Freemasonry
is the oldest and largest Fraternity in the world. It's members included
Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme
Court Chief Justices, corporate CEO's, opera stars, movie stars, and
probably, your next door neighbor.
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 found 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 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 that 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 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 believe
there is 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 a 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 as 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 app ed. We uphold and maintain the principals of good government,
and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that
man should show compassion to others, that goodness of heart is among the
most important of human values?
Masons do. We
believe in a certain reverence 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 doing 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
dealing and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man
should maintain an titude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his
relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this
way of live believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every
Mason makes it his duty to follow the golde rule. This is why Masonry has
been called one of the greatest forces for good on the world.
If you answer "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 a 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 on
this page or on a pin or tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the
lodge is in your community, stop by or look up the number of your local
Masonic lodge 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? We'd like a chance to talk with you.
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