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St. John's
Lodge No. 1 Free and Accepted Masons Portsmouth, New Hampshire, U.S.A. Constituted June 24, 1736
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St. John's
Lodge No. 1 Free and Accepted Masons Portsmouth, New Hampshire, U.S.A. Constituted June 24, 1736
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About St. John's and Its History
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Becoming A Mason in St. John's Lodge
To become a Mason in a New Hampshire Lodge, one must be a man at least eighteen years of age, a believer in a Supreme Being and of good character. Although a petition (application) for membership is included here, it is recommended that you contact the Lodge first with any inquiries.
St. John's Lodge also welcomes Masons who move into the Portsmouth area, and are happy to receive them as visitors and discuss affiliation with them if they so desire.
Information for the Petitioner
To the Petitioner:
As the exact nature of the Institution of Freemasonry is unknown to you, it is deemed advisable that before signing this petition you should be informed on certain features of the institution.
Freemasonry has in all ages required that men should come to its doors entirely of their own free will, not as the result of solicitation by others.
Freemasonry is a system of morality based on the belief in the existence of God, the immortality of the soul, and the brotherhood of man; therefore, no atheist can be a Mason. It strives to teach a man the duty he owes to God, his country, his family, his neighbor and himself. It interferes with neither religion nor politics.
Loyalty to one's country is an essential qualification in Freemasonry. Disloyalty in any form is abhorrent to the teachings of the Fraternity and is regarded as a serious Masonic offense.
Freemasonry is not contrary to the beliefs of any man of upright heart and mind, and has in it nothing that is inconsistent with his civic, moral or religious duties.
Freemasonry is not a "secret society." Its members openly acknowledge their membership and are proud of it. Masonic Temples are plainly marked and frequently open their doors to the public. No attempt is ever made to conceal the fraternity's purposes, beliefs, or activities, which are always open to public scrutiny. Although Freemasonry does have a few secrets, they are mainly the means of recognition and some parts of its ritual which have been kept secret as a tradition from ancient times when the guilds of stonemasons carefully protected the secrets of their trade to prevent unqualified persons from posing as stonemasons and obtaining stonemasons' wages.
Freemasonry is not to be sought in the hope of personal gain or advancement. Anyone so actuated will be disappointed. The aim of the true Freemason is to cultivate a brotherly feeling among men and to help whomsoever he can. Freemasonry does not provide sick or death benefits. It is not an insurance order.
After reading the above, if you desire to petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry, you may fill out the enclosed petition and submit it to the Lodge. Your petition will be referred to an investigating committee which will report to the Lodge. After a favorable unanimous ballot by the Lodge you will be notified as to the date and time of your first of three degrees. Following each degree you will be required to memorize a lesson and pass a satisfactory examination by the Worshipful Master before proceeding to the next degree.
If you wish to petition St. John's Lodge to receive the degrees of Freemasonry, please contact the Master
who will provide further information.
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