You have been thinking about becoming a Mason; you know several men who are members of the Fraternity; you have eventually asked someone about the Masonic organization; YOU have sought information as to how to become a member of this brotherhood; you may even have asked for an application form. Before you request a member to submit your application to any Lodge, you are entitled to certain information and should give careful consideration to certain problems and principles.

Masonry in Nova Scotia is controlled by the Grand Lodge Nova Scotia, A.F. and A.M. It is composed of some 110 Lodges with a membership of over 7200. These Lodges are organized in 15 districts in each of which the Grand Master, the Ruler of the Craft, is represented by a District Deputy Grand Master elected and recommended by the District. Each Lodge is ruled by a Master, Wardens and other officers. Regular meetings are held once a month, but some Lodges "call off" during July and August each year. Certain initiation fees and annual dues are required from each member.

Masonry is a system of morality which it endeavours to impress upon its members through allegories and symbols, a method followed by many great teachers in inculcating the ethical philosophies of life. "It is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue." It is not a religion but it encourages the practice of all moral tenets embodied in all great spiritual beliefs.

Although it is not a religion, no atheist may become a member. A belief in a Supreme Being; a recognition of the rewards of a virtuous life and of the punishment of wrongdoing; and a belief in the revelation of Divine Truth; these are the primary requisites in seeking membership in the Craft. The Jew, the Gentile, the Brahmin, the Mohammedan, the Christian, in fact, the followers of any religious sect which recognizes and reveres a Supreme Being are eligible to enter the portals of Masonry.

This Fraternity has no policy of evangelism or reformation. It does not admit bad men but it seeks to make good men better. It encourages charity in act, word, and thought.

It is not a benevolent society, (nor are any monetary benefits in any way promised to its members), although it has certain benevolent projects for the assistance and benefit of its less fortunate members and their families. It seeks to develop happiness among it's membership and encourages "the communication of happiness to others."

Masonry encourages social intercourse among its members, but it is far from being a social society. In some European countries it has been accused of subversive political activities, but among the members of recognized Grand Jurisdictions across this world, it has no such aspirations. In fact, no topic which might provoke political or religious controversy may be introduced at any meeting of the Fraternity nor within the tyled recesses of the Lodge for such discussions frequently lead to dissension, one thing which Masonry wishes to avoid.

Freemasonry is neither a civic club nor a means for procuring business advantages. There is no restriction on its membership except moral virtue. No man should expect to improve his financial position; to attain greater success in business; or to obtain any special favours, as a result of becoming a member of the Masonic Order.

It is not a stepping stone to social position. There is no place in this Fraternity for the man who is unwilling to meet his associates as equals and to deal with them as such. It must always be remembered that individual human worth is the only distinction which may exist in a society where "all men are created equal" and "are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights."

If you are sufficiently interested to apply for membership in Freemasonry you should think carefully about the following conditions:

1. You must not be unduly influenced by the improper solicitation of friends. No member of the Fraternity may ask you to become a member. You must make the approach, after which your friend may provide you with certain information.
2. You must not be influenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives. The applicant should be prepared to give, not to receive. You may expect to use your membership, if you are admitted, as a means of rendering service to your fellow men.
3. You should be prompted by a favourable opinion of the Order. Have you been impressed by the behaviour of those you know to be Masons? Are they seeking the improvement of the community? Are they sincere and true to their friends? Are you prepared to live and act so that no discredit may fall on Freemasonry?
4. You should have a desire for knowledge. A motive for intellectual, moral and spiritual improvement should be prominent among your hopes in seeking membership. Are you willing to try to improve daily in Masonic knowledge?
5. You should have a sincere wish to be serviceable to your fellow members. Are you prepared to enter into the work of the Lodge and to endeavour to meet requirements contingent on membership?
6. Are you prepared to conform to the usages and customs of the Order? Freemasonry is not a secret society in any sense of the word. There is no attempt whatsoever to keep secret from anyone the time and places of our meetings nor of whom our membership is composed. Many Freemasons are readily recognized as such by the Masonic emblem which they display on rings and pins. Most public libraries contain books in which are revealed and explained the history, teachings, tenets, and principles of Freemasonry. The only secrets in Freemasonry are connected with methods of presenting moral truths and with the recognition of members. These customs and regulations are of great antiquity, and must be submitted to by every member. A recognition of the authority of the officers at meetings, and conformity to all rules and regulations adopted by the brethren are required.
7. Can you afford to be a Mason? Will the payment of the Initiation Fee and the Annual Dues create any hardship for your family? Masonry does not cater to the rich, but it can scarcely afford to admit members who are likely to become a burden on the Lodge.
8. Can you attend Lodge regularly? Becoming a member of a Lodge, and becoming a Mason are not the same. If you cannot spare at least one night a month away from your family circle, or away from business obligations, you should hesitate. Masonry wants active members and not mere adherents.
9. Are you on good terms with your neighbours? Have you cause for quarrel with any member of the Fraternity? Freemasonry does not enjoy rejecting applicants; and, if unfortunate conditions of relationships exist between those who should be friends, they should be remedied at once.

The foregoing comments and questions are not intended to discourage you. They are intended to impress upon you that there are certain advantages with accompanying responsibilities, which Masonry presents to her devotees. If, after due consideration, you feel that you would like to be associated with men who have these aspirations and desires, you may feel free to petition a Lodge.