The best way to find out about Freemasonry or becoming a member is to ask a Mason. Masons are always willing to tell the truth about our fraternity. Our fraternity is always open to accepting good men as members.
With all the questionable media publicity given to Freemasonry in recent years, maybe it is best to start by saying what we are NOT:
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We are NOT a “secret society”. People know where we meet and Masonic halls are often prominent structures. However, like any membership-only organizations, only members are admitted to meetings.
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We are NOT a religion or cult. Our members come from diverse religious, political, and social backgrounds. Discussion of religion, politics, or any other potentially divisive issues is prohibited in lodges.
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We are NOT here for the purpose of developing members’ businesses, financial gain, or advancing their careers.
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Despite movie or tv sensationalism, there is NOTHING sinister or demonic in Freemasonry or Masonic symbols. They all represent positive concepts and values.
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Although the fraternity is worldwide, stemming from a common tradition, there is NO central organization that governs Freemasonry. In the United States, each state has its own Grand Lodge with its own governing code of regulations. Each state lodge mutually agrees to recognize each other and each other’s members as well as other lodges worldwide. A Mason is welcome in any lodge in the world if he can provide proof that he is a member in good standing.
What we ARE is a FRATERNITY which seeks to make men better by uniting them, despite any differences they may have. regardless of their economic and social status outside the lodge. The officers of the lodge are elected yearly by the members to lead and that is the only status that matters inside the lodge. Therefore it is important that we screen for membership based upon the willingness of candidates creating harmony. While we realize that all candidates have time limitations, we still want members who are interested in participating in lodge activities as much as possible. We also seek men who are tolerant and respectful toward each other. We leave the world’s controversies at the door and focus on how we are united as Brethren. A Mason in one lodge is recognized as a Brother and welcome in ANY Masonic lodge as long as he can show proof he is a member in good standing in his home lodge. Another benefit is that one Mason may always be able to recognize another Mason as a Brother and trust him as such.
Minimum membership qualifications and how to join the Masonic fraternity in are on the website of Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio. You may also complete this inquiry form and the Lodge will contact you regarding membership.
By Ohio Masonic Code minimum qualifications are:
- Must be an Ohio resident for at least six months and
- Is at least 19 years old
- Have a belief in a single Supreme Being
- Live a good moral and social life1
- Does not advocate the overthrow of the government
- Can read and write English
- Has not been denied admission to another Masonic Lodge 2
- Has completed a formal petition for membership 3
- Is recommended by two members in good standing of the Lodge they wish to join4
No petitioner is entitled to membership even if he meets the minimum standards. When we admit new members, we strive to be selective but not exclusive: selective in that we only admit men of good character; but we do not exclude men based upon irrelevant external factors such as social/economic status, race, or religion. Each petitioner has a friendly, personal interview with two members of the lodge prior to his petition being submitted to the membership for approval. This is needed to determine if the petitioner meets the minimum qualifications for membership, and establish why the petitioner is seeking membership. Personal curiosity or interest, family history, friend’s or relative’s membership, all of these motives and more are valid. We don’t want anyone joining with incorrect ideas or motives and then be disappointed and leave, spreading feelings of resentment which would detract from the reputation of the fraternity. If the petitioner is found to meet all of the qualifications and also found to be properly motivated, his petition will then be passed along to the membership for a vote on acceptance. It therefore takes at least two or three months between application and acceptance of a Petition. But, as they say, all good things are worth waiting for. Petitioners are kept informed of their status during this time. Once elected by the membership, the petitioner is scheduled for his first degree.
Masons are men of integrity and respect. All degree rituals are conducted in accordance with centuries old traditions. Therefore, one assurance we want to make is this: despite malicious rumors and media inferences to the contrary, at no time are any candidates subjected to any indignity. Rituals are taken very seriously by Masons. Every ritual is conducted with the utmost respect to the individual.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio has prepared a video which gives more information about Freemasonry in Ohio. It is posted on 
1 Convictions for felonies or a history of criminal, uncivil, or unethical behavior will normally exclude a person from membership. The Lodge reserves the right to request a background check from any petitioner in order to maintain high standards of membership.
2 Denial of admission in one Masonic Lodge disqualifies anyone from acceptance to ANY other Masonic Lodge. A petitioner must attest he has not been denied membership to a Masonic Lodge. Falsification of a petition will subject the member to disciplinary action up to expulsion.
3 The petition must be signed by two members in good standing of Western Hills-Cheviot Lodge #140. At least $50 of the total $150 degree fee must accompany the signed petition prior to its being submitted to the Lodge and the Investigating Committee. All fees are refunded if any petition is withdrawn or not accepted.
4If the petitioner is not known by at least one of the members of the Lodge signing the petition, the Lodge will need the petitioner to obtain a background check through InfoCheckUSA, a company used by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The small cost is borne by the petitioner. The process is described in the link above.