How to Qualify
A man becomes a Freemason only through his own volition. Masons do not solicit members. When a man petitions for membership, the decision as to his acceptance rests with the Lodge members. If a man has sme thought of becoming a Freemason, he should approach a Mason who will explain the necessary procedure.
Anyone seeking membership in Freemasonry must be a man of at least 20 years old and be of high moral standards. He must profess his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, by whatever name He may be known, and be of good character. Beyond that Freemasonry does not go. It does not question a man as to his particular faith or his religious dogma, but it does urge him to practice the religious belief which he holds.
You Must Ask
Masonry does not
solicit members. No one is asked to join. When a man seeks admission to the
Fraternity, it is of his own free will.
What Happens After Application
The Lodge will contact references given on the application form, to assess the suitability of the applicant. The applicant is then interviewed by three experienced members of the Lodge and the findings will be reported back to the Lodge at the following business meetings, and the application will be voted on. If the vote is favourable, the applicant, who is now referred to as a candidate, will particapate in taking the three degrees to becoming a full member. The degrees are plays, in which the candidate has to act a part, and each one teaches various moral lessons and a part of the traditional history of the beginnings of Masonry, similar to the German "Oberammergau". At any one meeting only one degree is put on, because different candidates have different schedules, it means that there may be a gap of one or two months between each step, depending how busy the Lodge is.
The members all know their parts, but the candidate doesn't so he has a guide who stands beside him to prompt him. At this time the symbols that Masons are so fond of, will be explained to him. For this, Masonic ceremonies reach back to the usages of the old "Operative Guilds" of the cathedral builders of the Middle ages. Many of the tools and implements used by those builders are now employed as symbols to convey moral truths. The Square and Compasses, for instance, is generally recognized as the "trademark" of Freemasonry. Masonry does not regard these symbols as having any magic or occult powers. It simply uses symbols to help men to understand and remember.
For more details on how to apply or for an introduction to a member of a Lodge please email us: secretary@freemasonryinjapan.com