What is Freemasonry?
The Masonic Fraternity is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. Members of the Masonic Fraternity come from virtually every occupation and profession, from all stations in life. All Masons meet on an equal basis as friends, regardless of income, political ideology, or religious belief. All are patriotic citizens, and all have a belief in a Supreme Being.
As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.
If you seek a more meaningful quality of life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then Freemasonry has much to offer. If the nature of man's existence and your obligations to God, your family and to yourself hold little interest for you then you will gain little benefit from the teachings of the craft.
Many of our leaders have been members of the fraternity; Fourteen United States presidents have been proud to be counted as Masons, as well as many Congressman, Senators, and Governors. The list could continue with captains of industry, astronauts, poets, entertainers, and many other famous and historical figures.
Freemasonry has been characterized as a fraternity devoted to high ideals and admirable benevolence. Community service and charitable work are in fact principal Masonic activities. Masonry was founded on the principals of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and takes seriously its responsibility to help others.
Masonic organizations support a wide range of charities, some being local, some statewide, and some are national foundations. These include areas of research, teaching, and treatment or rehabilitation services for children with learning or speech disorders, cancer, and visual problems. The list is a large one ranging in many areas, such as schizophrenic research, the Knights Templer Eye Foundation and muscular dystrophy.
These acts of kindness are done without regard of Masonic affiliation, race, creed or color. ALL the monies used are from donations by the members of the Masonic family of organizations. With so much generosity of spirit, is it any wonder that men from all walks of life can get together and work so hard for these worthy causes and in the process become the best of friends.
Masonry also has something for our ladies and our children. The Order of the Eastern Star, Ladies White Shrine for the ladies, Rainbow girls, The International Order of Job's Daughters for young ladies, and DeMolay for the boys.
We want you to know what we believe, how we act, and what we do …… then you should become a Mason, to be proud to be our brother and to participate in our work. Only those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should seek to ask for a petition.
If you are interested in Freemasonry just ask any Mason about the fraternity and if you like what you hear, ask for a petition for membership. When a man petitions a lodge, it is of his own free will and accord. The requirements for each petitioner are that he be at least 18 years old, and be of good moral character, recommended by two members of a Masonic Lodge, and have a belief in a Supreme Being. He must pass a unanimous ballot of the lodge.
The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides fullness," invoking greater understanding of the inward like and a spirit of fellowship in which every Mason can also lead a better outward life.
Freemasonry is many things, but most of all, Freemasonry is a way of life. For more information, contact any Mason you know or a Masonic Lodge in your area, or you may call (352) 492-2771.