THE SHORT ANSWER

A man who is free-born, sound in mind, of good moral character, and at least eighteen years old may petition a Texas Lodge. He must believe in God, have lived in Texas for six months and in the Lodge’s jurisdiction for six months, and be known to at least three Masons in good standing. He must ask of his own free will, and the Lodge makes the final decision by ballot.

A LITTLE MORE LIGHT

Freemasonry has a short list of basic qualifications. A candidate must be free-born, sound in mind, and of good moral character. He must be at least eighteen by the day his petition is received, and he must disclose any known physical limitation that would keep him from earning his own living or from receiving and imparting what the degrees require. Beyond those basics, the question is left to the sound judgment of the members of the Lodge he petitions.

Residency matters too. A candidate must have lived in Texas for six months and within the jurisdiction of the particular Lodge for six months before petitioning. Two Master Masons sign his petition, and three members of a Lodge in good standing must know him personally. Neither of the two who sign counts toward those three.

Belief is another requirement. A candidate must hold a firm belief in the existence of God, the immortality of the soul, and the divine authenticity of the Holy Scriptures. Texas does not prescribe which books are inspired, and a man whose faith is based on another book may take his obligation on the book of his chosen faith. Freemasonry itself welcomes men of many faiths and creeds, and it is not a religion.

Some people are disqualified. A man found guilty of, or who pleaded no contest to, certain charges cannot petition. False information on a petition could also potentially lead to disqualification.

The process also protects fairness. Masons may extend a neutrally worded invitation to a man they have good reason to believe is of good character. After answering his questions, they leave the decision to him. He must come of his own free will and accord. A committee investigates his character and reputation, and the Lodge then votes by secret ballot.

WHY IT MATTERS

These standards explain why Masons speak of building character. Freemasonry looks first at who a man is: his honesty, his reputation, his willingness to serve. His wealth and social position are not what it examines. The careful investigation and the vote show how seriously a Lodge treats its Brotherhood. Each member is, in a real sense, vouching for the man he welcomes.

The requirements also say something about the man himself. A petitioner is asked to come freely and with sincere motives, for the sake of self-improvement and service to others. Those who join are asked to take the commitment as seriously as the Lodge takes the question of whom to admit.

THE TAKEAWAY

Freemasonry asks for good character, sound judgment, a belief in God, and a free and sincere desire to improve oneself and serve others. A man’s position or possessions do not enter into it.