Palestine Lodge No. 849
A.F. & A.M. of Illinois
206 S. Main Street - Palestine, Illinois 62451

Become a Mason
Many men have wondered why they were never asked to join the Masonic fraternity, not knowing that it was up to them to ask how to become a Mason.

Unlike most other organizations, Freemasonry does not publicly solicit for membership so as to allow each man to decide of his own free will and accord whether membership appeals to him.

Most men still begin the process of becoming a Mason by simply asking—just as Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Revere and most every Mason from the past to the present day has done.

Requirements
Membership is open to men of every race, religion, culture, and income level. The basic requirements for membership are as follows:

- Be age 18 or older

- Have resided in Illinois resident for at least six months (unless specially waived)

- Be able to read and write English

- Be of good moral and social character; and

- Believe in a Supreme Deity (necessary to take certain oaths, otherwise no obligation would
be binding upon you).

Men usually seek out a Lodge near their home or workplace or ask a Mason they know to recommend a Lodge to them. Masonry is not for everyone, however. It does not purport to reform bad men, only to provide a lifelong opportunity for good men to improve themselves and those around them.

The Masonic Fraternity seeks only men of good character as members. In fact, Masonic Lodges are required to review every applicant’s moral and social character, and members must be unanimously balloted upon in a Lodge by all members present.

Alternately, an Illinois Mason can inform a good man that he knows that should he wish to join, he is welcome to do so under a program called Invitation to Petition. So, if a Mason who knows you believes you have the requisite character traits, he may propose you for membership in a Lodge and have your name balloted upon, and then inform you of this action.

Or you may proactively seek out membership on your own by asking a Mason for a petition.