This personal account of the first steps toward becoming a Freemason remains one of the most-read articles on our site. It describes a deeply relatable journey: from initial curiosity and careful preparation to the nerve-wracking interview with two Master Masons. An honest, first-hand story that has lost none of its relevance — read on to discover how the admission process actually works in practice.
From Introduction to Application
After my initial introduction to a few Freemasons and a guided tour of the lodge, the next step presented itself. I filled out several forms and sent them in. Based on those forms, a meeting was scheduled with two Master Masons. However, this wouldn’t take place until after my summer holiday — giving me some time to reflect and prepare.
Reading Up: “The Hidden Spirituality of Freemasonry”
Following my initial visit, I ordered a book called De verborgen Spiritualiteit van de Vrijmetselarij (The Hidden Spirituality of Freemasonry) by Karel Musch. I genuinely wanted to learn more about Freemasonry before going any further. But it was also a matter of respect — respect for the people who were about to invest their time and energy in me. Imagine discovering that Freemasonry wasn’t for you at all, only after you’d already been initiated!
During my holiday, the book clarified a great deal for me. It reinforced my feeling that I was on the right path. However, there was also a significant caveat — one I wouldn’t discover until my next meeting at the lodge.
Why You Need Two Master Masons
To join a Masonic lodge, your application must be supported by two Master Masons. In earlier times, most people came into contact with Freemasonry through personal connections — friends, colleagues, or family members who were already Masons. These Brethren could vouch for you because they already knew you well from everyday life.
Nowadays, many candidates find their way to Freemasonry through other channels. In my case, it was through personal research. Despite asking around among friends and acquaintances, nobody in my circle turned out to be a Freemason. Still, two Master Masons are required to support your application for membership. That’s exactly why this formal meeting was arranged.
The Interview: Honest, Probing, and Slightly Uncomfortable
I met the two Masters at the lodge. One of them I already knew from my earlier tour — a calm, composed man. The other I had only seen in passing but hadn’t spoken to before. I introduced myself, and we settled into what felt like a pleasant conversation.
But pleasant as it was, I could also sense some friction. They asked me questions I was perfectly able to answer, but because I had already read the book I mentioned earlier, my responses weren’t quite what they were hoping for. I wasn’t coming in with a completely open mind — I had preconceptions and frameworks already in place. This meant the interview didn’t paint a fully accurate picture of who I really was.
Fortunately, this was acknowledged openly during our conversation. Once we addressed it, the rest of the interview went smoothly. The experience taught me an important lesson: in Freemasonry, showing up with genuine openness matters far more than showing up with the “right” answers.
What Happens After the Interview
Following the interview, my application moved forward. It was sent to the secretariat of the Grand Lodge — the governing body of Freemasonry in the Netherlands. From there, my name was circulated to every lodge in the country. This begins a two-month waiting period during which any lodge or member can raise objections. Is there anything in my past that might prevent me from becoming a Freemason? Does anyone have concerns?
In my case, the two-month period stretched a bit longer since it overlapped with summer holidays. Patience, I was learning, is very much part of the Masonic journey.
The interview with two Master Masons is a pivotal moment in the Freemasonry admission process. It’s not a test you pass or fail in the traditional sense — it’s a genuine conversation designed to understand who you are and whether you’re ready for the journey ahead. If you’re considering joining a lodge, my advice would be to stay curious but also stay open. You don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. The beauty of Freemasonry lies in the discovery — and that process begins long before initiation.
Copyright text & image: devrijmetselaar.nl
Texts are based on the ideas and content of the author of devrijmetselaar.nl, reviewed, corrected, and supplemented with the assistance of OpenAI. Images are created based on the ideas of the author of devrijmetselaar.nl using OpenAI/DALL-E.
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