|
What is Freemasonry?
The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. Some historians trace Freemasonry to the Tenth Century, B.C., during the building of King Solomon’s Temple. Records reveal that Freemasonry was introduced into England in 926 A.D. Freemasonry is directly descended from associations of operative masons, the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe, employing the secrets and skills of their crafts.
In the 17th Century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds of stonemasons, known as “Operative Masons” or “Freemasons,” started to accept as members those who were not members of the masons’ craft, calling them “Speculative Masons” or “Accepted Masons.” It was from these groups, comprised mostly of “Adopted or Accepted Masons,” that Symbolic Masonry or Freemasonry, as we know it today, had its beginning.
In 1717, four Lodges of Freemasons, meeting in London, England, formed the first Grand Lodge. This first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in may countries, including the United States.
Today, there are more than 150 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with a membership of more than 6,000,000.
The Grand Lodge is the administrative authority in its territory, known as a jurisdiction. In the United States, there are 49 Grand Lodges. They include 48 states and the District of Columbia. Hawaii is under the Grand Lodge of California, and Alaska, the Grand Lodge of Washington. There are approximately 4,000,000 Freemasons in the 48 Jurisdictions of the United States nearly two-thirds of the world’s total.
The basic unit of all Grand Lodges is the Symbolic Lodge, or “Blue Lodge,” as it is commonly known. It is the Symbolic Lodge that issues petitions for membership, acts on petitions, and confers the three Symbolic Degrees, known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason Degrees.
Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.
Back to List
Freemasonry and Religion
Freemasonry is not a religion even though it is religious in character.
It does not pretend to take the place of religion nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members.
Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions. An essential requirement is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.
Back to List
Masonic Secrecy
Contrary to what many believe, Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does not hide its existence or its membership.
There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims, and principles of Freemasonry. It is an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Its constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations are open for inspection.
It is true that we have modes of recognition, rites, and ceremonies with which the world is not acquainted. In this regard, all human groups and institutions have private affairs. For instance, families have discussions on subjects which do not, and should not, concern their neighbors.
Tenets of Freemasonry
Tenets of Freemasonry are ethical principles that are acceptable to all good men. It teaches tolerance toward all mankind.
It is known throughout the world, even in countries where Masonry cannot exist.
Freemasonry proudly proclaims that it consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection.
It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular. It seeks no advantage for its members through business or politics.
Freemasonry is not a forum for discussions on partisan affairs.
Back to List
A Way of Life
Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another, and above all, reverence and love for God.
Freemasonry is many things, but, most al all: FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE.
Back to List
Masonic Funeral
Any member who was in good standing at the time of his death is entitled to a Masonic funeral, if he or or his family requests it. Such a request should be made to the Master of his Lodge who will make the necessary arrangements with the family, the mortuary, and the minister. Pallbearers will be furnished at the request of the family. In general, the Lodge will do as much or as little as the nearest relative wishes them to do.
Illness
In the event our member becomes ill, we want to know. In the past, members have fallen ill without our knowing it and their loved ones have been displeased with us for a seeming disregard when in fact we have been unaware of the problem. Freemasonry is an organization which wants to assist its members and families when in need.
Back to List
Masonic Assistance
Across the nation is a network of Masonic Service Association offices. If, while traveling, dire need of aid should arise, consult the telephone directory of a major city for the number. If none is listed, a local Lodge will be able to make connections for you.
Back to List
Title
It is reasonable to assume that at some time while in the company of a Mason someone will address him as “Brother.”
“Brother” is neither sentimental nor a familiar form of address. It is a title—a distinction and an honor—indicating that he has been recognized by another as a Mason.
“Brother” is a form dating back to ancient times and is used in place of Mister or a similar title to which one is entitled by virtue of one’s stations in life.
In Masonry all men are equal, no man is regarded for his worldly wealth or honor, and all distinctions are cast away.
Back to List
Are there Masonic-Oriented Organizations
Which Members of the Family May Join?
There are several groups to which ladies related to Master Masons my apply for membership if they desire, but this is entirely optional. If there are children in the family, they may find interests in Masonic-oriented youth groups whose teachings of patriotism and love of family will, we are sure, be pleasing to you.
Back to List
|
