HOW TO JOIN
Prince Hall Freemasonry is a rewarding experience and membership is open to all men aged 21years or over. Like many membership organizations, there are certain prerequisites that potential members must satisfy when applying to be a Prince Hall Freemason. To become a Prince Hall Freemason a person needs to:
- Be a Law abiding person;
- Have a belief in a Supreme Being; and
- Have made his decision to join Freemasonry by his own free will and not for any personal gain or reasons of idle curiosity.
As Prince Hall Freemasonry offers many unique benefits, these prerequisites ensure that those who join get the most out of becoming a Prince Hall Freemason.
If you satisfy these requirements and are interested in joining Prince Hall Freemasonry, there are two ways in which you can apply to become a Prince Hall Freemason.
APPROACH A FREEMASON YOU KNOW
If you know a Prince Hall Freemason, approach him and inform him of your desire to join. After discussing your intentions, he would probably become your ‘nominator’ and make arrangements for you to become a member of his Lodge (Masonic meeting group).
APPROACH THE Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Hawaii and Its Jurisdiction, inc.
If you do not know any Freemasons, you are welcome to approach the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Hawaii and Its Jurisdiction, Inc., which is the governing body of Prince Hall Freemasonry in these areas. If you are interested in joining you will be put in contact with one of the local lodges. You will be informed of the necessary steps you need to take to become a Prince Hall Freemason. Throughout this process, you will be asked to attend a preliminary interview with a representative of the local Lodge you may join.
THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
Once this process has started you will be required to attend an interview and certain questions will be asked pertaining to your application. This is a standard procedure and gives any potential member an opportunity to meet with members of the Lodge and ask any questions he may have about Prince Hall Freemasonry. Provided that you and the Lodge are satisfied with the interview, a date would then be arranged for your admission into Prince Hall Freemasonry.
EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS
Having joined Prince Hall Freemasonry there are several criteria that are to be respected by members. As Prince Hall Freemasons come from all walks of life, members are expected to interact with each other free from religious or racial prejudice.
FREEMASONRY IS NEITHER A RELIGION, NOR IS IT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR RELIGION.
Its philosophy is designed to encourage its members toward self improvement.
Members are encouraged to support Masonic Charities which perform valuable services throughout Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Hawaii and Its Jurisdiction, Inc.
A Prince Hall Freemason is required to pay annual membership fees to his Lodge and to the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Hawaii and Its Jurisdiction, Inc. A joining fee is also charged by most Lodges. The average yearly cost to members varies between Lodges however the fees are explained to potential members before joining.
INFORMATION PACK
To obtain additional information on Prince Hall Freemasonry please call the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Hawaii and Its Jurisdiction, Inc. at 808-341-0283 or email rwgsec@phglofhawaii.org.
