Who Are The Masons?
And What Do They Do?
Masons (also known as
Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the
world. Today, there are now more than two million Masons in North America. Masons
represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity
all meet as equals. Masons come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as
friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe
in one God.
Many of
North America's early patriots were Masons. Thirteen signers of the
Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George
Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the Father of the Confederation, Sir John
A. MacDonald, was a Mason, as were other early Canadian and American leaders.
One of
the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many different walks of
life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony
and friendship and calling each other "Brother."
Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the
Fatherhood of God. It uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural
craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character
and moral values in its members. Its singular purpose is to make good men
better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived
even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the
centuries. Masonry is a fraternity which encourages its members to practice the
faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through
self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for
good in the world.
No one
knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in
time. Most scholars believe Masonry arose from the guilds of stonemasons who
built the majestic castles and cathedrals in the Middle Ages. In 1717, Masonry
created a formal organization when four Lodges in London joined to form
England's first Grand Lodge. By 1731, when Benjamin Franklin joined the
Fraternity, there were already several Lodges in the Colonies, and in Canada
the first Lodge was established in 1738.
Today,
Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout North America,
and in large cities there are usually several Lodges. A Mason can travel to
almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge where he will be
welcomed as a "Brother."
What Do Freemasons Do?
The
Masonic experience encourages members to become better men, better husbands,
better fathers, and better citizens. The fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge
help build life-long friendships among men with similar goals and values.
Beyond
its focus on individual development and growth, Masonry is deeply involved in
helping people. The Freemasons of North America contribute over two million
dollars a day to charitable causes. This philanthropy represents an
unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment of this great and honorable
Fraternity. Much of that assistance goes to people who are not Masons. Some of
these charities are vast projects. The Shrine Masons (Shriners) operate the
largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in
the country, and there is never a fee for treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons
in the Southern Jurisdiction maintain a network, as of 2001, of 150 Childhood
Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs. Other Masonic organizations sponsor
a variety of philanthropies, including scholarship programs and perform public
service activities in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of
each other and their families in social and recreational activities.
Several Masonic Principles Are:
·
Faith must be
the center of our lives.
·
All men and
women are the children of God.
·
No one has
the right to tell another person what he or she must think or believe.
·
Each person
has a responsibility to be a good citizen, obeying the law.
·
It is
important to work to make the world a better place for all.
·
Honor and
integrity are keys to a meaningful life.
What Is The Masonic Lodge?
The word Lodge
means both a group of Masons meeting together as well as the room or building
in which they meet. Masonic buildings are sometimes called "temples"
because the original meaning of the term was "place of knowledge,"
and Masonry encourages the advancement of knowledge.
Masonic
Lodges usually meet once or twice a month to conduct regular business, vote
upon petitions for membership, and bring new Masons into the Fraternity through
three ceremonies called Degrees. In the Lodge room, Masons share in a variety
of programs. Here the bonds of friendship and fellowship are formed and strengthened.
Who Can Qualify To Join?
Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To
become a Mason, one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge
appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon
his petition.
So Who Are The Masons?
Masons
are men of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a
better place. They belong to the oldest and most honorable Fraternity known to
man. If you think you might be interested in becoming a member, you can begin
by contacting a Lodge in your area or speaking to a Mason.
Men Of Character And Integrity Join The
Masons
Most are
men who go about their jobs and professions with no hint they are Freemasons
except for the way they lead their lives. Many are readily recognizable by
name, face, or accomplishment. George Washington and 13 other Presidents, 8
Vice Presidents, and 42 Justices of the Supreme Court have been Masons.