Many of our founding fathers were Freemasons. George Washington was the first of 14 Presidents of the United States to be a member of the fraternity, as well as 13 signers of the Constitution.  In more recent history members of the fraternity include President Truman, General Douglas McArthur, numerous astronauts, entertainers, and sports figures. More importantly, millions of  men such as yourself.

  Freemasonry enjoys over three million members world wide and draws to it's ranks men from every profession and occupation, all meeting on the "Level."  While each man may have his own religious and political views and opinions, they all share one common bond, the belief in one God, and the need to treat each man with brotherly love and affection.

  It is the internal and not the external qualifications that should recommend a  man to be a Mason. It does not consider any man for his worldly wealth or honor as a qualification for membership. Nor does it place any requirements on a man's political or religious affiliations.  Masonry seeks to "make good men better." It therefore looks to those men who have already demonstrated strong moral background, and exemplary character. In Maryland a candidate for Masonry must also be at least 18 years of age, and must profess his belief in a Supreme Being as no atheist can be made a Mason.

  Anyone seeking membership into Freemasonry should first seek out a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must first sign a petition on which he states his name, age, occupation, and place of residence, as well as his belief in a Supreme Being.  This petition will be investigated and brought before the members of the Lodge who will vote by secret ballot.   To be accepted, the results of this ballot must be unanimous.  In the event that you do not have a member of the fraternity in your circle of friends and acquaintances, it is recommended that you contact our Secretary or you may, call the Grand Lodge for further assistance at: 410-527-0600.

  Masonry is not an Religion, it is the oldest and largest fraternity in the world, and only a fraternity. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being to become a member, and accepts men of any faith. It does not try to compete with religion.  Instead, the fraternity strongly encourages you to be active in the church of your choice, and pursue your own religious beliefs. The prayers we use to open and close a Lodge meeting are non-denominational as we have members who embrace different faiths.

  If you are interested in learning more about Freemasonry there are over 50,000 books published on the subject,  some of which  may be found in your local libraries. Feel free to contact the Masonic Lodge in your area, or the Office of the Grand Lodge of Maryland in Cockeysville, Md.at  the above number.

  Two excellent books that you may wish to read are The Pilgrim's Path, written by John J. Robinson, who, after several years of researching the fraternity, became so impressed with it that he petitioned a Lodge and became a member; the other is very new on the market, and is one of the "Dummy" series - Freemasons for Dummies is the title, and is easy reading and very informative. It also explores and explodes the falsehoods about the fraternity.

  It is our hope and desire that this information will tell you more about our fraternity, "The Gentle Craft," and assist you in becoming a member of the oldest and largest fraternity in the world.

  Having said this, please be aware that there are a large number of organizations claiming to belong to the Masonic family, but are not recognized as such. Be sure to verify the authenticity of these claims before you seek to petition a Lodge. Many are there as a result of a few disgruntled individuals that may have been suspended or expelled, and have left their regular Lodge. These groups tend to come and go, and some seek your initiation fee and dues, only to disappear overnight. One internet site you may want to visit to help make this determination is

http://masonicinfo.com/grandlodges.htm - if the Lodge is not under the Grand Lodges listed on this site - they are not considered as if the Lodge - they are not considered as "Recognized Lodges". You may also visit http://www.masonicinfo.com/fakemasonry.htm and http://www.thephylaxis.org/bogus/bogusgrandlodges.php   for other information on fake or bogus "Masonry".

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 As results of the ever-increasing cost of maintaining the old Charles Street Temple in downtown Baltimore, the Grand Lodge of Maryland pursued and built a new Lodge Building in Cockeysville, Maryland. In 1996 by the order of Grand Master of Maryland, Ponzillo P.M., and after meeting for over a 110 years in the old Charles Street Temple, Sincerity Lodge #181, relocated to the new Grand Lodge building located at

 In 1998, in an effort to make it more convenient for the craft, George F. Hall Sr. P.M.W.M & William H. Davenport P.M, Sec. of Sincerity Lodge, wrote a request asking the newly elected Grand Master of Maryland, Francis E. Larrimore P.M., for permission to relocate from the Grand Lodge building in Cockeysville. In 1998, Grand Master Francis E. Larrimore P.M. granted the request, and with the approval of the craft, in 1999 Sincerity Lodge #181 officially relocated to Palestine Lodge #189 Masonic Center, located in Catonsville, Maryland 21228.

 In November, 2001 Sincerity Lodge #181 elected with the approval of the craft, and at the invitation of Odenton Lodge #209, to relocate to the newly constructed Odenton Masonic Temple located in Anne Arundel County, Odenton, Maryland 21113. Sincerity  Lodge enjoys far-reaching membership all over the State of Maryland, the US. and abroad.

 Today the Members, Officers and Past Masters still work very hard to make Sincerity Lodge #181 a valuable lodge, and thanks to their dedication many others will enjoy the Rites and Benefits Sincerity has to offer.

Membership Qualifications

In some Masonic jurisdictions, a man must be at least 21 years-of-age. In the State of Maryland, a man must be at least 18 years-of-age

Be of good moral character

Have a personal belief in a Supreme Being (the definition of a Supreme Being is a personal matter for each individual)

Decide to become a Mason of "your own free will and accord”; without expectation of any material gain or benefits

Be loyal to your country

Be dedicated to providing for your own family

Have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others

Possess a desire to help others through community service and universal benevolence

 Subject to being considered eligible and properly motivated, you will be asked to complete an application for membership and return it to your local Lodge Secretary.