Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to contact our Lodge. You can Contact us here and send an email to us. In the subject line please put "Information on joining". Make sure you give us your name and phone number in the email. One or more Masons will contact you and set up an initial interview process during which time you can find out more about Masonry and whether it is right for you. If the interview is favorable you will be given a petition. Once you fill out the petition it will be taken to the Lodge, voted on, and you're on your way to becoming a Mason!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Wadsworth Lodge has the fee currently at $350.00 for the three degrees.
What Age Can I Join?
In Nevada you must be eighteen; other Grand Lodges have different ages.
WHEN I GET A PETITION, WHAT HAPPENS?
First the petition needs sponsors. If you know two Masons who will recommend you, they can sign the petition, if you don't; the members of the lodge who initially meet with you and give you the petition will sponsor you to the lodge. After the Lodge receives the petition at a meeting, a group of three or more members will meet with you and if possible your family. They will further discuss the lodge, why you want to join and answer some of the questions you might have. They will also point out some of the things the Lodge expects from you as a member. However this is nothing to be worried about.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A VOTE IS TAKEN?
After the committee has met with you they make a recommendation to the Lodge and your petition is read a second time. At this time a vote is cast. It is a secret vote but must be unanimous. If the vote is favorable you are then scheduled for a degree conferral.
WHAT AND WHEN ARE THE DEGREES?
There are three degrees in Masonry, each a little different from the previous one. How soon you take you degrees depends on you and the Lodge schedule. The degrees can be completed in one day or many months. Usually it will take four or five months. The three degrees are called The Entered Apprentice, The Fellowcraft and The Master Mason.
HOW SOON CAN I ATTEND THE MEETINGS?
You can attend any time after you take your first degree. You can attend any Lodge meeting that is opened and working on the degree of Masonry you hold. Wadsworth Lodge and many Nevada Lodges run their business, called stated meetings, on the First Degree or Entered Apprentice Degree. You are an active member as soon as you become a Mason, you just may not be able to hold office and a few things like that until you are a Master Mason.
HOW MUCH ARE THE YEARLY DUES?
Wadsworth Lodge dues are $ 96.00 They always include the yearly Grand Lodges per capita tax.
WHAT EVENTS CAN WOMEN ATTEND?
Many Lodges hold a public installation of officers during the year. Wives, family and friends can attend this event. While it doesn't have any of the ceremonies of the regular degree work, it does have the same flavor and explains some of the symbolism use in masonry. This is one way the non-Mason can get an idea of the ritual of Masonry. Lodges may have special social events with wives and friends invited. They are always invited to our dinners.