Who are the Masons?
And what do they do?
Freemasons, some of the greatest men…
…and men from all walks of life
Who are the Masons?
Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the
oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are
more than two million Freemasons in North America. Masons represent
virtually every occupation and profession, 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 Freemasons.
Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the
United States, including George Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the
Father of 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 men, from so many
different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting
their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other
“Brother.”
What is Freemasonry?
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. Freemasonry 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.
Where did Freemasonry begin?
No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the
actual origins have been lost in time. Most scholars believe Masonry
rose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and
cathedrals of the middle ages. In 1717, Masonry created a formal
organization when four Lodges in London joined in forming 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 lifelong 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 maintain a nationwide
network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and
Programs.
Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of
philanthropies, including scholarship programs for students, and
performing public service activities in their communities. Masons also
enjoy 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 may 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 thirteen other Presidents, eight Vice Presidents and forty-two Justices of the Supreme Court have been Masons.
Information provided by:
Masonic Information Center
81200 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, MD 20910-4785
Tel: (301)588-4010 Fax: (301)608-3457
Website: http://www.msans.com
E-mail: msana@ix.netcom.com