{"id":101,"date":"2022-04-29T20:51:48","date_gmt":"2022-04-30T01:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/masonsinva.org\/?page_id=101"},"modified":"2025-06-22T11:39:38","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T16:39:38","slug":"join-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/masonsinva.org\/?page_id=101","title":{"rendered":"Join Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Freemasonry?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Freemasonry is one of the world\u2019s oldest and most well-known fraternal organizations. Rooted in centuries of tradition, it brings together men from all walks of life to promote brotherhood, personal growth, moral development, and community service<\/strong>. Freemasonry is not a religion<\/strong>, but it encourages a belief in a higher power, and its teachings are often expressed through symbols and allegorical rituals drawn from stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At its core, Freemasonry is about making good men better<\/strong>\u2014emphasizing values such as integrity, charity, humility, and truth. Freemasons meet in local groups called lodges<\/strong>, where they conduct ceremonies, support charitable causes, and build lifelong friendships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Requirements to Join Freemasonry in Virginia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, Freemasonry is governed by the Grand Lodge of Virginia, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.)<\/strong>. To petition for membership, an individual must meet certain basic criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Requirements:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Be a man<\/strong> (Freemasonry in Virginia is male-only; related Masonic organizations for women and family exist).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Be at least 18 years old<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Believe in a Supreme Being<\/strong> \u2013 Freemasonry is open to all religious faiths but requires a belief in a higher power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Be of good moral character<\/strong> \u2013 You will need to be vouched for by others who know you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Be recommended by at least two Master Masons<\/strong> \u2013 These Freemasons must be in good standing and typically from the lodge you wish to join.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Be able to support yourself and your family<\/strong> \u2013 Freemasonry is not a charity for its members but supports charitable causes broadly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Be willing to submit to an investigation and interview<\/strong> \u2013 A small committee will meet with you to answer questions and learn more about you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Express a sincere desire to join<\/strong> \u2013 Freemasonry does not recruit. You must ask to join of your own free will. This is known as “making a formal request”<\/strong> or “asking to be one.”<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    How to Begin the Process in Virginia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you meet the criteria and are interested in joining:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Find a Lodge Near You<\/strong> \u2013 You can locate lodges through the Grand Lodge of Virginia website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Attend Public Events or Meet Members<\/strong> \u2013 Many lodges host community breakfasts, open houses, or service projects where you can meet Freemasons and ask questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Ask for a Petition<\/strong> \u2013 Once you’re familiar with the lodge and its members, and they with you, you can request a petition for membership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Submit the Petition with Fees<\/strong> \u2013 A background check and committee interview will follow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Balloting and Initiation<\/strong> \u2013 If approved by a unanimous secret ballot, you will be invited to begin your Masonic journey through three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      If you are interesting in joining Spotsylvania Lodge No. 26, you may also contact our Membership Coordinator, Brother David Ferlemann david.ferlemann@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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