a Mason?
Masonry offers the opportunity to make each man better through its teachings, his Masonic associations and a philosophy that has served the social needs of men for centuries, by promoting:
Tradition
When you become a Mason, you become part of ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons that produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing and spiritually uplifting organization of moral men.
Self improvement
Learning portions of the Ritual and participating in the Degree stimulates the mind and, coupled with committee work and lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies.
Sense of accomplishment
Participating in lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others and enjoy the success of effort well expended.
Fellowship
Belonging to a like-minded group: the modern work environment has reduced or eliminated social association with co-workers; joining with lodge members in a fraternal atmosphere can substitute for that former workplace fellowship lost.
A break from the workaday routine
Masonry brings together in lodge men of diverse backgrounds, where the daily pressures of a career can be left outside the door and where fellowship is the common theme.
These attributes are summarized in the tenets, or fundamental principles of Ancient Freemasonry: Brotherly Love; Relief; and Truth. If these values address your needs, Masonry welcomes you.
Our purpose
Making good men better
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Its roots go back centuries and its members are diverse: high profile leaders, physicians, construction workers, farmers… and maybe you.
Ancient… and modern
We’re united by three ancient and fundamental principles—Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth—that are made relevant to the 21st century through the personal development, good works and social connections available to our members in the 420 lodges across Ontario.
Great benefits… for you and the world
Freemasonry offers much to its members—the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference and the means to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to socialize and work with men who have the same values and ideals.
We strengthen and improve our character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal love, charity, and truth. Our principles extend far beyond our interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our daily lives.
And there’s so much more
It’s easy to learn about Masons—starting with the pages of this website. Need more details? Looking for a Mason in your community to share his personal perspective? Send an email, call or drop by your local Masonic lodge.
Step 3: start a conversation
Become a Mason
With more than 420 Lodges across Ontario, there’s likely one near you! If you’re curious to learn more, simply fill out the form and a local Mason will be in touch to start a conversation.
- Check that you qualify. A man of faith, 21 years of age or older, of good moral character and reputation.
- Tell us about yourself. Your postal code connects you to a local lodge.
- A local Mason will be in touch to start a conversation.
Prefer to talk to someone first? Send an email, call or drop by your local Masonic lodge. Find a lodge (opens in a new tab)
Preview copy. You can try this form: what you send is saved on this copy only. It is not sent to a lodge and no one will reply.
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