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Become A Mason
Freemasonry is the worlds oldest and
largest fraternal order dedicated to the principle of true Brotherhood and
tolerance and reason among men. Its members have 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. Through symbolism, our relationships with our Brother Masons and the
precepts of our order we strive to live up to these principals every day. We
make good Men Better! This is the very bedrock of who and what we are.
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?
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 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 as long as
freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development are 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
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 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, that 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 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 live 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 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, 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.
Their are incidental benefits as
well, too numerous to list here that include:
Friendship
Leadership Skills
Goal Accomplishment
Socialization
Community Involvement
Self Esteem
There are many more benefits to becoming a
Mason and all you have to do is ask a Mason to join.
Requirements To Join
The absolute requirements for becoming a
Mason are:
Be a man, [NOTE: there are other branches of Masonry that accept
both men and women, or women only];
At least 18 years old [NOTE: Some lodges and some jurisdictions
make exceptions for 18-year-olds, sometimes for those who are sons of Masons,
sometimes for university students];
Have belief in a Supreme Being (of any faith.
No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.)
Also:
You should be someone who does, or wants to
learn to, enjoy the company of other men from all different social classes,
faiths, backgrounds, races, countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.
If you are a family man, Masonry considers that
your family obligations come FIRST, so you must be sure that:
You have the time to participate (usually two
or three evenings/month at first for meetings and instruction, and then at least
one evening per month for meetings from then on -- often more if you get
involved in lodge activities.)
You can afford the initiation fees and the
annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.
You should be coming to Masonry "of your
own free will and accord", to learn to improve yourself and to enjoy the
company of other good people, not because someone keeps pestering you to join or
because you think it will help you "get ahead" in business.
To join, all you have to do is ask a Mason:
Preferably someone you know or at least who
lives or works nearby, or...
Call Marion Dunn Lodge's Secretary
Paul Ferguson
at
-352-694-2461
, or...
E-Mail Marion Dunn Lodge at mdl19@embarqmail.com
For other areas around the world...
If you think that you don't know any Masons in your
area, you could post to the netnews group alt.freemasonry and ask that anyone
who lives in your general area reply to you, or...
You can probably find nearby lodges listed in
your phonebook. (White-pages listings for lodges may be under
"Masons", "Freemasons", "Masonic Apartments", or
"Masonic Temple", "Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite" and the
Grand Lodge would probably be under "Grand Lodge of Masons").
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