What is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization. Its history dates back into antiquity to a time when most men were unable to read and write, so their traditions and practices were manually and orally taught and passed from generation to generation. In modern times, the singular purpose of the fraternity is "to make good men better". "The tenets of our fraternity; Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, have stood the test of time, and survived some of the most brutal religious and political conflicts history has had to offer, including our own Civil War."¹

While Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values, Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a forum for religious doctrine or worship, but a fraternal organization with the requirement that any man wishing to join have a belief in a Supreme Being, and with an encouragement to practice that belief in personal, family, and community life. Neither is Freemasonry a political party, nor is it a forum for the expression of political agendas or ideas. The fraternity Freemasonry requires from its members a respect for the laws of the country in which a man works and lives. A brother’s duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason, who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully, is contrary to this prime duty.

What is the Qualification for Membership? "It is the internal and not the external qualifications that should recommend a man to be a Mason. It does not consider any man for his worldly wealth or honor as a qualification for membership. Nor does it place any requirements on a man’s political or religious affiliations. Masonry seeks to "make good men better". It therefore looks to those men who have already demonstrated strong moral background, and exemplary character. In Maryland a candidate for Masonry must also be at least 18 years of age, and must profess his belief in a Supreme Being as no atheist can be made a Mason".¹

"Anyone seeking membership into Freemasonry should first seek out a Masonic family member, friend, or colleague to recommend him. He must first sign a petition on which he states his name, age, occupation, and place of residence, as well as his belief in a Supreme Being. This petition will be investigated and brought before the members of the Lodge who will vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the results of this ballot must be unanimous. In the event that you do not have a member of the fraternity in your circle of friends and acquaintances",¹ you can contact the Secretary of Mount Moriah Lodge #116 by email at mtmoriah@bcpl.net, or by phone at 410-248-9050, to request additional information regarding obtaining a petition and joining. Alternatively, you can contact the Grand Lodge of Maryland at 410-527-0600, or by email to the Grand Lodge of Maryland webmasters as provided at: Grand Lodge of Maryland

¹Reference: Grand Lodge of Maryland