Why become a Freemason?

Every man has his own reason for wanting to be a part of the greatest fraternity in the world. Regardless of your reason, you will benefit from membership because Freemasonry makes good men better. Look around our website and you will find much about our history, purpose, and current day programs of education, character development and charity. In today’s society, men lead busier lives than ever. Many Brothers find Lodge meetings to be an excellent “break from life,” where everyday troubles can be forgotten and Brotherhood prevails. Whatever your reason, Freemasonry has something to offer nearly every man.

Who can join?

To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 18 years of age, one who believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, of good moral character, motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry, desirous of earning knowledge and willing to conform to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.

How does someone join?

Our tradition was to wait for you to seek membership entirely of your own free will and accord. Today, however, we allow our members to selectively invite men of good character, who will be a credit to our Fraternity. But this doesn’t mean that you have to wait to be invited to join the Freemasons of Pennsylvania. Your interest is enough, if you meet the qualifications.

Qualifications

To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 18 years of age and one who believes in the existence of a Supreme Being. He must be of good moral character, motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry, interested in earning knowledge and willing to be part of the long-standing traditions and customs of the fraternity.

To start the process, you must first submit a petition for membership. This petition will be read at a meeting of the Lodge you are seeking to join. You will then be visited by a small committee from the Lodge who will ascertain your qualifications and answer any questions you or your family may have regarding Freemasonry. At the next meeting, the members will vote on your petition for membership. Once approved, you will be asked to attend three successive meetings, during which you will learn the teachings of Freemasonry. In ceremonies known as Degrees you will assume your vows of membership.

Initiation fee for joining Porter Lodge No. 284 is $225. Payment is due upon submitting your petition for membership.

After receiving your Master Mason Degree, A prorated annual dues will be due.

Our Purpose

Freemasonry is a fraternity of brothers who share one common goal: to help each other become better men. 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. All who join Freemasonry must declare their belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and practice their own personal faith, but the fraternity is neither a religion nor a place to worship. Rather, it is a place where men of all monotheistic creeds can meet and focus on the great truths of peaceful human interaction that are common to all religions.

Membership Inquiry

If you have any questions about joining Porter Lodge 284 please feel free to fill out the form and a representative of our lodge will contact you personally. Please note that this is NOT a petition for membership. This form is only to find out more about the Fraternity. Completing this request doesn’t guarantee membership– you must apply for membership. Porter Lodge 284 has the responsibility for electing its own membership. By completing this form, you will have the opportunity to be introduced to Masons who will get to know you better, or who will help you find a friend who is already a Mason.