Robert Burns Lodge № 59 practices an observant style of Freemasonry that sets us apart in Las Vegas. We focus on a qualitative experience over quantity. This includes:

• Limited Membership: We maintain a maximum of 42 members to ensure quality interactions and meaningful brotherhood.
• Formal Atmosphere: We uphold traditional formality in dress, ritual work, and conduct to create a dignified atmosphere.
• Philosophical Focus: We dedicate significant time to exploring the deeper philosophical and esoteric aspects of Freemasonry.
• Educational Excellence: Every meeting includes Masonic education, paper presentations, and intellectual discussion.
• Traditional Festive Boards: We continue the time-honored tradition of formal dining, fellowship, and philosophical debate after meetings.

The journey is deliberate and unfolds in stages:

1. First Contact: Your journey begins with a conversation. Contact our Lodge directly to express your interest.
2. Getting Acquainted: We invite you to public events and our festive boards (dinner gatherings). This allows you to know us, and us to know you. This period typically lasts 6-12 months.
3. Formal Petition: Once mutual interest is established, you'll be provided with a petition, which requires two member recommendations.
4. Investigation: Three Lodge members will conduct a thorough but respectful investigation, including interviews, to explore your character and motivations.
5. The Three Degrees: If accepted, you'll progress through the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason degrees. Each involves a centuries-old ceremony and significant educational requirements.
6. Lifelong Learning: Becoming a Master Mason is not the end but a beginning. Regular attendance, ongoing education, and active participation are expected.

We are highly selective to ensure candidates are prepared for the obligations and that our Lodge harmony is maintained.

A rejection does not mean a candidate is "unworthy," but simply that he may not have been the right fit for our particular Lodge at this time. In early Nevada Freemasonry, some Lodges rejected up to 70% of applicants.

If rejected, a candidate must wait one year before petitioning our Lodge again or petitioning a different Lodge. Many distinguished Masons were initially asked to wait.

• Belief in a Supreme Being: In this jurisdiction Freemasonry requires this belief, but we do not dictate its form. Men of all religious backgrounds are welcome.
• Good Character: Candidates must be men of good reputation in their community with no felony convictions.
• Age: In Nevada, candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
• Nevada Residency: Candidates should be residents of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
• Sound Mind: Candidates must be capable of understanding and participating in our ceremonies and intellectual discourse.
• Free Will and Accord: You must join of your own free will, not from external pressure or for material motives, we are looking for intelectually free individuals.

Time: This is a significant commitment. The "Getting Acquainted" period is 6-12 months *before* petitioning. After being accepted, progressing through the three degrees is not rushed; it involves a great deal of Masonic work and typically takes about three years to complete in our Lodge although there is no minimum. As a member, regular attendance at meetings, education, and festive boards and agapes is expected.

Cost: Membership involves an initial petition fee, degree fees, and annual dues. We believe membership should be a meaningful commitment without being prohibitive. Specific amounts will be discussed during your introduction. Our Lodge is financially self-sustained by its dues.

No. While this jurisdiction requires belief in a Supreme Being, Freemasonry is not a religion and does not seek to replace one's personal faith. Speculative Freemasonry emerged from the Enlightenment and requires that a man be a free-thinker. It never imposes a creed or dogma on its members and always respects individual conscience.

Our Lodge requires regular attendance, active participation, ongoing education, a true dedication to the impartial search for truth, self-improvement, and upholding the highest standards of moral conduct. We particularly value:

• Attendance at stated meetings and festive boards.
• Ritual proficiency and a willingness to learn.
• Philosophical engagement and contributing to discussions.