INQUIRE
Columbia Lodge welcomes serious inquiries concerning membership from freemasons and other men of good character who are students, alumni, faculty, or staff of — or have some other strong connection with — Columbia University in the City of New York.
Master Masons from grand jurisdictions in amity with the Grand Lodge of New York are welcome to visit with us. Please contact us beforehand for details.
Although we are unable to accept petitions from women, any woman who wishes to experience Freemasonry has many options and should feel free to contact us for further information.
"Nearly 2 million men are Freemasons in the United States today, with another 2 million worldwide, and the numbers are growing. Freemasonry can be found in almost every country of the world and is highly visible in almost every major historical occurrence in the United States from the Revolutionary War to the laying of the Capitol cornerstone.
Freemasonry is open to any man regardless of race, religion, nationality, social status or wealth as long as they hold a belief in a supreme being and have good moral character. Freemasonry does not interfere with duties that a man owes to his God, his country, his neighbors or his family. It helps a good man become a better man, father, husband, brother or son.
The basic qualifications for admission are that you are a man, of 18 years or older, and have a belief in a Supreme Being. If you meet these qualifications, we recommend you read about Freemasonry, here on our site and elsewhere, and speak with a family member, friend, or other person you know to be a member. He may be able to provide useful information to you about the Fraternity that may help you decide whether you wish to pursue membership. He may also be able to refer you to one or more lodges that meet in your neighborhood, or one particularly suited to your candidacy.
Those wishing to join Freemasonry must ask a member. Freemasons do not solicit members. You must approach a Freemason or Masonic lodge on your own accord in order to be considered for the degrees of Freemasonry.
When you make contact with a lodge or with a member of a lodge, you are likely to be invited to one or more events, where you and the members of the lodge will have the opportunity to get to know each other. If you would like to become a member of a lodge, you may ask a member for a petition to be initiated into Freemasonry. After submitting a petition, you will meet with a committee of members of the lodge, who will make a recommendation to the lodge regarding your candidacy."
(Courtesy of Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia)