My name is Jorge. I’m 24 years old and live in Manhattan. I’ve been researching and learning about masonry for quite some time and I’d like to become a part of brotherhood. I wouldn’t consider myself religious, but I do believe that their is a supreme being who is responsible for all of us being here. I share a lot of the values, beliefs, and ethics that I’ve found other masons have. And quite frankly, I’d like to join. I love the idea of lifelong learning, self empowerment, and ultimately having a network of brothers to reach out to for advice, guidance, etc.

My one concern is that I’m not certain that Hispanic men are welcome to join. My question, would I be considered the same way everyone else is? I wouldn’t want to apply and go through the motions in vain.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Jorge

Check with the Grand Lodge of New York but I don’t remember race being mentioned as a requirement or a disqualifier to membership. If I remember correctly, the only requirements were a free man of legal age being recommended by 2 brothers. Good luck with your journey.

Thank you for replying. It’s not mentioned as a requirement you are right and apoligize if the question was offensive or abrupt. But I didn’t run across many Hispanic masons in my research, or African American at that. Perhaps it’s a zone thing. How would you suggest I go about meeting two masons that can recommend me given that it’s a requirement? No one in my family is a mason yet, nor do I know a mason.

I am a Mason out of Nevada. I am Mexican. There are no regulations on Race. You do have to be a GOOD man, Freeborn and Belive in a Supreme Being. Find a Lodge that is around you, go in on there weekly or monthly meeting, introduce yourself, express your want for being a FreeMason and all should be good. Good luck on your quest! If you have any other questions do not hesitate to pm me!

Thank you both for replying.

Jorge,

In the early 1970’s, I twice visited La Universal Lodge No. 751, a lodge composed of Spaniards who were refugees from the Franco regime, also of Latino men from Cuba, Puerto Rico, central and South America. The lodge worked in Castellan using an antique ritual. It was a wonderful group of men, with members from all walks of life. It met at the NY Masonic Temple at 71 W. 23rd St.

I did not keep in touch with La Universal, so I do not know if it is still in operation; but if it is, this would be the perfect lodge for you.

You could try calling the NY Masonic Temple, or going to the Grand Lodge of NY website http://www.nymasons.org/contacts.html

Good luck!

To set your mind at ease, in my lodge in Boston, our Junior Steward is Hispanic, our assistant treasurer and Junior Wardens are persian, and two of our recent officers are black.

Ethnicity has nothing what-so-ever to do with the requirements of Freemasonry.