2B1ASK1 means “To be one, ask one.” This phrase is used often by Masons to inform others that no man is invited to join the Masonic order, but must ask on his own will and accord.
Are you interested in pursuing membership?
The basic criteria in Kentucky for membership is:
Generally, the following should apply to you:
You will not be asked to become a member. Masons in Kentucky do not solicit for membership; we wait for the man to ask for a petition.
Don’t know a Mason? Come meet some! Our social time before lodge each Thursday is open to visitors. Come by and talk with us!
Start the process by completing a petition (application) for membership, which you can obtain from the lodge secretary, from a Mason you know, or click here to view a PDF of the Petition for Degrees, which can be filled out electronically and printed. If you don’t know a Mason, just stop by the Lodge building an hour (or more) before our regular meetings (every Thursday at 7:30), the Brothers will be happy to meet with you for an informational session.
The next step is to submit your petition to the Lodge. The petition is read in a Lodge meeting and referred to a committee composed of three members. This committee then interviews you, and you can ask any question you or your family may have.
After the interview, the committee reports its findings to the Lodge, and a secret ballot is taken. If the vote is favorable, you’ll be notified by mail and you’ll be given a date to start the degree program.
Our Fraternity’s private nature sometimes creates misconceptions about our “initiation ceremonies.” Rest assured that we are a moral institution whose tenets are Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love. Masonry teaches us to practice charity and benevolence, and to revere ordinances of—but not replace—any man’s religion. Quite simply, our Fraternity exists to make good men better.
Our three degrees are serious, educational, time-tested teachings. Each degree has a primary lesson. The first teaches us our duty to God. The second teaches us our duty to our neighbors. And the third degree teaches us our duty to ourselves.
To convey our teachings, we use ritual, ceremony, drama, lectures, and sometimes even musical accompaniment. You’ll work closely with a coach who will help you learn some of the key material in the Ritual. After completing the first and second degrees, you’ll be given an assessment to make sure you understand what you have just experienced. There is a optional, but highly recommended assessment after the third degree.
Upon the completion of the third degree, you’ll become a Master Mason, and be eligible for all that Masonry has to offer you, which includes:
It is important to note that Masonry is not a networking organization and those recognized as seeking admission solely for business contacts or other similar gains will likely not be elected for membership.
You will not be asked to become a member. Masons in Kentucky do not solicit for membership; we wait for the man to ask for a petition.
A petition requires two Masons to sign for recommendation before it can be submitted. Candidates for Masonry can visit before meetings to get to know the brothers until known well enough that Masons feel comfortable recommending the candidate for the degrees.
A male of at least 18 years of age, with the belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, and of good moral character.
The website beafreemason.org provides an in-depth explanation of the fraternity and what it takes to be a member. This site is maintained by the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite.