This information is provided to inform you of the nature and purpose of the Order of Freemasonry and the requirements for membership.  If you have an interest in Freemasonry, obviously, you would like to know what Freemasonry is, what Freemasonry does, and how you can obtain membership in this most ancient and honorable order.

Freemasonry is the the oldest Fraternal organization in existence.  Written records about the order date back to 1390, and the traditions of Masonry are even older.  The Grand Lodge of Virginia is the oldest independent body in the United States.  A roster of Masonic membership during the early years of our country reads like a study in American history.  It is led by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Chief Justice John Marshal, Edmund Randolph, a host of signers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.  Since those early years of our country's history, Masonic membership has continued to include many famous Americans, including United States Presidents, Congressmen, State Governors, and other well known men in leadership positions.  The Masonic Fraternity includes men from all walks of life; professionals, tradesmen and laborers.

Freemasonry is not a religion.  It does not promise salvation.  Religion and religious beliefs are not discussed in our Lodges, but through the use of symbols and allegories, Freemasonry teaches the equality of man and the value of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.  Freemasonry teaches and practices charity towards all who are less fortunate, and Freemasonry seeks to become the happy means of cementing its members into one harmonizing body.  Thus while not a religion, Freemasonry is religious in the sense that Masons revere God, and urge every man to attend the Church or Synagogue of his choice.  We learn that our strength is to found in our God, no matter how we view him.

Freemasonry is not a secret society as some would accuse. Masons proudly wear the ancient insignia of Freemasonry, the Square and Compass, publicly.  The location of our Masonic Lodges is known and our membership rosters are printed.  We do keep secret our modes of recognition and the ceremonies of initiation to prevent imposition by imposters.

In sum, Freemasonry teaches the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, marveling at the Devine order of the universe.  It brings together men of all creeds and teaches the many aspects of the Great and Golden Rule common to all Faiths.

To become a member of this ancient and honorable Order a man must come of his own free will and accord, for the great truths taught in Freemasonry, and He whom we all serve, require us to come freely and with an open heart.  We do not issue invitations to join a Masonic Lodge nor do we solicit individuals to join.  If you are interested after reading this, ask a Masonic friend for an application.

The requirements for membership are; that you be a man, one of  good character and reputation; that you be a peaceful citizen, and one who guards against intemperance and excess; and that you are one who respects genuine brotherhood and general good of society.  Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being.

Each Masonic Brother is left to his own private judgment concerning the mode and form of his religion. We meet together in harmony as Christian, Jew, Moslem, and Buddhist applying those great principles which are common to all religions.  Thus, the great Fraternity has existed since time immemorial.