We have gotten a lot of folks looking for info. i figure it's time we start and FAQ of information and links....

What IS Freemasonry.....
    Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most devise political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God. Masonry is a philosophy based on universal brotherhood. It uses lessons based in the holy bible to teach lessons of morality and brotherly love. By promoting the concepts of Faith, Hope, and Charity we strive to make men better and the world a better place for all.

What Freemasonry IS NOT....
    Masonry is NOT a religion. We will not get you to heaven nor will require you to be of a specific religion or sect. Men of all faith's are welcome.

Requirements for admission....
    These vary slightly from state to state but in general you must be a man, of legal age <21 in most areas>, and believe in a supreme power <or god>. Who or what God is, is up to your personal faith.

How To Join....
    If you know where your local lodge is simply stop by. The meeting times are generally posted on the door. Stop in and say hello. If you can not find you local lodge you can google the "grand lodge" of your state. They can put you in contact with someone locally that can assist you.

What is a Lodge....
    Simply put, it the building where we meet.

Different Types of Lodges<Masonry>...
    There are several different types of lodges. Some are accepted within traditional masonry and some are not...
    Blue Lodges.... the traditional lodges of most states grand lodge
    Prince Hall...... Traditionally known as African or Black lodges, they typically serve the black community. Not recognized by some states.
    Universal Lodges... these are generally not recognized by most states as the allow women.

The following are masonic organizations, separate from the lodges but require members to be Master Masons in good standing...
    Scottish Rite.... A masonic organization that confers additional degrees and education
    York Rite......    A masonic organization that confers additional degrees and education, The york rite is also uniquely Christian in nature
     Shrine.........    Generally reffered to as the country club for masons, the shrine is about fun and charity.


if anyone has anything to add or correct let me know via IM. i am going to keep this locked and tacked to avoid confusion.

video was removed from youtube

guys feel free to add anything you think worthy to this thread

we come from all walks of life and join for various reasons. that's a really hard question to answer.

lodges are about brotherhood and fellowship. masonry is about growing yourself and learning to be a better person and member of society. there is a bit more but that is the basics. masonry is not the rotary or elks club, it's a lifetime commitment to be there to support your brothers no matter what. it's not for everyone, but it's one of the best things i have done.

Volume of sacred law list.... gives a good list of generally accepted religious beliefs...

http://bessel.org/vsllist.htm

https://www.facebook.com/notes/masonic-vibes/how-does-a-man-become-a-freemason/10151003190998716

Some men are surprised that no one has ever asked them to become a Mason. They may even feel that the Masons in their town don't think they are "good enough" to join. But it doesn't work that way. For hundreds of years, Masons have been forbidden to ask others to join the fraternity. We can talk to friends about Freemasonry. We can tell them about what Freemasonry does. We can tell them why we enjoy it. But we can't ask, much less pressure, anyone to join.

There's a good reason for that. It isn't that we're trying to be exclusive. But becoming a Mason is a very serious thing. Joining Freemasonry is making a permanent life commitment to live in certain ways. We've listed most of them above –– to live with honor and integrity, to be willing to share with and care about others, to trust each other, and to place ultimate trust in God. No one should be "talked into" making such a decision.

So, when a man decides he wants to be a Freemasonry Mason, he asks a Mason for a petition or application. He fills it out and gives it to the Mason, and that Mason takes it to the local lodge. The Master of the lodge will appoint a committee to visit with the man and his family, find out a little about him and why he wants to become a member of the Masons, tell him and his family about Freeasonry, and answer their questions. The committee reports to the lodge, and the lodge votes on the petition. If the vote is affirmative –– and it usually is –– the lodge will contact the man to set the date for the Entered Apprentice Degree. When the person has completed all three degrees, he is a Master Mason and a full member of the Freemasonry fraternity.

a true agnostic would not qualify as we require a BELIEF in diety. as an agnostic would technically not have that belief it is a no-go. Our obligations are taken before God and the lodge. if you have no direct belief in "God" your obligation would be meaningless.

you can do either. i have a few friends that wanted to come into my lodge because they new me and would have a freindly face there with them. either way your local lodge should welcome you in and answer any questions. one thing to consider is it is MUCH easier to attend lodge and work on your lessons locally.

just remember we have been around a LONG time, we don't do things quickly or in a rush. the best things in life take time to achieve.

Fees vary based on the jurisdiction and even the lodge.  I belong to two lodges.  Degree fees in one lodge is $300, the other is $200.  Our bylaws are worded so that the degree fees are due for the first degree and no fees for the 2nd and 3rd degrees.  Dues vary as well.  One lodge is $125 plus Grand Lodge per capita (currently $25).  The other is $75 plus Grand Lodge Per capita plus Masonic Temple Association per capita (currently $25).  

My FIL's lodge in WY only has dues of $85 a year iirc.  

Dues can add up if you join appendant bodies.  I think Scottish Rite is currently $300 to go through the degrees.  Annual dues are currently $95 in my jurisdiction.  Not sure where York Rite or Shriners are on dues.

Utah has been seeing growth for the last several years.  Not huge numbers but steady growth.

comes in spurts here. we get a big influx and then a dry spell. Seems like the worse things get socially and in the economy the more interest we get from people.

that is one thing that has surprised me as well.

Our rules require that you have a belief in a Supreme Being.  Would you swear an oath by this higher power and consider it binding upon you by the higher power?

Freemasonry has its lodges throughout the free world. You'll find Masons meeting in almost every town and village and - except where repressive governments make their existence difficult - they're readily found. None of these lodges was ever organized as a result of any type of 'missionary' work: they came into existence because a group of Masons wanted to share the friendship and fraternity with others in the area.

What is SO often misunderstood is a simple fact: there are few but important requirements to become a Freemason!

While they are stated in slightly different words in various jurisdictions (and a few jurisdictions may have one or two requirements beyond these), they basically are as follows:

Being a man, freeborn, of good repute and well-recommended;

A belief in a Supreme Being;

Ability to support one's self and family;

Of lawful age; and

Come to Freemasonry of their "own free will and accord".

http://www.masonicinfo.com/member.htm

i will be there! congrats my soon to be brother

actually you will be "entered" raised comes later

brother i know your excited but i urge you to slow down and study what your being taught. you are missing a lot. memory work does not make you a mason.

i agree. it cheats the men coming in and it seriously cheapens the meaning of MM and hurts the fraternity in the long run. we are becoming more like the civitan club with funny rituals than what we are supposed to be.

a nice read for the interested...

http://vjmns.com/how-a-freemason-is-made/