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Freemasonry is
the oldest,
largest
Fraternity in
the world. It's
members have
included Kings,
Presidents,
Prime Ministers,
Statesmen,
Generals,
Admirals,
Supreme Court
Justices,
corporate CEOs,
opera stars,
movie stars and
probably, your
next door
neighbor.
And Masonry is
always ready to
welcome good men
into the
Fraternity. It's
ready to welcome
YOU, if in your
heart you can
answer "yes" to
a few questions.
Do you
believe that
there is such a
thing as honor,
and that a man
has a
responsibility
to act with
honor in
everything he
does?
Masons teach
that principle.
We believe that
a life not
founded on honor
is hollow and
empty -- that a
man who acts
without honor is
less than a man.
Do you
believe in God?
No atheist can
be a Mason.
Masons do not
care what your
individual faith
is -- that is a
question between
you and your God
-- but we do
require that a
man believe in a
Supreme Being.
Are you
willing to allow
others the same
right to their
own beliefs that
you insist on
yourself?
Masonry insists
on toleration --
on the right of
each person to
think for
himself in
religious,
social and
political
matters.
Do you
believe that you
have a
responsibility
to leave the
world a better
place than you
found it?
Masonry teaches
that each man
has a duty not
only to himself
but to others.
We must do what
we can to make
the world a
better place.
Whether that
means cleaning
up the
environment,
working on civic
projects, or
helping children
to walk or read
or see -- the
world should be
a better place
because we have
passed through
it.
Do you
believe that it
is not only more
blessed to give
than to receive,
it's also more
fun?
Masons are
involved with
the problems and
needs of others
because we know
it gives each of
us a good
feeling --
unlike any other
-- to help. Much
of our help is
given
anonymously.
We're not after
gratitude, we're
more than
rewarded by that
feeling which
comes from
knowing we have
helped another
person overcome
some adversity,
so that their
life can go on.
Are you
willing to give
help to your
Brothers when
they need it,
and to accept
their help when
you need it?
Masonry is
mutual help. Not
just financial
help (although
that's there,
too) but help in
the sense of
being there when
needed, giving
support, lending
a sympathetic
ear.
Do you feel
that there's
something more
to life than
just financial
success?
Masons know that
self-development
is more precious
than money in
the bank or
social position
or political
power. Those
things often
accompany
self-development,
but they are no
substitute for
it. Masons work
at building
their lives and
character, just
as a carpenter
works at
building a
house.
Do you
believe that a
person should
strive to be a
good citizen and
that we have a
moral duty to be
true to the
country in which
we live?
Masons believe
that a country
is strong so
long as freedom,
equality, and
the opportunity
for human
development is
afforded to all.
A Mason is true
to his
government and
its ideals. He
supports its
laws and
authority when
both are just
and equitably
applied. We
uphold and
maintain the
principles of
good government,
and oppose every
influence that
would divide it
in a degrading
manner.
Do you agree
that man should
show compassion
for others, that
goodness of
heart is among
the most
important of
human values?
Masons do. We
believe in a
certain
reference for
living things, a
tenderness
toward people
who suffer. A
loving kindness
for our fellow
man, and a
desire to do
right because it
is right.
Masonry teaches
that although
all men are
fallible and
capable of much
wrong, when they
discover the
goodness of
heart, they have
found the true
essence of
virtue. Masonry
helps men see
their potential
for deep
goodness and
virtue.
Do you
believe that men
should strive to
live a brotherly
life?
Masons see
brotherhood as a
form of wisdom,
a sort of bond
that holds men
together -- a
private
friendship that
tells us we owe
it to each other
to be just in
our dealings and
to refuse to
speak evil of
each other.
Masons believe a
man should
maintain an
attitude of good
will, and
promote unity
and harmony in
his relations
with one
another, his
family and his
community.
Masons call this
way of life
believing in the
Brotherhood of
Man. It really
means that every
Mason makes it
his duty to
follow the
golden rule.
This is why
Masonry has been
called on of the
greatest forces
for good in the
world.
If you
answered "YES"
you should
consider
becoming a
Mason.
Freemasonry
offers much to
its members --
the opportunity
to grow, the
chance to make a
difference, to
build a better
world for our
children. It
offers the
chance to be
with and work
with men who
have the same
values and
ideals -- men
who have
answered "YES"
to these
questions.
It's easy to
find out more.
Just find a
Mason and ask
him about
Masonry. You
probably know
several Masons.
Perhaps you've
seen the Square
and Compasses
like the one
below or on a
pin or tack or
bumper sticker.
If you know were
the lodge is in
your community,
stop by or look
up the number in
the phone book
and ask for the
secretary of the
lodge. He'll be
happy to help
you.
Have you ever
considered
becoming a
Mason? If so,
then we'd like a
chance to talk
with you! |
