Masonry means many things to many people. This is
true not only of the person who is not a Mason , but
applies as well to Masons themselves.
It has a different connotation in different situations.
Someone has written that Freemasonry is honesty in
business; fairness in work; courtesy in society; compassion
for the sick and unfortunate; forgiveness for
the penitent; love for our fellow man and reverence
for God .
Yes, it is all of these, but it is more . Freemasonry is a
philosophy to live by.
Today the Masonic Lodge is termed speculative because
its emphasis is on the moral philosophy which
is its foundation, rather than the operative art of the
Sixteenth and earlier centuries . The tool s of the
stonemason are used to symbolize moral virtues rather
than to build cathedrals.
Through symbolism and allegories taught by rituals
and written word , Masons learn the principles of
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth . The principles of
Freemasonry are based on a feeling of deep love of
country, regard for one's fellow man and a personal
commitment to live a virtuous life .
Most men join a fraternal order to make friends and enjoy a camaraderie with like minded people . Masons and their families enjoy good clean fun together.
MASONRY HAS PURPOSEThe bond between Masonic Brothers is strong because all good Masons strive to grow - to become better men, which is the purpose of Freemasonry.
MASONRY IS PRESTIGIOUSEvery man must earn the right to become - and to remain - a Mason, upright in the eyes of his Brethren and the general public.
MASONRY IS DEMOCRATICPresidents, Royalty and the man next door meet as equals in the Lodge room. They are all Masons.
MASONRY IS NEXT DOOROver 600 Lodges serve communities throughout California and Hawaii. Lodges are located in Free Countries throughout the world.
MASONRY EXTENDS A WARM WELCOMEMasonry does not solicit new members. Rather, it welcomes good men who voluntarily ask a Mason to introduce them to membership.
Millions of Masons may, at any given moment. Experience the sudden pleasure when two men meet at home or abroad and discover their Masonic Brotherhood, despite possible differences in language, religion, social heritage or political affiliation.
MASONRY IS RELIGIOUSFreemasonry is not a religion eve n though it is religious in character. It does not pretend to take the place of religion or serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. Freemasonry complements, and draws members from all major religions of the world.
MASONRY IS CHARITABLEMasonry supports many charities (millions of dollars per day in this country), but it is not strictly a charitable organization.
MASONRY IS PATRIOTICMasons fought with other patriots to win, and later to save our precious freedoms. Masons are taught allegiance to their country, to obey its laws and to discharge their civic duties of preserving peace and good order in society.
MASONRY AND FREEDOM HAND IN HANDMasonry exists in virtually every free country. Masons helped found our country and write its constitution. The sculptor who designed and built the Statue of Liberty was a Freemason and much of the funds to erect it were donated by Freemasons.
- FALSE -
Masonry want s and welcomes good men , but Masons cannot ask a man to become a Mason . Non-Masons must ask to become Masons .
" I DON'T HAVE THE TIME. "- FALSE-
new Mason must attend Lodge three to six times during an average of nine months to receive degrees and pass proficiencies . He receives coaching and study at his own convenience. Thereafter, he attends as time permits .
" I AM NO LONGER CAPABLE OF LEARNING. "- FALSE -
Even men in the ir later years oft en surprise themselves . Anything worthwhile deserves an effor t, and reasonable effort can produce success.
" THE MASONIC BROTHERHOOD DOES NOT ALLOW MEMBERSOF MY RELIGIOUS FAITH
TO BECOME MEMBERS."
- FALSE-
Men of all major religions are Masons . Masonry only requires that a man believe in a Supreme Being .
" MY WIFE DOESN'T WANT ME TO SPEND TIME IN FRATERNAL ACTIVITIES . "-FALSE -
Masonry require s the support of the wife out of respect for marital harmony. Share this brochure with her. Wives want the very best for their husbands.
Fraternity means an association of brothers and that is exactly what Freemasonry is - a society of friends and brothers.
Masons meet together in a Masonic Lodge , which is presided over by officers elected by the membership. The highest office , that of Master, is not only the administrative head responsible for those activities normal to a club president, but also for the fraternal well being of the Lodge members. He is also responsible for the ritual used to confer the Masonic Degrees
upon new members.
All Master Mason s may attend and participate in monthly business meetings and serve on committees, which conduct much of the business of the Lodge and its Building Association. Masons learn the Masonic Principles through ritual, personal coaching and seminars - a ll taught by Brother Masons. The personal interests and talents of the individual Mason determine his opportunities to participate in Lodge life. Lodge activities typically include social events, outings and trips. Many events include the ladies and others include children and friends.
It is good that you asked to learn more about
Freemasonry.
I, too, became curious about Freemasonry as a young
man because I observed so many reputable and prominent men identified as
Masons. However, I foolishly decided to wait until my return from a war
to inquire about possible membership.
My Masonic friends in the
service attended meetings wherever in the world they found themselves. I
as a non-Mason could not attend with them. I yearned for
that
fellowship.
Returning to my home, I became a Mason almost
immediately. I walked into a Mason's office and said, "I want to become
a Mason. What must 1 do to be
considered for membership?"
Almost 40 years later. one of them as Master of my Lodge, I recall many things
learned about Freemasonry. A number of them are shared with you in
this paper.
However, the teachings of Freemasonry can be yours
when you, as a new Mason , progress through the degrees of Masonry and,
afterwards , when you continue to grow during your lifetime . I wish you
well. Godspeed
An older, wiser man:
A Mason
MASONRY: OLDEST, LARGEST
Masonry is the oldest, and by far, the largest fraternal order in the world. Its Lodges stretch around the globe and, as with the British Empire, it might well be said that the sun never sets upon the Masonic Lodge.
Masonry is ancient, having existed in some form for so long that many serious students have differed as to the time and place of its origin. There is evidence of a basic type of craft association which antedates the Christian era. It survived various transitions which took place during the Middle Ages.
The word "free" was prefixed to the name "Mason" during the Middle Ages because, possessing knowledge and skills not found elsewhere, these men were free agents rather than bond servants, and they were permitted to travel from country to country. Freemasons constructed the beautiful cathedrals and other stately structures in Europe and the British Isles.
Masons were strictly an operative craft until about the Sixteenth Century, bound together by the close ties found in the guilds of that day. Then, early in the Seventeenth Century, men of prominence were admitted as patrons, or "accepted" Masons. Accepted Masons became predominant in some lodges over a period of time.