WHAT FREEMASONRY IS
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
ever 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 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
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 and a half million dollars ($1,500,000)
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 individuals believed to be of the finest
character are favorably 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 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 attends three Meetings (usually, one per
month) to receive the three Masonic Degrees concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's)
Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and 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.
ABOUT THE PAINTING ABOVE
The Painting on this website depicts King Solomon and
some of the most famous Freemasons of all time: President and Brother George Washington,
Brother Benjamin Franklin, Confederate General and Brother Lewis A. Armistead being aided
by Union Captain and Brother Henry H. Bingham (as depicted by the Friend to Friend Masonic
Memorial at Gettysburg.), President and Brother Harry S. Truman, U.S. General and Brother
Douglas MacArthur, and U.S. Lunar Astronaut and Brother Edwin E. (Buzz) Aldrin
Design: Dean E. Vaughn, P.M.
Artist: Frank M. Hummel
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