Still Have Questions?

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest fraternal organizations, tracing its roots back to the stonemasons who built the great catherdrals of medieval Europe. Today, it is a society of men bound together by a shared commitment to personal development, mutual support, and service to others.

Masons meet in lodges to share fellowship, participate ceremonies, study the symbolism and philosophy of the Craft, and work together on charitable endeavors in their communities.

The first step is to get to know us. Masonry is a lifelong commitment,  and we want to be certain it is the right fit. You are welcomed to contact the Secretary, and visit on a stated meeting night for dinner, or meet a current member for coffee.

When you are ready, ask a Mason for a petition. Once you submit it, an investigation committee will meet with you, and the Lodge will vote on your application. It is simple as that.

There is a one-time fee for each of the three degrees, which covers the cost of your initiation, degree materials, and Grand Lodge assessments. After that, members pay annual dues to help maintain the Lodge building and support its charitable work.

Exact amounts change from time to time. Please contact the Secretary for current fees and dues.

Freemasons wear aprons in remembrance of their historical roots in operative stonemasonry, where aprons protected workers’ clothing. In modern Freemasonry, the apron is a ceremonial emblem of purity, honest labor, and moral conduct. Its design can also indicate a member’s degree, office, or affiliation within the fraternity.

Regular Freemasonry, including the Grand Lodge of Texas, is a fraternity for men. However, there several related Masonic-family organizations that welcome women, including the Order of the Eastern Star, which is open to Master Masons and their female relatives. Young people also have opportunities to participate through DeMolay International (young men) and International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

There are three degrees in Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Each degree includes both a ceremonial initiation and a period of study memorization of a proficiecy.

Dependinging on how quickly a candidate learns his work and Lodge’s calendar, the full journey for petition to Master Mason typically takes several months to a year.

No. Masonry is often described as “a society with secrets” rather than a secret society. Our buildings are clearly marked, our members are openly known, and charitable work is public. What we keep private are the specific modes of recognition and ceremonial traditions that has been past down for centuries – details that every Mason promises to safeguard.

Z. S. Teague Moody Lodge #568 holds its Stated Meeting on the second Thursday of every month. A light meal is served at 6:30 PM, followed by the meeting at 7:30 PM. Additional called meetings are held throughout the year for degree work and special events.

Prospective members are warmly welcomed to join us for dinner before a stated meeting. Please see our calendar for upcoming dates.