Your friend is proud of Freemasonry and the
fine character of its members. He believes that you
have the qualities for Membership and that you
deserve the opportunity to know more about it.
The following will explain what Freemasonry is,
who Freemasons are, what they believe in and
what they do.
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest
Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to
antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good
men better. Its bonds of friendship and brotherly love have
survived even the most divisive political, military and religious
conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum
for nor a place of worship. Instead, it brings together men from
all religions that are based on the belief in one God.
Many of our nation's early patriots were
Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the
Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United
States, beginning with George Washington.
Today, the more than four million freemasons
around the world come from virtually every
occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity,
however, they all meet as equals. They come
from diverse political ideologies, but they meet
as friends. They come from virtually every
religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
One of the most fascinating aspects of
Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from
so many different walks of life, can meet
together in peace, without political or religious
debate and always conduct their affairs in
harmony and friendship; and find pleasure in
calling each other "Brother!".
All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are
taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to
abide by the laws of the government under which
they live. They are men committed to charity and good works. They
remain unchallenged as eager participants in "the world's
greatest philanthropy!" The Freemasons of America contribute
more than 1.5 million dollars every day to charitable causes
which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind
represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian
commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and
practice of "making good men better." Only
individuals believed to be of the finest character
are favorably considered for Membership. Every
applicant must advocate his belief in the
existence of a Supreme Being.
Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry >MUST ASK< a member of a Masonic Lodge or a Mason to recommend him.He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge will visit with him to help understand the step he is about to take and then the members vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.
The Masonic Lodge usually meets one evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon petitions for Membership. It is in these lodge meetings where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.