Join Us — Bethel Lodge No. 61

Is Masonry Right for You?

When you join Freemasonry, you join a band of brothers stretching from coast to coast and beyond. You will begin the craft of becoming the best version of yourself and open doors of self-enrichment, brotherhood, and charity. All Freemasons are held to the same standard and must be of good character and reputation to become and remain a member.

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Male, Age 19 or Older Must be a male at least 19 years of age and an Ohio resident for at least six months.
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Belief in a Supreme Being Candidates must profess a belief in Deity. Freemasonry is not affiliated with any particular religion.
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Good Moral Character Candidates must be of good reputation as a man of honor and integrity, and be able to read and write English.
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Background Check Candidates must be prepared to obtain a background check if requested by the lodge.

"Knock on any Lodge door and you will be welcomed by men who, although you've never met, you can be sure share your values." — Grand Lodge of F&AM of Ohio

The Path to Membership

What to expect when you petition Bethel Lodge No. 61

Reach Out

Submit your interest through the Grand Lodge of Ohio Membership Manager, or approach a Mason you know. We will set up a "get to know you" meeting — an opportunity for you to meet your potential brothers and learn what Ohio Freemasonry truly is.

Obtain a Petition

If you're ready to continue your Masonic journey after the initial meeting, you'll be asked to fill out a petition and submit it to the lodge. Depending on the lodge's meeting schedule, the process from inquiry to petition could take up to six weeks.

Investigation Committee

After your petition is read in lodge, a committee of three brothers will visit with you and your family to learn more about you and answer any remaining questions.

Ballot in Lodge

The lodge votes on your petition by secret ballot. All votes must be in your favor for you to be elected to receive the degrees.

The Three Degrees

You will receive the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Each is a rich, memorable ceremony full of allegory and symbolism that will stay with you for life.

Welcome, Brother

Upon raising to the sublime degree of Master Mason, you are a full member of the lodge and the universal brotherhood of Freemasonry.

Common Questions

Is Freemasonry a religion or a secret society?

Freemasonry is neither a religion nor a secret society. It is a fraternal organization that requires a belief in a Supreme Being but is not affiliated with any particular faith, and is not meant in any way to interfere with an individual's commitment to his faith, family, or occupation. While some of our ceremonies are private to members, we are a society "with secrets" rather than a secret society — our existence, membership, and purposes are openly known.

How much does it cost to join?

There is an initiation fee for receiving the three degrees, and annual dues thereafter. Fees vary by lodge. Contact our Secretary for current figures — we believe the value of membership far exceeds the cost.

How much time is required?

Bethel Lodge No. 61 holds regular stated meetings monthly, plus occasional special events and degree work. There is no minimum attendance requirement, though active participation enriches the experience for yourself and your brothers.

Can I join if a family member was a Mason?

Absolutely. Masonry has a proud tradition of passing from father to son, grandfather to grandson. Many lodges have families with multiple generations of membership — a beautiful continuity of the Craft.

What happens in a lodge meeting?

Stated communications include opening and closing ritual, lodge business (minutes, bills, ballots), and often a Masonic education program. Degree work is performed at special communications. Prior to meetings, the brothers typically gather for refreshment and fellowship.

Get in Touch

Ready to take the first step? We'd love to hear from you.

Contact the Lodge

Have questions? Want to attend a public event or learn more? Reach out to our Secretary — all inquiries are welcome and treated with discretion.

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secretary@bethellodge61.org

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[Lodge Address]
[City, State ZIP]

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Stated Meeting: [Day] of each month
[Time]

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Interested in Joining Bethel No. 61?

The Grand Lodge of Ohio provides an official online membership inquiry form through the Masonic Membership Manager. Submitting your interest there notifies our lodge directly and is the easiest way to take the first step.

Submit Your Interest →

You'll be taken to the official Grand Lodge of Ohio Masonic Membership Manager. Prefer to reach out directly? Email our Secretary at secretary@bethellodge61.org.

Join Our Brotherhood