Craft Degrees and Becoming a Freemason

There are three fundamental degrees of the Masonic system during which a candidate is initiated, passed, and raised conferred in craft lodges. All other degrees conferred in other Masonic bodies explain or enhance the lessons of the first three degrees.

The requirements to becoming a Mason include being a 21 year old man, of reasonably sound mind and body, a good reputation, and a belief in a Supreme Being (God) and ever lasting (eternal) life.

Want more information see http://discovermasonry.com

Interested? Go to http://northstar.discovermasonry.com/nextstep and provide us with some information there. We will contact you so we can meet, get to know you and you get to know some of us, and make sure our interests align. If so we will give you a petition to fill out in your own hand writing. You will need a Mason to sponsor you and 3 references.

If you know a Mason, you may ask him for a petition for membership.

When you are ready give your sponsor your completed petition accompanied with the petition fee ($20 for Oneonta Lodge). Also go to https://guardingthewestgate.com/ for a background check. You should have the results when you meet with our investigation committee to determine your character, motivations, and suitability. It is preferable to meet at your home with your family. For Oneonta Lodge total fee for the degrees is $181 due before initiation in the Entered Apprentice Degree.

Already a Mason?
Petition for Affiliation Form. Fee for affiliation is $50.

One of the most basic purposes is to make “Better men out of good man” We try to place emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character; improving his moral and spiritual outlook; and broadening his mental horizons. We try to impress upon the minds of our members the principles of personal responsibility and morality; teaching each member Each Brother must become proficient in them and a mentor is assigned to aid you in memorizing and understanding what was presented during the degree.to practice in his daily life the lessons taught through symbolic ceremonies in the lodge. One of the universal doctrines of Freemasonry is the belief in the “Brotherhood of Man and the Fatherhood of God”. The importance of this belief is established by each Mason as he practices the three principle tenets of Masonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

As part of the degree process, each Brother must become proficient in a series of Questions and Answers and a mentor is assigned to aid in memorizing and understanding what was presented during the degree.

It is the goal of many Masons to complete their Masonic education by traveling from the Northeast Corner of the Lodge to the Worshipful Master's station in the East; and in the process be the better enabled to impart Masonic knowledge and wisdom.

It is hoped that each Brother makes a commitment and is able to take a turn in the Master's Chair.