Editing Masonic lodge (section)

===History and evolution of requirements===
The membership requirements in Freemasonry have evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal norms and the fraternity's internal guidelines. Some notable developments include:

In the early days of speculative Freemasonry (18th century), the requirement of being a "Free Man" may have stemmed from the refusal of operative masons to share their secrets with slaves, who could be ordered to divulge them.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cooper |first=Robert L. D. |title=Cracking the Freemason's Code |year=2009 |publisher=Rider |location=London |page=197}}</ref>
The "Free Man" requirement may have also been related to the necessity of having a license to trade and employ others, making the candidate a free man of the city or borough where the lodge was located.<ref>{{cite book |last=Cryer |first=Neville Barker |title=What do you know about Ritual |year=2008 |publisher=Lewis Masonic |location=London |pages=7–8}}</ref>
The minimum age requirement has varied over time and across jurisdictions, with some allowing candidates as young as 18 and others setting the limit at 25. The belief in a Supreme Being has been a consistent requirement, although the specific religious affiliation has not been prescribed, reflecting Freemasonry's openness to men of various faiths.