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.
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
every 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 different 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!"
All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.
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 million dollars
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.
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men
better." Only individual believed to be of the finest character are favorable
considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a
Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity.)
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 meets one evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote
upon Petitions for Membership. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are
strengthened.
The Candidate receives 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
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.
The cover for this brochure 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 Franklin D. Roosevelt, 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