The Grand Lodge of  A.F. & A.M. of Maryland appreciates your interest in Freemasonry. By seeking this information you have  taken the first step to becoming a member. It's really that simple. To become a Mason you need only "ask",  meet the qualifications, and be accepted by a Lodge.

For further information email the Grand Lodge or call the Grand Lodge at 410-527-0600.
You can also send mail to:

Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Maryland
304 International Circle
Cockeysville, Maryland 21030-1300

It is our hope and desire that the following information will tell you more about our fraternity, "The Gentle Craft," and assist you in becoming a member of the oldest and largest fraternity in the world.

Having said this, please be aware that there are a large number of organizations claiming to belong to the Masonic family, but are not recognized as such. Be sure to verify the authenticity of these claims before you seek to petition a Lodge. Many are there as a result of a few disgruntled individuals that may have been suspended or expelled, and have left their regular Lodge. These groups tend to come and go, and some seek your initiation fee and dues, only to disappear over night. One internet site you may want to visit to help make this determination is http://www.masonicinfo.com/grandlodges.htm - if the Lodge is not under the Grand Lodges listed on this site - they are not considered as "Recognized Lodges". You may also visit  http://www.masonicinfo.com/fakemasonry.htm and  http://www.thephylaxis.org/bogus/bogusgrandlodges.php for other information on fake or bogus "Masonry".

There are two fairly new books, out of the thousands written on the fraternity, that you can purchase locally, or on the internet from places such as www.Amazon.com   They are both well written, factual, easy to read and contain a wealth of information.  The newest one out is "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry (don't let the title throw you - it is a great book, and written by one of Maryland's prominent Masons, S. Brent Morris, PHD. 33° and member of Patmos Lodge No. 70. 

The other is "Freemasons for Dummies", another well written, easy to read and factual book giving you the real truth of what our fraternity is all about.  Don't get caught up in the garbage you read on "Hate Sites" - they are a small group with more imagination than insight, and seek to make a profit from sensationalism.  Read either of the two books above for the real facts on Freemasonry - the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization.

The history and traditions of Freemasonry date back to antiquity, with the singular purpose of making good men better.  The tenets of our fraternity; Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth,  have stood the test of time, and survived some of the most brutal religious and political conflicts history has to offer, including our own Civil War.  Freemasonry, while neither a political forum, nor formal place of worship, does require of it's members two things: The belief in the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man, regardless of political or religious persuasion.

Who are Freemasons?

    Many of our founding fathers were Freemasons. George Washington was the first of 14 Presidents of the United States to be a member of the fraternity, as well as 13 signers of the Constitution.  In more recent history members of the fraternity include President Truman, General Douglas McArthur, numerous astronauts, entertainers, and sports figures. More importantly, millions of  men such as yourself.

    Freemasonry enjoys over three million members world wide and draws to it's ranks men from every profession and occupation, all meeting on the "Level."  While each man may have his own religious and political views and opinions, they all share one common bond, the belief in one God, and the need to treat each man with brotherly love and affection.

What are the qualifications?

    It is the internal and not the external qualifications that should recommend a  man to be a Mason. It does not consider any man for his worldly wealth or honor as a qualification for membership. Nor does it place any requirements on a man's political or religious affiliations.  Masonry seeks to "make good men better." It therefore looks to those men who have already demonstrated strong moral background, and exemplary character. In Maryland a candidate for Masonry must also be at least 18 years of age, and must profess his belief in a Supreme Being as no atheist can be made a Mason.

Is Freemasonry a Religion

Absolutely not, it is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, and only a fraternity - Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being to become a member, and accepts men of any faith. It does not try to compete with religion.  Instead, the fraternity strongly encourages you to be active in the church of your choice, and pursue your own religious beliefs. The prayers we use to open and close a Lodge meeting are non-denominational as we have members who embrace different faiths.

If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry there are over 50,000 books published on the subject,  some of which  may be found in your local libraries. Feel free to contact the Masonic Lodge in your area, or the Office of the Grand Lodge of Maryland in Cockeysville, Md. at the above number.

Two excellent books that you may wish to read are The Pilgrim's Path, written by John J. Robinson, who, after several years of researching the fraternity, became so impressed with it that he petitioned a Lodge and became a member; the other is very new on the market, and is one of the "Dummy" series - Freemasons for Dummies is the title, and is easy reading and very informative. It also explores and explodes the falsehoods about the fraternity.