Friend to Friend
About
Freemasonry
ABOUT THE
FREEMASONRY
Freemasonry is the world's oldest
and largest Fraternity. It's history and tradition date to
antiquity. 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. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place
for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are
based on the belief in one God.
WHO
FREEMASONS ARE
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, never have any political or religious debates,
always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call
each other "Brother!"
WHAT
FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN
All Freemasons believe in one God and
in respect for each other.
WHAT
FREEMASONS DO
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 of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as "the
world's greatest philanthropy!" The Freemasons of America contribute
more than one 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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Freemasonry is proud of its
philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individual
believed to be of the finest character are favorable considered for
Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the
existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the
Fraternity.)
THOSE
WHO SEEK MEMBERSHIP
Anyone seeking Membership in
Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He
must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of
residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be
accepted the ballot must be unanimous.
THE
MASONIC LODGE
The Masonic Lodge meets one
evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon
Petitions for Membership. It is here where the bonds of friendship
and fellowship are strengthened.
THE
MASONIC DEGREES
The Candidate receives three
Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's)
Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable
experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here
where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new
Member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are
are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is
welcomed as a "Brother" in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic
Lodges throughout the world.
