Terre Haute Lodge No. 19, F. & A. M.
Chartered September 13, 1821
Freemasonry is a fraternity of men dedicated to improving the individual, our families, and our communities, by holding its members to higher standards. It serves to strengthen its members in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities through the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, and by promoting liberty, equality, and tolerance.
It is the oldest fraternal organization in the world, comprised of men from almost every country and of nearly every ethnic group and religion.
Freemasonry provides many opportunities to members. It offers the chance for service in lodge offices, allowing the member to develop valuable leadership skills and experience. Masons enjoy the fellowship of other Brothers in their local community and around the world. Our members gain instruction provided through our ceremonies, as well as our vast library of esoteric and philosophical works. Finally, Freemasonry has always been devoted to the cause of humanity and the needs of our fellow man. Masons are charitable, providing monetary and volunteer assistance in the community.
Famous men and events throughout history have been connected to our great Fraternity, but they are far too numerous to share here. If its ideals and history interest you, continue reading to discover how you can become a member.
The essential qualification to become a Freemason is a belief in Deity. Freemasons recognize the concept of the “Brotherhood of Man, under the Fatherhood of God.” It is this understanding of our relationship to the Divine and to each other that unites us upon the same level. Additionally, under Indiana Masonic Law, a petitioner for membership must be of good character, at least 18 years of age, and a resident of Indiana for at least six months.
If you would like to become a Freemason, contact our Lodge or a Mason you know, or download a petition from this website. The petition should be completed in full, signed by two members of Terre Haute Lodge No. 19 who will recommend you, and returned to the Lodge with the accompanying fee of $150.00, and an be paid online. Additionally, you will be required to complete a mandatory background check ($14.45) available here.
After your petition has been received, the Lodge will contact and arrange to meet with you. If you are elected to membership, you will be advised of the date of your Entered Apprentice Degree. On that date, after a brief ritualistic opening, the petitioner is prepared and introduced to the Lodge. This age-old process is a solemn and enlightening experience, and the candidate need not worry about any embarrassing or compromising situations arising during the ceremonies.
After the conclusion of the degree, you will be required to memorize certain key passages of ritual to help impress its lessons upon your mind.
After you have proven your proficiency on that degree to the Lodge, you will be asked to return for the Fellow Craft Degree. Following a proficiency examination on that degree, you will advance to the last and highest level of Ancient Craft Masonry, the sublime degree of Master Mason.
As a Master Mason, you will then be a full, voting member of the Lodge, eligible to serve in office and on committee as well as being able to continue your Masonic journey in the various organizations of the Fraternity such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Shrine.
To maintain your membership in the Lodge and to keep you eligible for membership in other Masonic organizations, you will be required to pay annual dues. Our dues are currently $150.00 and are payable by January 1st of each year. Different payment options are available, including purchasing a Life Membership.
Freemasonry is not a religion nor does it require a religious affiliation. However, it does require a belief in Deity, and its members worship in congregations of their choice. Some are ordained priests, ministers, or rabbis; many serve in lay capacities; and others have no affiliation. With origins in post-Reformation England, Freemasonry's allegories and rituals are rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition. They exemplify mankind's universal experience and inculcate an admired moral and ethical value system. With respect to religion, Freemasonry simply teaches the "Fatherhood of God" and the “Brotherhood of Man.”
Freemasonry is also not a “secret society.” It is a fraternity of men who are proud to be known as Masons. Since our inception, the world has known of speculative Freemasonry and its work. Freemasonry does, however, have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition. Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies, and rituals for conferring the Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets. Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, craft, and proceedings are widely available to the public.
