Have You Ever Considered Becoming a Mason?
 
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It's members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor.

And Masonry is always ready to welcome good men in 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 question between you and your God -- but we do require that a 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 your 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 work or read or see -- the world should be a better place because we have passed through it.
 
Do your 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 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 a building a house.
 
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and the 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 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 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 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 is his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of 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 one 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 in this brochure 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.

 

HOW DO I GO ABOUT JOINING?
 
In order to join the fraternity of Freemasonry, you must ask a member how you may join. This is done to ensure that you come into Freemasonry of your own free will; without expectation of material gain. You get out of Freemasonry only what you are willing to put into it.

If the Freemason you ask believes you will be a positive addition to the fraternity, he will give you a petition for membership in his local or Blue Lodge. All men have to go through the same initiation procedure, regardless of their worldly wealth or position.

In a Masonic Lodge, the President of the United States would be considered equal to the newest member. When Washington, Truman, or the Roosevelt's sat in Lodge, they were addressed as Brother. Everyone is "on the level" and is judged by how he lives in the community and upholds the tenets of the Fraternity. As long as he is "on the square" with his brethren, he will be well regarded.

Your petition will be read in open Lodge and a Committee of Investigation formed. This Committee will visit you and talk with your family. The Committee will give a report in open Lodge and the membership votes by secret ballot. A successful ballot means you will have been elected to membership by initiation.

The three degrees you will then receive teach serious moral and ethical lessons. When you complete your third or Master Mason Degree, you will be a full-fledged member. As a Master Mason, you have many rights and privileges, including visitation privileges to sit in Masonic Lodges throughout the world.

Masonry is a family organization, and Lodge activities frequently include the families. There are also other related organizations for specific members of the family, such as youth. Our youth groups are the Order of DeMolay for boys and Job's Daughters and the Order of the Rainbow for girls. For the ladies there are the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine, and the Amaranth. Each group or order has its particular charity that it works to support.

If YOU believe what you have just read is for you, then it is up to you to take the next step. Remember, you must ask for a Petition for Membership if you want to become a Freemason. The extent of your participation in your Lodge activities will determine your effectiveness. Please feel free to contact us to locate a Lodge and a Freemason in your area.

We look forward to greeting you as a Brother Freemason.
 
 

(Courtesy - Masonic Renewal Committee of North America and the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio)