Becoming a FreeMason

Many men live a lifetime and never know they must ask for admission to the world’s oldest, most purposeful and greatest fraternity.  They do not realize that they will not be invited.  They must come in of their own free will and accord, without persuasion.  They must ask a Freemason for a petition.

A petitioner:

• Must be a man at least 18 years of age, of good character and reputation, and capable of reading and writing.
• Must express a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being  and in the immortality of the soul.
• Must be a resident of Tennessee.
• Must  be recommended by two members of the Lodge to which he makes application.

In general, the process is as follows:

1. He must ask a Freemason for a petition.
2. Once the petition is completed and submitted, along with the application fee(s) and a signed form authorizing a background check, the lodge will review and investigate his application for membership.
3. A background check will be performed based on the information provided in the petition.
4. The lodge will assign an Investigation Committee to schedule a meeting, preferably at his home, to answer any questions he or his wife, if any, may have about the Fraternity, the lodge, etc. and to discuss anything relevant reported in his background check.
5. The lodge will assign an Inquisitorial Committee to meet with him at the lodge (or at his home) to ask further questions.
6. Both committees will report their findings to the membership at the next monthly Stated Meeting (i.e., its business meeting).
7. A vote on his petition will be cast.  A unanimous vote is required for membership.
8. The lodge Secretary will make contact to inform him about the outcome of the vote, to give him the background report, and to schedule his first degree (assuming a favorable outcome) or to return a portion of his application fee (if unfavorable).

You may click here for a list of all Tennessee Lodges.  You can sort the list by clicking on the Name/City/County headers at the top of the page.  In this page, also, you will find the meeting date/time of the Lodge's monthly Stated Meeting.  Typically, a lodge will have a meal beginning an hour before their meeting.  Clicking on the lodge's city will provide you with the address.  You can also Search for a Masonic Lodge near me.

The following links may provide answers to most of your questions about Freemasonry. 

• What is Freemasonry?
• What I would like my friends to know about Freemasonry
• Frequently asked questions about Freemasonry
• Additional frequently asked questions
• Other TN Masonic Resources
• Petition for the Three Degrees

You can always Contact Us to answer any additional questions you may have or to schedule a convenient time to meet with with us in person.