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Greensburg Masonic Lodge #36
E. Central Ave.
Greensburg, IN 47240
812-663-2929
E-mail: Greensburg36@gmail.com

Click here for a Map to the Lodge

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry in General

Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization with lodges in nearly every part of the world. Although Masonic rituals and customs may differ from country to country, its philosophies remains the same.
Where and when Freemasonry began, no one knows for sure. There are three main schools of thought on its origin. Some say that it evolved from the medieval stonemason guilds. Others believe that it emerged after the ignominious demise of an order of warrior monks called the Knights Templar in 1314. And there are those who think that it was probably a combination of the two. Freemasonry emerged publicly in England in 1717. The earliest Masonic document, known as the Regius Poem, dates back to 1390.
We are often accused of being a secret society. We are not. Many books have been written about the organization, including complete explanations of Masonic ritual. All of these books are available to the general public through municipal libraries, or for sale. Exposés have been surfacing ever since Freemasonry made itself public some 280 or so years ago. Although modes of recognition, such as handshakes and passwords, are 'secret', or more appropriately termed 'private', there is no secrecy as to its organization, principles or purpose. Freemasons merely like to keep their business private. Really, the biggest secret in Freemasonry is that there are no secrets at all.
We are not an order of religious instruction. Freemasonry does not offer a means for the salvation of the soul. Men of all faiths are accepted. Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians of all denominations; just about any man from any faith who professes a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasons believe in the individual choice of religious worship. Contrary to popular belief we do not exclude Catholics.
Freemasonry is not a political organization. In fact, political discussion is not permitted at lodge meetings. It is hoped, however, that Freemasons become more inclined towards their civic duties through active involvement in the organization. Freemasonry does not promise advancement in a member's profession.
We are a fraternity of men who build on our own personal, fundamental beliefs to guide us through our lives.

What Do Masons Do ?

Defining what Freemasonry is, so that it can be explained to those outside the fraternity, is not easy. The Masonic 'ritual' defines Freemasonry as 'a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols'. Some noted Masonic historians suggest that the word 'peculiar', for the purpose of understanding, should be replaced with the word 'unique' or 'special'.
Freemasonry deals with the building of a mason's character. Its purpose is to help good men become better men - better fathers, better husbands, better brothers, better sons and better citizens. Freemasonry uses the simple tools of the ancient stonemason - the square, the level, the plumb and chisel (just some of many) - as symbols to teach the ideals of 'The Craft'; these being tolerance, truth and charity to others.
Part of this process is achieved in three ceremonial stages or 'degrees' namely 'Entered Apprentice' (first degree), 'Fellowcraft' (second degree), and 'Master Mason' (third degree). Allegory, the presentation of moral or spiritual meaning under material form, is the principal tool used to instruct the candidate in each of these degrees. An example of this is the 24 inch gauge. During the 1st degree ceremony the candidate is informed that the 24 inch gauge was used by the operative stonemasons to measure their work, but for the symbolic mason, the tool is there to remind him that there are 24 hours in the day. Part to be spent in praying to their God, part spent in labor and leisure, and part to be spent helping others. Surely this is a great guide for all people, not just Freemasons. All traditions in Freemasonry are invented, having been devised by the members in its earliest days.

Why Masonry?

With special interests trying to dominate the world, the former barriers of distance and oceans being ineffective, and our modern means of destruction which could annihilate all civilization; there is a definite need for better understanding throughout the world.

In its efforts to improve the individual Freemasonry urges the practice of Brotherly Love, strives to promote Universal Peace; and while it claims no monopoly on the worthwhile virtues, it offers proven doctrines of moral living in scientific order.

Masons, like other humans, sometimes apply Masonry to a part of their lives but cast the teachings aside when it is expedient; and they are cautioned and charged to avoid this kind of double standard.

It is equally important to understand what Freemasonry does not mean.

There have always been those who oppose frate orders, and when the objections of such individuals or groups have ended in fragmentation, they have always resorted to classifying Freemasonry as a "secret" order with the implication that "secret" is also corrupt, deceitful, or sinful.

The purposes, aims, and doctrines of Freemasonry have never been concealed, and have been well discussed in many publications which remain available in public libraries. It is also noted that corrupt and deceitful organizations soon disappear while Freemasonry has withstood the tests of all ages.

It is not a secret order, and Masons have the same rights as other people - one of which is the right of privacy. All human groups and institutions have "secret" - or more correctly stated - "private" affairs which they do not make public. Families have discussions which are of no concern to their neighbors or the general public. Church councils convene in selected committees to resolve matters which require prompt or discrete action. Civic organizations form special committees and draft plans which may never be made public. In labor and industry boards of directors make decisions which are of no concern to their competitors.

While such actions are completed privately - or secretly - this is certainly no evidence that they are in any way corrupt, deceitful or unwholesome.

If these and other groups have matters which they discuss in private, it is only reasonable to assume that Masons might also wish to engage in the lawful pursuit of their own business in privacy.

Freemasonry is not a mere social institution even though it provides social contact and many friendships have begun in the Lodge; but its primary purpose has always been, and still remains the advancement of its doctrines of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice, Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

It is not an insurance or burial society, or a vehicle to increase one's personal business, ambitions, or special material interests. Masons are not required to patronize each other, and any material benefits which may come to a Mason will result from the reputation he establishes and maintains, and not because he became a member of a Masonic Lodge.

Freemasonry requires a belief in God, and while it is religious in its concepts, it is not a religion or a substitute for the Church. The Masonic Ritual teaches responsibility to God and dependence on God, and should therefore strengthen one's loyalty to his church.

Religious discussions often result in disagreement and for this reason such discussions are prohibited in Lodge. That which might disrupt the harmony among the members can not be tolerated.

In the interest of harmony, partisan polities discussions are also prohibited. A Mason's political beliefs are his own, although they must conform to good citizenship. Even a member running for public office has no right to expect the support of other Masons merely because he is a Member of the Lodge.

Freemasonry means - that no man will ever introduce controversial sectarian questions into the Lodge; he will pay no heed to those who attack the Fraternity; he will adhere to his belief in God and be ever loyal to his Church; he will remain a good citizen, obeying the laws of Freemasonry, and the civic laws under whose protection he lives.
-- From Grand Lodge of Indiana

How Do I Join the Masons?

What Are the Requirements for Membership?

Twenty-two words establish the most important prerequisite to becoming a Mason. " . . . We receive none, knowingly, into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world . . ."

Will I Be Asked To Join?

NO! Hopefully, if the concepts and principles of Masonry as enumerated in this folder interest you, you will not need to be asked to join. You must ask to become a Freemason. Unfortunately, many men who would like to become Masons never do because they are unaware of the above-mentioned requirement (that it be of your own free will and accord, and you must ask to join the Fraternity). If you desire to learn more about Masonic membership, feel free to contact a Mason to satisfy yourself concerning Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we believe that membership in an organization as worthy as ours must come from a "sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow creatures" and not because of coaxing, coercement, or of any promise of material gain of any kind.

What Happens at the Initiation?

An applicant, whose petition has been accepted by the lodge, is advised of the date his Entered Apprentice Degree has been scheduled. On that date, following a brief Ritualistic opening, the petitioner is properly prepared and introduced to the lodge. The solemn process is an enlightening experience and the candidate need never worry that embarrassing or compromising situations will arise during this (or any other degree). After receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, you will be expected to memorize several key passages of the Ritual and help will be extended in the teaching/learning process. Having learned the required Ritualistic work and satisfying the lodge of that proficiency, you will be asked to return for the conferral of your Fellow Craft Degree. Following a proficiency examination on that Degree, you will advance to the "last and highest grade of Ancient Craft Masonry-the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason." Only after having completed these three symbolic degrees will you truly understand the often-quoted statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men."

The requirements for membership are simple:
To join the Masons in the State of Indiana, you must:

Be a man at least 18 years of age
Be of good moral character
Believe in a Supreme Being
Ask to join

You will then complete a membership application for a lodge in your city or town (There are approximately 500 lodges in Indiana). An initiation fee, generally $75.00 to $200.00 (this amount is determined by the local lodge), accompanies the application. Within approximately 45 days someone from the lodge will contact you for an interview. Your wife, friend, or parent is encouraged to attend this interview. The lodge at its next meeting will vote on your application. If accepted you are on your way to becoming a Mason. The lodge performs three degrees (initiation ceremonies) for your education and enjoyment. These ceremonies are very dignified and inspirational. At no time will horseplay or indignities enter into the program. These degrees are very solemn and Masons take the task of making Masons very seriously. After becoming a Master Mason (the third degree of the lodge) you may seek membership in the many other Masonic related groups or participate in the many activities and charities that the Masons and the appendant bodies have to offer.

If you are interested in finding out more about our lodge or joining please feel free to contact us by e-mail at Greensburg36@gmail.com

Indiana  Masonic Lodge Petition