When I was first introduced to free masonry I was at the least wary , Why wouldn't these people tell me anything about what a Mason was ! Well after being a Mason for more then 25 years , I have come to understand that being a mason is not only a privilege but an Honor * Millions of men have followed this path many of them Famous but But most men like you or I ,
Are just good men with a desire to make the world a better place and those who believe that we should help each other ,
To make the journey just a little easier for all .And of course with Charity , All Branches of free Masonry Have A Charity !
The most Famous of which I believe would be the Shriners Hospitals for Children and Burns Centers!
Is masonry a secret society , No it is a fraternity of men who have a secret , As many Fraternities Which followed ; like colleges or Knights of Columbus etc. If it were a secret we wouldn't be able to talk about it , as you begin to understand
through your degrees what free masonry is all about, you then understand why what is , is . * :-) *
Who can become A Mason
There are only a Few things required to
becoming a Mason
1. You must be 21 years old and of good charater 2. You must believe in a Supreme Being 3. You must request to become a Mason. 4. It must not be a Monitary Burden on You or Your Family
Did you know that if you want to become a Mason all you have to do is ask a Mason? You can never become a member of this great and ancient fraternity unless you ask. Masonry requires that good men seek it out. Masonry will never seek you. You must first have the desire to become a Mason. Then ask a Mason! That is the easy part, just find a Mason and ask him about Masonry; then you can decide if you wish to join. You probably know several Masons, perhaps you have seen the Square & Compasses on them in the form of a lapel pin or a ring, a tie tack or a bumper sticker on his car. If you see this sign, he is most likely a Mason.
What is Freemasonry ?
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest fraternity in the world. It's members have included kings,presidents, prime ministers, statesmen, generals, admirals, supreme court chief justices, CEO's, opera singers, movie stars and possibly your next door neighbour. Freemasonry is always ready to welcome good men into the fraternity. It's ready to welcome YOU if in your heart you can answer
yes to a few questions.
Do you believe in honour, and that man has a responsibility to act with honour in everything he
does ?
Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not founded on honour is hollow and empty -- that a man who acts without honour is less than a man.
Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual faith is -- that is a
question between you and your God -- but we do require that you believe in a supreme being.
Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration -- on the right of each person to think for himself in religious,
social and political matters.
Do you believe you should leave this world a better place than you found it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself, but to others. We must do
what we can to make this world a better place. Whether it means cleaning up the
environment, working on civic projects, of helping children to walk, read or see -- the world
should be a better place because we have passed through it.
Do you believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive?
Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know that it gives
each of us a good feeling, unlike any other, to help. Much of our help is given anonymously.
We're not after gratitude, we are more than rewarded by that feeling that comes with
knowing that we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can
go on.
Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you
need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although it is there too) but help in the sense
of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you feel that there's something more to life than just financial success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social
position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no
substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just like a carpenter
works at building a house.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to
be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for
human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and it's ideals. He
supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and
maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it
in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that a man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the
most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people
who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right.
Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they
discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps
men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together - a
private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse
to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will,
and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his
community. Masons call this way of life believing in the brotherhood of man. It really means
that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry is called
one of the greatest forces for good in the world.
If you answered "YES" to these questions, you should consider becoming a
Mason.
Freemasonry offers much to its members, the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a
difference, to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with
the men who have answered yes to these questions. It's easy to find out more. Just find a Mason
and ask him about Masonry. You probably know a few. Approach one and I know that he will be
happy to help you.
Get your own Free Home Page
