Gouverneur Masonic Lodge #217

Becoming a Member

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We are always looking for good men interested in joining our organization.

Qualifications

  • Membership in a Masonic Lodge is open to all men 21 years of age or older — regardless of race, color, or religion.
  • You must be of good character and reputation. You’ll have to provide evidence of living a positive life through references from at least one Mason and three other people.
  • You must believe in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. This belief is not proscribed — rather, we encourage you to be steadfast in the faith of your choice.
Benefits of Joining
There are several benefits to becoming a member of our Fraternity. Our members are close friends and we have a great time when we get together. The oldest, largest and most charitable men’s fraternal organization in the world. Help make the community a better place by sponsoring youth bowling on Saturday mornings, help in raising over two million dollars every day in North America to charity, be part of the Child ID Program, Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) which world renowned for their research in genetics, many areas in cardiovascular diseases, and molecular biology. There is a link to their website on the Links Page for more interesting information.
How Can You Join?
To join we need a completed application and membership dues for the first year. For our Military Men, the dues are waived by Grand Lodge. Please contact us for more information and a copy of the petition.

Masonic Compact:

Because I am a Freemason...

... I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and tolerance an indispensable trait of human character; therefore, I will stand in my Lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their beliefs as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.

... I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity; therefore, I will bring my questions and my ideas to my Lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.

... I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for growth and learning; therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.

... I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity; I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless, and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship, morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.

... I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partly fulfilled in my patriotism: love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it symbolizes.

... I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others; I will therefore participate in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, and serve the Brothers of my Lodge to the best of my ability.

... I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life; I therefore vow to be a faithful friend to my Brothers, as I expect my Lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat my family as though my family were their own.

... I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry -- the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one’s word-- is a lesson for all people in all times; I therefore vow to be a man of my word.

... I know that Masonry’s power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large; I therefore vow to bring the best of myself to my Lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple.

Because I am a Freemason, these values and aspirations are guideposts for my progress through life.

Prospective members are welcome to learn more about us by attending an opening meeting or ask a Fellow Mason.

Meetings 1st & 3rd Tuesdays - 7:30pm
Gouverneur Masonic Lodge * 23 Trinity Avenue * Gouverneur * NY * 13642