candidate must be personally known to his proposer and seconder, who must themselves be members of the Lodge and able to state that he is a man of good reputation and well fitted to become a member of the Lodge (Rule 159)

APPLICATION NOT INVITATION

33 Rule 162 requires of every candidate that, before his initiation, he sign a declaration:

To the Master, Wardens, Officers and Members of the Lodge of No. _ _ _ _

I, being a free man, and of the full age of twenty-one years, do declare that, unbiassed by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive, I do freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry; that I am prompted by a favourable opinion conceived of the institution, and a desire of knowledge; and that I will cheerfully conform to all the antient usages and the established customs of the Order.

Witness my hand, this _ _ _ _ _ of _ _ _

Witness _ _ _ _ _ _

34 The claim that Freemasons never invite men to join, but all have to apply, needs to be qualified. The booklet Information for the Guidance of Members of the Craft, which is given to every new Mason on his initiation, includes (p.22) a special section on:

SOLICITATION OF CANDIDATES FOR FREEMASONRY

The question of improper solicitation of candidates has been raised on many occasions and the Board feels that a statement on this matter would be helpful to the Craft.

There is no objection to a neutrally worded approach being made to a man who is considered a suitable candidate for Freemasonry. There can be no objection to his being reminded, once, that the approach was made. The potential candidate should then be left to make his own decision, without further solicitation. (Extract from Report of Board of General Purposes adopted 9 December 1981)

Few would dispute that many men have joined the Craft at the suggestion of their friends or colleagues. Nevertheless, all candidates at their initiation are required to state that they come of their own free will.