Freemasonry or Masonry refers to fraternal organisations that trace their origins to the local guilds of stonemasons that, from the end of the 13th century, regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients
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Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It uses the
tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is a fraternity which encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement & helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world. WHO ARE THE FREEMASONS?
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Masons belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in one God. Many of the United State’s early patriots were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the Father of the Confederation, Sir John A. MacDonald, was a Mason, as were other early Canadian and American leaders. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other “Brother.”
WHAT DO FREEMASONS DO?
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The Masonic experience encourages members to become better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge help build lifelong friendships among men with similar goals and values. Beyond its focus on individual development and growth, Masonry is deeply involved in helping people. The Freemasons contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable causes. This philanthropy represents an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment of this great and honorable Fraternity. Much of that assistance goes to people who are not Masons. Some of these charities are vast projects. The Shrine Masons (Shriners) operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in the country, and there is never a fee for treatment. Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of philanthropies, including scholarship programs for children, and perform public service activities in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each other and their families in social and recreational activities. FREEMASONRY CANNOT MAKE YOU RICH
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Freemasonry can not and will not make you rich. You do not get paid to be a member. In fact, you have to pay to become (and remain) a member in the form of early dues
Some join Masonry seeing it similar to a club or fraternity. It is this and more. Some will find that Freemasonry is a wonderful venue for social service activities providing an opportunity for giving of one's self to better the common good of all. It is this and more
Others may find the Lodge as a place to meet and become friends with those from whom they might have otherwise remained at a perpetual distance. Still others will become immersed in the rich symbolism and history of Freemasonry which extends back hundreds of years and presents innumerable opportunities for contemplation and reflection. A few Masons have suggested it's like the seven blindfolded people finding an elephant: the description is what YOU yourself discover - with opportunities to learn and explore still further at every turn. Truly Freemasonry provides the opportunity for you to explore this to its fullest. Lodges offer the opportunity to learn and/or enhance public speaking skills, taking even the most shy or reticent speaker to a level of competence and confidence
Leadership is acquired as one assumes many varied roles within the lodge and educational opportunities are found at every turn. In short, you are limited only by yourself - and Freemasonry has been pretty darn good over the centuries at helping tens of millions of men break free from those limitations. Freemasonry offers no financial riches or worldly advancement: what it does provide is a chance to explore the Greatness in yourself - to become a better man as the days go on. Is this what you're seeking? If so, you might want to consider Freemasonry.
