Understanding "2B1ASK1" in Freemasonry

"2B1ASK1" is a widely recognized phrase within Freemasonry that directly translates to "To Be One, Ask One."

What it means:

• It signifies that Freemasonry is not an invitational society. You cannot be invited to join.

• Instead, if you wish to become a Freemason, you must personally ask an existing Freemason for a petition for membership.

• While Freemasons do not extend invitations, they are committed to responding when someone "asks" them.

Purpose of the "2B1ASK1" Campaign:

• Informs potential members: Its primary goal is to educate individuals that Freemasonry operates on a principle of self-initiation, rather than invitation.

• Facilitates the first step: It guides interested men on how to begin the process of joining a Masonic Lodge.

Key Requirements for Membership: For those considering joining, the general requirements include:

• Conformity: Willingness to adhere to the fraternity's customs and usages.

• Background Check: Agreement to undergo a background check.

• Criminal Record: No pending criminal charges or an extensive criminal record.

• Desire to Help: A genuine and sincere desire to assist others.

• Petition: Willingness to sign a petition for membership.

• Belief in a Supreme Being: The profession of a belief in a Supreme Being is a fundamental requirement.

Freemasonry is a fraternity. Its membership is restricted to men, but there is no hazing as is found in some college fraternities. The Masonic Order is a serious group.   It exists to take good men and help them to become better men. Thus, it is not a reform society. It does not exist to reform criminals, nor would such persons benefit from its teachings.

Variously known as Freemasonry, Masonry, or The Craft, the beginnings of our fraternity are lost to history. Although Masonry is believed to be the oldest surviving fraternal organization in the world, its founding is uncertain. Freemasonry can be easily traced to sixteenth-century Scotland, although the first Masonic governing body was not founded until 1717 in London. The oldest Masonic document, the Regius poem, dates to around 1390 A.D.   We know of no Masonry before that date. Somewhere between 1390 and 1717, lodges of operative masons began to accept members who did not work in the building trade. Eventually, whole lodges composed of such persons arose, leading to a transition from lodges composed of stone masons to lodges consisting of men from other occupations who gathered and shared a ritual replete with allusions to carpentry, architecture, and stone masonry.

In 1717, four of these lodges in England met and formed the first Grand Lodge.   A Grand Lodge is a Masonic body having jurisdiction over the lodges within a certain geographical area. Each state has its own Grand Lodge.   Also, the District of Columbia has its own Grand Lodge.

Symbolic, Craft, or Blue Lodge Masonry has three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. In early Speculative Masonry, there was only one degree. Later, a two-degree system developed, and finally, the three-degree system of today evolved and was firmly in place by around 1760 A.D.

A "degree" is a drama in which a newcomer to Masonry, the candidate, is made to play a key part. These dramas have several progressive characteristics; that is, they build on each other. These dramas are enacted with only Masons being present and are for the purpose of moral instruction. A unique characteristic of each Masonic degree is an "obligation" taken by the candidate. The obligation is an oath taken to instruct the candidate in his Masonic duty.

The three degrees have a biblical basis, and much biblical imagery is used in their ritual. The central biblical image used in Masonic ritual is that of the building of King Solomon's Temple, as meticulously described in the Old Testament books of I Kings and II Chronicles. Whenever a Masonic lodge is in session, the Holy Bible is opened upon the lodge's altar.

Masonry requires its adherents to believe in God and in life after death, though it asks no one to expound upon the particulars of his understanding of those two beliefs. There is some memory work the candidate must learn after each degree is conferred upon him. He has a set amount of time to learn the catechism, that is, a set of questions and answers, and to recite them before the lodge members at a lodge meeting.

Masonry is not a religion. Nothing in Freemasonry interferes with a man's religious life. The worldwide Masonic fraternity includes people of all faiths and Christian denominations. Religion and politics are two subjects not allowed to be discussed when a lodge is in session.

Masonry teaches the importance of helping the less fortunate. It especially stresses care for the widows and orphans of Masons.   Indeed, most Grand Lodges have within their jurisdiction a home for aged Masons, their wives and widows, and a home for Masonic orphans.

Masonry asks its candidates not to tell non-Masons the details of its ritual. This is not because Masonry is ashamed of anything. An element of secrecy heightens interest in Masonic teaching. It is also because most people would not benefit from being introduced to Masonic teachings outside of the Masonic degree system.

Why do Masons keep their rituals a secret? For the same reason, the ancient stonemasons kept their trade secrets. Their secrecy helped to maintain a better quality of work. Our secrecy today helps us to make a good man better. It is difficult to believe that the secrets of Masonry are evil when you consider the heritage of Masonry, which includes a long list of influential leaders such as Paul Revere, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, Douglas MacArthur, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Houston. It is difficult to believe that the secrets of Masonry are evil when you see so many Masons working as a vital part of every community to provide better churches, better schools, and better governments. It is difficult to look into the eyes of a little child in a Shrine Hospital and say the secrets of Masonry are evil. If we believe the biblical teaching, "by their fruits, ye shall know them," then we must accept that the secrets of Masonry help to make a good man better.

The influence of Masonry is like the influence of the home and the influence of the church. It does not produce perfect human beings. Despite the best efforts of the home, there has never been a perfect child.   Despite the church's best efforts, there has never been a perfect Christian. Despite the best efforts of Masonry, there has never been a perfect Mason.

Nevertheless, there is a place for all of these in our society.   Man's essential nature is such that he needs every good influence he can get.  He needs the powerful influence of a good home.   He needs the powerful influence of a dedicated church of dedicated believers. He needs the influence of dedicated teachers in the public schools.   But, when it is all said and done, it doesn't hurt to have a little extra push from civic organizations, professional organizations, and fraternal organizations.

Steps to Becoming a Prince Hall Freemason in Texas

The Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons fraternity emphasizes that membership is sought "of a man's own free will." No Texas Mason will ever solicit you to join. The process begins with your initiative.

Here are the general steps a man seeking membership should consider:

Phase 1: Initial Exploration & Connection

1. Ask for Information:

   • If you know a Mason, approach them directly and ask about the fraternity. They are generally happy to discuss it.

   • If you don't know a Mason, utilize the Lodge Locator on their website or the "contact us" form to connect with a lodge nearby.

2. Visit the Lodge:

   • Find out when guests are welcome, often before regular stated meetings (which are usually monthly).

   • Take this opportunity to meet members, ask questions, and get a feel for the lodge's atmosphere. Most lodges have dinner before meetings where guests are welcome.

   • If there are multiple lodges in your area, visit a few to find the one that best aligns with your interests and needs.

Phase 2: Formal Petitioning

3. Request a Petition:

   • Obtain a petition for membership from a Mason or directly from the lodge you wish to join.

   • Your petition will require signatures from several Masons. If you don't know any, the lodge can offer guidance on this.

4. Submit Your Petition:

   • Turn in your completed petition to the lodge. Inquire about any accompanying fees.

   • Your petition will be formally received and read during a stated meeting of the lodge.

Phase 3: Lodge Review & Decision

5. The Investigation:

   • The Worshipful Master of the lodge will assign three members to interview you and conduct a background check.

   • These investigators may wish to meet you at your home. They will ask a standard set of questions, and potentially additional ones. Honesty is paramount; perfection is not expected.

6. The Ballot:

   • The investigators will submit their reports and recommendations to the lodge by a set deadline.

   • Their findings will be read during a stated meeting.

   • The Master will then call for a ballot, and eligible Masons will vote on your petition. The outcome will be announced to the lodge.

Phase 4: After the Decision

7. Notification and Next Steps:

   • A lodge member will contact you shortly after the ballot to inform you of the results.

   • If the ballot is favorable, you will be given instructions and a date and time will be set for you to begin receiving the Masonic Degrees.

This clear, step-by-step guide effectively demystifies the path to joining the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons in Texas.