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Joining The Fraternity
THE BLUE LODGE
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WHAT IS THE BLUE LODGE & HOW TO BECOME A MASON
The Journey Begins with a Question, yours!
In Freemasonry, the path to membership is unique and intentional. No Mason is permitted to solicit or recruit. Instead, a man must come of his own free will and accord, seeking light and brotherhood by taking the first step himself.
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If you’re interested in becoming a Freemason in Texas, that journey begins by asking. You must personally request a petition from a Master Mason, preferably someone you know and trust. Per Masonic law and tradition, no Texas Mason should ever ask you to join. The desire must come from within.​
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What Is the Blue Lodge?
Also known as Symbolic Lodge or Craft Lodge, the Blue Lodge is the foundation of all Freemasonry. It is within the Blue Lodge that a man receives the first three degrees of Masonry:
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Entered Apprentice
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Fellow Craft
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Master Mason
These degrees are the essential and universal stages of becoming a Freemason, no matter where your journey leads in the broader Masonic world.
Alamo Lodge No.44 is a proud Blue Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Texas, A.F. & A.M., welcoming good men who seek to better themselves, serve others, and uphold the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Seeking Light
HOW TO START YOUR MASONIC JOURNEY
Freemasonry begins with a question and a conversation.
If you’re curious about becoming a Freemason in Texas, start by speaking with a Mason. Don’t be shy, we genuinely welcome sincere questions and enjoy sharing what the Craft has meant to us. If you don’t know a Mason personally, you can use a Lodge Locator to find a lodge near you or reach out to us directly.
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When you’re ready, you’ll request and complete a petition to join a local Masonic lodge. From there, the process generally includes a friendly investigation, a lodge ballot, and, if approved, your initiation through the Entered Apprentice Degree, the first of three degrees on your path to becoming a Master Mason.
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What Freemasonry Is and What It Is Not
There’s a lot of misinformation online, so be sure your sources are from recognized Masonic Lodges or Brother Masons. To help you understand what to expect, here’s a clear distinction:
Freemasonry is not:
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A promise of success, wealth, or status
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A shortcut to hidden truths
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A cult or secret society
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A networking group
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A religion or a religious organization
Freemasonry is:
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A time-honored fraternity rooted in brotherly love, relief, and truth
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A pursuit of personal growth and virtue alongside like-minded men
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A lifelong commitment to charity, family, service, and integrity
At its core, Freemasonry becomes what you bring to it. If you’re seeking a deeper purpose, enduring friendships, and a path of moral improvement, we invite you to take the first step.
WHO CAN BECOME A MASON
To become a Mason in Texas, a man must meet a few basic qualifications. He must be:
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At least 18 years old
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Believe in a Supreme Being
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Be of good moral character.
​He should also be willing to take an active part in Lodge life, experience stability, seek personal improvement, and commit to the values of brotherhood, integrity, and service.
Freemasonry welcomes men from all walks of life, regardless of race, religion, or background.
VISTING OUR LODGE
Start by Walking Through the Door.
One of the best ways to begin your Masonic journey is by visiting a local lodge, and we would be honored to welcome you to Alamo Lodge No. 44.
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Before considering membership, we encourage you to visit and get to know the Brethren. Most lodges, including ours, host a dinner or social gathering before their monthly stated meetings, and guests are almost always welcome. These gatherings offer the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions, and experience the fellowship that defines Freemasonry.
Don't be intimidated, our doors are open to sincere men seeking light, and you’ll find that Masons are happy to share their knowledge, traditions, and brotherhood with you.
In many areas, including San Antonio, you may find multiple lodges nearby. We encourage you to visit more than one, take note of the atmosphere, and choose the lodge that best aligns with your values, personality, and purpose. Each lodge has its own culture, and finding the right fit can make your Masonic experience even more meaningful.
REQUESTING & SUBMITTING YOUR PETTION
Taking the Next Step Toward Freemasonry
Once you've visited a lodge, spent enough time getting to know the brothers, asked enough questionsand feel ready to take the next step, you may request a petition for membership.
Requesting a Petition
You can request a petition from a Master Mason or directly from the lodge you wish to join. Your completed petition must be signed by several Masons who can vouch for your character. If you don’t yet know any Masons personally, the lodge can help guide you through this process and connect you with Brothers who are happy to get to know you.
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Submitting Your Petition
After completing your petition, return it to the lodge you’re applying to. Be sure to ask if any petition fees or dues are required at the time of submission. Your petition will be formally read during a stated meeting of the lodge and entered into record. From there, the lodge will begin the process of investigation and getting to know you better.
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For convenience, you can use the button below to download a sample of the petition.
Receiving Light
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR PETITION
Once your petition is submitted to the lodge, a thoughtful and time-honored process begins, one designed to get to know you better and ensure that both you and the lodge are a good fit for one another.
This next phase is an important part of your journey toward receiving the light of Freemasonry.
THE INVESTIGATION
The Worshipful Master of the lodge will assign a committee of three Master Masons to conduct an official investigation. These Brothers will contact you to schedule interviews, often including a visit to your home, to ask questions, learn more about your background, meet your family, and provide you with a deeper understanding of what to expect.
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There is a standard set of questions every investigator must ask, though many will include additional, thoughtful inquiries to get to know you better. Be honest and open. Freemasonry does not expect perfection, only sincerity, desire for growth, and integrity.
THE BALLOT
Once the investigation is complete, each investigator submits a written report to the lodge along with their recommendation.
At the next stated meeting, the reports will be read aloud, and the Master of the lodge will call for a ballot. Eligible lodge members will vote privately on your petition. The outcome of this vote determines whether the lodge may extend to you the invitation to receive the degrees of Masonry.
AFTER THE BALLOT
Shortly after the ballot is cast, a representative from the lodge will contact you with the results.
If elected, you’ll be given additional instructions on how to prepare for your Entered Apprentice Degree, the first step in your journey as a Freemason.
We wish you the best of luck
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Depictions of ancient induction rituals circa 1700