I am a convicted felon, can I obtain membership?

Sometimes men make mistakes in their youth or have other circumstances that provide a reasonable explanation for any adverse circumstances they may have encountered. A determination will be made by the investigating committee of the lodge you petition (petitioning a lodge is not Widows Sons business). Under no circumstances can a man receive the degrees if he has not paid his debt to society, continues to engage in criminal activity, or lies on his petition.

I’m interested in membership, what do I do now and how to I find out more?

Use the contact link in the menu on your left to contact us for more information. Make sure you have read the Frequently Asked Questions first and understand the basic requirements.

What are the requirements to be a Master Mason?

Under the Grand Lodge of Illinois Ancient & Free Accepted Masons the requirements for initiation are as follows:

(from the Grand Lodge of Illinois website: http://www.ilmason.org)

Requirements

Membership is open to men of every race, religion, culture, and income level. The basic requirements for membership are as follows:

- Be age 18 or older

- Have resided in Illinois resident for at least six months (unless specially waived)

- Be able to read and write English

- Be of good moral and social character; and

- Believe in a Supreme Deity (necessary to take certain oaths, otherwise no obligation
would be binding upon you).

Men usually seek out a Lodge near their home or workplace or ask a Mason they know to recommend a Lodge to them. Masonry is not for everyone, however. It does not purport to reform bad men, only to provide a lifelong opportunity for good men to improve themselves and those around them.

The Masonic Fraternity seeks only men of good character as members. In fact, Masonic Lodges are required to review every applicant’s moral and social character, and members must be unanimously balloted upon in a Lodge by all members present.

Alternately, an Illinois Mason can inform a good man that he knows that should he wish to join, he is welcome to do so under a program called Invitation to Petition. So, if a Mason who knows you believes you have the requisite character traits, he may propose you for membership in a Lodge and have your name balloted upon, and then inform you of this action.

Or you may proactively seek out membership on your own by asking a Mason for a petition or completing and submitting the information request form via the following link. In either case, the choice is still yours.

What are the requirements to join the Widows Sons Chicago Chapter?

1. Be a Master Mason in good standing of a regular Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand Lodge of Illinois AF&AM. Or, be able and willing to become a Master Mason under the Grand Lodge of Illinois AF&AM.

2. Ride a motorcycle 500cc or larger.

3. Be able to fit in with the chapter and, after a period of riding with us, be voted in by the Brothers.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. It is a system of morality based upon symbols and allegory, a place where men may associate who otherwise would have remained at a perpetual distance, a means of conciliating true friendship and Brotherhood, a charitable institution, a philosophy based upon spirituality, and many other things. It is an enigma, completely unique in this world. It is not a religion or a cult. For more information visit: http://masonicinfo.com

Are you guys a motorcycle “club”?

No. We are a motorcycle association comprised of Master Masons. Motorcycle clubs typically involve much more dedication and a great deal more commitment than associations. Club members “earn” their patches, association members buy them. Being Masonic, we predicate our Brother’s commitment and dedication based upon his progression through the Masonic degrees.

Are you guys a motorcycle “gang”?

No, absolutely not. We are all Freemasons and actively promote various Masonic charities. Many of us are leaders in our communities and live normal, respectable lives. We have Brothers from all walks of life.