Bristol Lodge No. 25

Thank you for expressing your interest in Freemasonry by actively seeking out this information. To become a Mason you must meet the qualifications, and be accepted by a Lodge.

The following text will tell you more about the fraternity and the process of becoming a member, but you may find it helpful to print out a copy of the petition for membership for your review.

Freemasonry is the world's oldest largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions that are based on the belief in one God.

Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as 13 signers of the Constitution and 14 Presidents of the United States including George Washington.

Today, the more than three million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.

One of the fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men from so many different walks of life can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!"

To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be:

* male, at least 18 years of age
* a believer in the existence of a Supreme Being
* a voluntary candidate for membership, unsolicited by friends
* motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit
* prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry
* desirous of knowledge, and willing to earn it
* a first-time petitioner for membership
* willing to conform to the Ancient Usages and Customs of the Fraternity.

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted in the Fraternity).

This briefly explains what Freemasonry is, who Freemasons are, what they believe in, and what they do. It is important for you to know that those who desire membership must seek it on their own. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many qualified men have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership and fellowship in Freemasonry.

If, after reading this you would like to have a representative of the Fraternity contact you, please complete the Pennsylvania Membership Information Request form. If you are not interested in Pennsylvania Masonic Membership, but have any questions or a desire to know more about Freemasonry, please contact the Grand Secretary for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

The text above has been taken from the website of our Grand Lodge of
Pennsylvania. Their website can be located at http://www.pagrandlodge.org