Begin with inquiry. Continue with character, brotherhood, and commitment.
Freemasonry is not something a man is recruited into. A man must come to it freely, sincerely, and of his own desire. If you are interested in Freemasonry, the first step is to ask questions, learn about the Craft, and begin a conversation with a Lodge.
At St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 560, we welcome sincere inquiries from men who are seeking something meaningful: a life of character, reflection, brotherhood, service, and personal growth. Membership is not automatic. Every applicant must be known to the Lodge, meet the qualifications required by our Grand Lodge, and be found to be of good character and a good fit for our Lodge.
Freemasonry is often described as “making good men better.” At St. Andrew’s, we understand that as a lifelong journey. A man begins that journey for himself, but he does not walk it alone. He walks beside other men who are also seeking to improve themselves, support one another, and live with greater integrity.
What We Look For
St. Andrew’s Lodge is not looking for every man. We are looking for upright men of good character.
An upright man is honest, dependable, respectful, discreet, and sincere. He keeps his word. He treats others with dignity. He is willing to learn, willing to serve, and willing to contribute to the life of the Lodge. He does not need to be perfect, but he must be serious about improving himself and supporting the growth of others.
Freemasonry is a fraternity, but it is not merely a social club. It is a system of moral instruction taught through ritual, symbolism, mentorship, fellowship, and service. At St. Andrew’s, ritual is central to who we are. It gives structure and meaning to the Masonic journey and distinguishes Freemasonry from ordinary organizations.
Basic Qualifications
To be considered for initiation into Freemasonry in Ontario, a petitioner must generally:
- Be a man
- Be of at least 21 Years of Age
- Possess a belief in a supreme being, in whatever form or name
- Be of good moral character
- Come to Freemasonry freely and voluntarily.
To petition St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 560 specifically, an applicant must also generally:
- Reside in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, or within a suitable distance of our Lodge.
- Have resided within the Province of Ontario for the required period under the rules of our Grand Lodge.
- Be able to read and write in English.
- Be willing to get to know the Lodge and allow the Lodge to get to know him.
- Come to Freemasonry freely and voluntarily.
Some circumstances may require additional guidance or dispensation under the rules of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
Belief in a Supreme Being
Freemasonry is not a religion, and it does not replace a man’s faith, church, mosque, synagogue, temple, or personal religious practice. However, belief in a Supreme Being is a requirement for initiation.
Men of different faiths and traditions may meet together in Lodge, provided they share this essential belief and are willing to respect one another. Freemasonry does not ask a man to change his religion. It asks him to be sincere in his belief, respectful of others, and mindful that his actions have moral consequences.
Good Moral Character
Good moral character is the most important qualification.
A man seeking Freemasonry should be honest in his dealings, respectful in his conduct, reliable in his commitments, and sincere in his motives. He should be someone who can be trusted by his Brethren and who is willing to place principle above convenience.
When a man petitions a Lodge, an investigation committee is appointed to meet with him, speak with his references, and learn more about his character and reasons for seeking Freemasonry. The committee reports to the Lodge, and the members of the Lodge decide by ballot whether the petitioner may be admitted.
This process is not meant to be intimidating. It is meant to protect the dignity of the Craft, the harmony of the Lodge, and the seriousness of the commitment being made.
Why St. Andrew’s Lodge?
St. Andrew’s Lodge No. 560 is a Canadian Masonic Lodge in Ottawa with Scottish traditions. Our Lodge was formed by Brethren with Scottish roots, and we continue to honour that heritage through our customs, fellowship, and culture. We wear kilts, celebrate Scottish traditions, and preserve the character passed down to us by those who came before.
At the same time, St. Andrew’s is proudly multicultural. Our members come from different backgrounds, professions, cultures, and walks of life. What unites us is not ancestry, but character, brotherhood, and a shared commitment to the Masonic journey.
New members are supported through mentorship, instruction, and fellowship. As a Brother grows in the Lodge, he also has opportunities to develop responsibility, confidence, leadership, discipline, and service through ritual work, committee work, and the officer line.
The First Step
If you are interested in Freemasonry, we invite you to begin a conversation with us.
Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee membership, and it does not obligate you to petition. It simply allows us to learn a little about you, answer your questions, and help you understand whether Freemasonry, and St. Andrew’s Lodge in particular, may be the right path for you.
