How to Join
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 George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Paul 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 or completing and submitting the information request form via the following link. In either case, the choice is still yours.

Freemasonry has a long-standing tradition as an active, viable, and relevant institution in our local communities. In addition to business conducted at stated meetings and degrees conferred on candidates at special meetings, Lodges hold meetings and other events which are open to the public. Examples include Ladies' Nights, "Bring a Friend Nights," public installations of officers, cornerstone laying ceremonies, and other special gatherings dealing with topics of local interest.

Through participation in a statewide Grand Lodge program called Masonic Community Days, Lodges can showcase their good works while improving public awareness and understanding of Masons and Freemasonry. Launched in 2002 and focused on generating publicity mainly during the summer months, this program is now sponsored year-round and supported with promotional materials.

Examples of the hundreds of successful events and activities held by Lodges across the state include holiday parade floats and marching units, Lodge open houses and historical tours, fishing derbies for underprivileged children and their families, blood drives, IL CHIP (child identification) events, motorcycle fundraising runs, and village festivals.

Like any voluntary organization, Masonry seeks true leaders, not just able administrators, in order to succeed. We value skilled and committed leaders at all levels who will help other Masons produce results and manage change, using the following methods:
*Developing rewards, recognition, and opportunities for meaningful involvement
*Creating a unified vision in the organization
*Devising a management structure for an organization of task forces
*Ensuring the supply, preparation, and testing of top people.

Leadership is the key to maintaining Masonry’s role as a preeminent, viable, and growing Fraternity. Therefore, we strive to attract and develop men of high quality with leadership abilities who can innovate, focus on people, inspire trust, and plan for the future. Only such leaders can position Freemasonry to make a difference in the 21st century and convince men and their families that to be a Freemason is worth their time and effort.