FRIEND TO FRIEND

BROTHER TO BROTHER

FREEMASONRY

It’s the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. 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 bond of friendship, compassion and brotherly love has survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, the fraternity encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has as obligation to make a difference for good in the world.

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 contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable causes.

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. Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout the United States, and in large cities. A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge where he will be welcomed as a “Brother.”

Today, there are more then two million Freemasons in North America. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from very diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends.

Many of America’s early patriots were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, were Masons.

THE MASONIC DEGREES

A friend who has been accepted into the Fraternity will receive 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 to be considered above Freemasonry.