Union of Strict Observance Lodge #3 Detroit welcomes men aged 18 and older who meet specific character and intention standards and believe in a Supreme Being. Men from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds are encouraged to join our fraternity.
Freemasonry maintains lodges worldwide, and their existence is not the result of missionary work but rather a desire to share friendship and fraternity. To become a Freemason, there are a few important requirements:
- Being a man, freeborn, of good repute, and well-recommended;
- Belief in a Supreme Being;
- Of lawful age;
- Coming to Freemasonry of one’s “own free will and accord.”
Freemasonry emphasizes an initiatic experience, underscoring that one cannot become a Mason simply by reading a book or engaging on the Internet.
Recruitment and Expectations
Freemasons do not actively recruit members; individuals are encouraged to seek membership on their own initiative. The organization values personal choice and is sought out by those with a positive impression. Accordingly, many become Masons much later in life than necessary: they had thought the proper thing to do was wait to be asked to join!
New Members Meeting Night
Every Lodge conducts regularly scheduled monthly meetings where the Lodge’s business is addressed. This includes reading correspondence, presenting reports, and deciding on various matters collectively. Some meetings also feature “lessons” shared in an engaging, allegorical manner – not in a formal school sense.
Lodges may additionally organize social events or engage in community volunteering, and each Lodge establishes its unique dues structure, determined by its members.
Getting Started: Take a Step in the Right Direction
Masonry is always open to welcoming honorable men into the fraternity. Those who become Michigan Masons can anticipate opportunities to learn, lead, be inspired, entertained, challenged, and respected. They will engage with their family, fellow Brothers, and community, proudly participating in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact.
Masonry is a male-only fraternity, requiring members to be at least 18 years old and maintain Michigan residency for one year (six months for military personnel). Prospective members should embody a belief in helping others, a willingness to respect others, and an openness to personal growth and development.
Traditionally, Masons do not actively recruit; instead, individuals interested in joining should follow these steps:
Request Information and Petition
Reach out to a Mason for more information and obtain a petition (application). Complete the form and return it to the Mason.
Committee Visit and Lodge Vote
The petition is taken to the local Lodge, and a committee is appointed to visit the candidate. During the visit, the committee explores the candidate’s reasons for wanting to join and answers any questions. The committee reports back to the Lodge, and a vote is taken on the petition. If the vote is affirmative, the Lodge contacts the candidate to schedule the Entered Apprentice Degree – the first of three steps toward full membership.
Three Degrees to Becoming a Master Mason
The three degrees – Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason – mirror the progression in any trade. As an Entered Apprentice, individuals learn about the workings of the Lodge and essential information. The Fellowcraft involves deepening one’s knowledge of the Lodge’s systems, and upon completion, candidates are eligible to receive the Master Mason Degree.
Each degree imparts timeless lessons of morality, brotherly love, and charity. These ceremonies take place in the Lodge, with absolutely no hazing at any point.
Request More Information
Curious to learn more? Connect with a Mason, visit a Lodge, or fill out the form on our contact page, and an Officer from our Lodge will contact you.