Become a Freemason
The journey to enlightenment at Robert Burns Lodge №59, Las Vegas
Freemasonry has guided men of good character toward self-improvement for centuries. At Robert Burns Lodge №59 in Las Vegas, we continue this tradition through an observant style of Masonry that emphasizes ritual excellence, philosophical education, and meaningful brotherhood. The journey to becoming a Mason is deliberate and rewarding—a path that transforms good men into better men.
The Path to Membership
First Contact
Your Masonic journey begins with a simple conversation. Express your interest to a current Mason or contact our Lodge directly. We welcome men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being, regardless of religious tradition.
Getting Acquainted
Attend our public events and get to know our members. We'll invite you to our festive boards (dinner gatherings) where you can learn about our Lodge's unique character and we can learn about yours. This period typically lasts 6-12 months, allowing both parties to determine if there's a good fit.
Formal Petition
Once mutual interest is established, you'll be provided with a petition for membership. This requires two member recommendations and a written statement explaining your interest in Freemasonry. The petition will be read in open Lodge and an investigation committee appointed.
Investigation
Three Lodge members will conduct a thorough but respectful investigation, including personal interviews exploring your past, present, future plans, and motivations. This ensures you understand the commitments of membership and that you meet our qualifications.
The Three Degrees
If accepted, you'll progress through Freemasonry's three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Each degree involves a centuries-old ceremony and educational requirements. This process may take several months as you learn the lessons of each degree.
Lifelong Learning
Becoming a Master Mason is not the end but a beginning. Regular attendance at Lodge meetings, ongoing Masonic education, and active participation are expected of all members. Freemasonry is a lifelong journey of self-improvement.
Requirements to Join
Belief in a Supreme Being
Freemasonry requires belief in a Supreme Being, though we do not dictate what form this belief should take.
Good Character
Candidates must be men of reputation in their community with no felony convictions.
Proper Age
In Nevada, candidates must be at least 18 years of age to petition our Lodge.
Nevada Residency
Candidates should be Nevada Resident, living in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and surroundings.
Sound Mind and Body
Candidates should be Free of thoughts, capable of understanding and participating in Masonic ceremonies and intellectual discourse.
Free Will and Accord
Men must join of their own free will and accord, not from external pressure or purely material motives. Candidates but be free of thoughts, meaning that their decisions are purely their own and that they are not manipulated by anyone.
What Makes Robert Burns Lodge № 59 Unique
Robert Burns Lodge № 59 practices an observant style of Freemasonry that sets us apart in Las Vegas:
Limited Membership: We maintain a maximum of 42 members to ensure quality interactions and meaningful brotherhood.
Formal Atmosphere: We uphold traditional formality in dress, ritual work, and conduct.
Philosophical Focus: We dedicate time to exploring the deeper philosophical aspects of Freemasonry.
Educational Excellence: Every meeting includes Masonic education and intellectual discussion.
Traditional Festive Boards: We continue the tradition of formal dining and fellowship after meetings.
Commitment to Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards in all we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take?
There is no minimum time from first contact to becoming a Master Mason however, the new Mason is presented with a lot of Masonic work to perform which typically take about three years to complete in our Lodge. This allows time for proper acquaintance, education, and progression through the degrees.
What are the costs involved?
Membership involves an initial petition fee, degree fees, and annual dues. Specific amounts will be discussed during your introduction to the Lodge. We believe Masonic membership should represent a meaningful commitment without being financially prohibitive. The financial activities of a Loge is always fully transparent and only approved by its members, we beleive that a Lodge should be financially self sustained with its dues without having to resort to fund rasing or other activities that might distract the members from their masonic journey.
What if I'm rejected?
Sometimes candidates are asked to wait and reapply later. This is not necessarily a permanent rejection, but rather an opportunity for personal development. Many distinguished Masons were initially rejected or asked to wait. In early Nevada Free-Masonry the selection process was extremely difficult, and some Lodges rejected up to 70% of applicants. A Lodge must ensure that all of its members can work together in harmony, so a rejection does not mean that a candidate is not “worthy,” but simply that he may not have been the right fit for that particular Lodge at that particular time. In Nevada, after a rejection a candidate has several options: 1. He may give up on Free-Masonry altogether and pursue another path. 2. He may petition a different Lodge in the region — but he must first wait one year. 3. He may re-apply to the same Lodge to demonstrate dedication and strength of character — in which case he must also wait one year before being voted on again.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. While this jurisdiction requires belief in a Supreme Being, Free-Masonry is not a religion and does not seek to replace one's personal faith. Men of all religious backgrounds are welcome while maintaining their own convictions. Speculative Free-Masonry emerged from the Enlightenment era and simply requires that a man be a free-thinker, not led or dominated by another. It never and will never impose a creed or dogma on its members and always respects individual conscience.
What is expected of members?
Most importantnly our Lodge require regular attendance, active participation, ongoing education, a true dedication to the impracial search for truth and self-improvement and upholding the highest standards of moral conduct. Our Lodge particularly values attendance, ritual proficiency, and philosophical engagement.
Member Testimonials
"The deliberate pace and philosophical approach at Robert Burns Lodge made my Masonic journey truly transformative. Here I found brothers committed to excellence in all aspects of the Craft."
"What sets this Lodge apart is their unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. Every ritual is performed with precision, every discussion is meaningful, and every brother is truly dedicated."
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
If you believe you possess the qualifications and character to join our ancient fraternity, we invite you to take the first step. Remember, the tradition holds that men should join of their own free will and accord—by expressing interest, you're honoring this time-honored principle.
Begin Your Masonic JourneyNote: Free-Masonry has always maintained that men should join of their own free will and accord, not from solicitation. By expressing interest, you are taking that first important step on your own accord thus you may knock on the door of Free-Masonry.