Use the following link to find YouTube videos from the Grand Lodge of Illinois about Freemasonry
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2zHr4TNUIc4W8uJOqD19dw
Freemasonry does not seek or solicit members. One of the most important tenants of Freemasonry is that you have to seek the fraternity of your own free will. If you know a mason all you have to do is ask him about joining and he will be excited to assist you.
If you haven’t done so already, please read Grand Lodge of Illinois Frequently Asked Questions page. It has some good information that will help you decide if freemasonry is right for you. If you are considering joining the fraternity, there are a few things that you should be aware of. We have listed some of the requirements below, but the Grand Lodge of Illinois has some excellent information which is quoted here:
Once a man begins thinking of applying for Masonic membership, there are a number of factors he should seriously consider.
He should make certain he has a general idea of what Masonry is all about. That is one of the prime purposes of this website section, the man who reads it in its entirety should be able to determine if the fraternity is really what he thought it was, if it is really something he wishes to become a part of. Freemasonry is not for everyone, but we believe every man can get something out of Masonry to improve themselves.
A man interested in applying for Masonic membership should inquire into the financial obligations membership in his particular area would entail. The initiation fees and annual dues can and do vary from state to state, and within states. With rare exception, though, the cost of Masonic membership is well within the means of the average man.
He should ascertain when and where the local lodge meets. While there are no attendance requirements of a Mason, he will not obtain the full benefits of membership if he has not time to attend and participate in a reasonable number of meetings and other activities without neglecting his family and other duties.
He should examine his own life style and determine if it will suit him to be a Mason.
Be a man, at least 18 years old.
Have belief in a Supreme Being (of any faith. No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.)
You cannot be a felon. Masonry is only interested in men of good moral character.
You should be someone who does, or want to learn to, enjoy the company of other men from all different social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races, countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.
If you are a family man, Masonry considers that your family obligations come FIRST, so you must be sure that you have the time to participate (usually two or three evenings/month at first for meetings and instruction, and then at least one evening per month for meetings from then on — often more if you get involved in lodge activities.)
You can afford the initiation fees and the annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.
You should be coming to Masonry “of your own free will and accord”, to learn to improve yourself and to enjoy the company of other good people, not because someone keeps pestering you to join or because you think it will help you “get ahead” in business.
Once you have decided to become a Mason, you must submit a petition to the lodge that has the recommendation of at least three members. If you don’t currently know any members of the lodge, you can come out to a dinner at the lodge or another event to get to know some of the brothers. After you have submitted your petition, then the lodge will identify 3 members to visit you & your family. Then the lodge will vote on your petition. The vote is a secret ballot and must be unanimous. If you are elected, you will be notified of the time and date to come to the lodge to begin your Masonic journey.
To join, all you have to do is ask a Mason, preferably someone you know or at least who lives or works nearby. If you live or work in the Washington, IL area, you can email us at taylorlodge98@gmail.com to find out more.
If you think you don’t know any Masons in your area, please send a message to the webmaster and he will be very glad to help you. If that doesn’t work, you can probably find a lodge listed in your phonebook, or your state’s Grand Lodge. Grand Lodges are usually in the state capital, or other major city. Phone book (yellow-pages) listings for lodges may be under “Masons”, “Freemasons”, or “Fraternities”.