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Valley Hi Masonic Lodge #1407 A.F. & A.M. San Antonio, Texas | |
Why Should I Become A Freemason?
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. 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
above on this page or on a ring or 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.
A very sincere effort has been made to avoid using any copyrighted material, without permission. If you discover something that is yours without giving you due credit, please let me know and due credit will be given or the item will be replaced.
If you answer "yes", you should consider becoming a
Mason. 
The Pine Island Webwright