Fairfield Masonic Lodge No. 206 - What is Freemasonry

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

Freemasonry (or Masonry) is the oldest, largest and most prestigious fraternal organization in the world. Freemasonry combines many of the aspects of a charitable institution, a civic association, and a fraternal order. We are like a major charity in that we donate, collectively, an average of more than $2 million per day to charitable causes. We are like a civic association because, as individuals, we are involved in a great many community projects. Most importantly, we are a fraternal order that seeks to make good men better by enabling them to do good things for each other and their communities.

Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, diligence in work, sympathy and concern for the unfortunate, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, resistance toward evil, care for one another, and--above all--reverence and love for God. Freemasonry is not a religion, but all members must profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry is many things, but most of all, Freemasonry is a way of life.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF FREEMASONRY?

We seek to promote a way of life that binds like-minded men together in a world-wide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and by the outward statement of these tenets through its fellowship, compassion and concern--to find ways to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self.

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MASON?

Freemasonry does not solicit for members; the individual must seek out fellowship with us and express his sincere desire to become a Mason. If one is interested in becoming a Mason, he should inform a friend who is already a Mason that he wishes to join our Fraternity and ask the Mason to secure a petition for him. The Mason will then assist with the petitioning process which follows, introduce the prospective candidate to the officers and members of the lodge, and provide additional information about the Fraternity.