Joining Chicago Lodge Details

One seeks to join by submitting an application, which we refer to as a petition. It requires three members of the fraternity to sign it as sponsors. It is expected that he would get acquainted with us prior to submitting this petition. Typically, he would join us for dinner several times before our meetings. As we get acquainted, he can decide if we are right for him and we might get a sense as to whether he is right for us. 

The petition is submitted with a petition fee. It is currently $50.00 for Chicago Lodge.  

A committee then investigates his character. This is largely an easy-going conversation in which he is asked questions as to his suitability and our expectations are explained to him. We must be assured that he believes in a Supreme Being. If he is married, we must know that his wife has no objection to his becoming a Mason.

After this investigation, the members of the lodge vote on whether to accept him. One negative vote is sufficient to reject him, however it is rare for that to happen.

Next he will go through three stages of initiation which we refer to as degrees. There is a cost for each of these degrees. At Chicago Lodge, the cost is $50.00 per degree. There is instruction and memorization required between each of the degrees.

The total cost for initiation is $200.00. Afterwards there are annual dues. The current amount for annual dues at Chicago Lodge is $55.00 

Hopefully the new member will regularly attend meetings and become active.