*The opinions expressed on
these web pages represent
those of the author and may
not reflect the current policies
of any Masonic lodge, Grand
Lodge or other Masonic body.
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Here in
Illinois, the basic requirements for joining our fraternity are:
- Be a man
- Be at least 18 years of
age
- Be of good moral
character
- Be able to read and
write English
- Believe in a Supreme
Being
- Have resided in Illinois for at least 6 months
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Some men are surprised that no
one has ever asked them to become a Mason.
But it doesn't work that way. For hundreds
of years, Masons have been forbidden to ask
others to join our fraternity. We can talk to friends
and relatives
about Masonry, we can tell them what
Masonry does, but we can not ask, much less
pressure anyone to join. "Every man comes
to Masonry in his own time."
So, when a man decides he wants to be a Mason,
he must ask for a petition or application. He fills
it out in his own handwriting and returns it to a Mason, and that Mason takes it to the local
Lodge. The Master of the Lodge will appoint a committee
of three to visit with the man and his family. They will
find out a little about him and why he wants to be a Mason, tell
him and his family about Masonry, and answer their questions.
The committee then reports to the Master and the
Lodge votes on the petition. If the vote is affirmative, the Lodge will contact the person to
set a date for his Entered Apprentice Degree. When
the new brother has completed all three degrees, he is a Master
Mason and entitled to all the rights and benefits thereof.
Our
ceremonies involve no hazing, horseplay or
physical mistreatment of any kind.
Candidates find the initiation ceremony a
solemn, beautiful and moving experience.
Every word is spoken from memory, as has
been our practice since Masonry's earliest
days. The ancient rituals have remained
virtually unchanged for nearly three
centuries.
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 For
more information about joining the oldest and largest fraternity
in the world, or to request a petition, the easiest method is to
send an e-mail to our
webmaster
now..... while you are visiting this website. If you live
in Illinois, but not in the Milan, Illinois area, we can help
you contact a Lodge near you. If you live out-of-state, we
can send you information for your state or
country. |
Eureka Lodge....Making
Good Men Better Since 1849
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