Freemasons (also known as Masons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Masons are Men of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a better place. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, come from all races, creeds, beliefs, and socio-economic & political backgrounds. Masons are Men of faith, honest, loyal, patriotic, selfless, charitable, and dedicated. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men from, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace & harmony while conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship as Brothers.
In order to become a Freemason, an interested candidate must inquire – Masonic Lodges do not actively “recruit” new members. Instead, we let our community service and philanthropic endeavors speak to our merits. Applicants must be men of good character who are over the age of eighteen (18) and believe in a Supreme Being (God) or Purpose. An interested man, or “Candidate”, must apply to a specific Lodge for admission. If you think you may be interested in becoming a Freemason, you can begin by contacting Connetquout Lodge to inquire about visiting the Lodge and meeting the Brethren. We highly encourage interested men to visit on several occasions in order to get to know the Brothers. Each Lodge is different and has its own “personality”, so it is important that an individual learn about the particular Lodge he is contemplating joining. Moreover, different Lodges meet on different nights, so your availability could impact which Lodge is most appropriate for you.
Connetquot Lodge meets on Monday evenings, from September through June. The Lodge’s ‘Stated Communications’ – which are the business meetings when the Work of Freemasonry is conducted – are held on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month, starting at 8:00 pm. Only Brothers may attend on these nights and the dress is business attire (suit). Occasionally, Lodge Officers are required to wear a tuxedo for formal events, such as the initiation of a new Brother. Connetquot Lodge also meets on the 1st & 3rd Monday evenings for “Fellowship”, which is a casual, social gathering of the members and any interested men or visitors. Anyone may come to the Lodge on a Fellowship night to meet and visit with the Brethren. These evenings are casual dress and begin at 7:30 pm, although some Brothers usually arrive earlier.
Once a candidate determines that he would like to join a Lodge, he will complete and submit a formal application, or ‘Petition’, for membership along with the requisite application fee. (The application fee is currently $250.00). The Petition is merely a series of informational questions that the applicant answers about himself so that the Brethren may get an overview of who he is. The Petition’s questions & answers are read at two successive Lodge meetings and an Investigating Committee of three (3) Brothers is appointed to visit the applicant at his home to meet with him and his family and answer any questions. Once approved, a candidate will be invited to join the Lodge via a series of ceremonies introducing him to the basic tenets and history of Freemasonry. Once completed, the new Brother will belong to the oldest and most honorable Brotherhood known to man.
