 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
||
 |
||
Frequently Asked Questions
Who
are the Masons?
Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal
organization in the world. Today, there are more than two million Freemasons
in North America. 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 North America’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 in harmony and
friendship and calling each other “Brother.”
What is
Freemasonry?
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 singular purpose is to make good men better. 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
and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the
world. top
Where
did Freemasonry Begin?
No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins
have been lost in time. Most scholars believe Masonry rose from the
guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and cathedrals
of the middle ages. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization
when four Lodges in London joined in forming England’s first
Grand Lodge. By 1731, when Benjamin Franklin joined the Fraternity,
there were already several Lodges in the Colonies, and in Canada
the first Lodge was established in 1738.
Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout North
America, and in large cities there are usually several Lodges.
A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge
where he will be welcomed as a “Brother.” top
What
do Freemasons Do?
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 of North America 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 those charities
are vast projects. The Shrine Masons (Shriners) operate the largest network
of hospitals for burned and orthopaedically impaired children in the country,
and there is never a fee for treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons maintain a
nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers,
and Programs. Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of philanthropies,
including scholarship programs for students, and perform public service activities
in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each other and their
families in social and recreational activities. top
Several
Masonic Principles Are:
· Faith must be the center of our lives.
· All men and women are the children of God.
· No one has the right to tell another person what he or she must think
or believe.
· Each person has a responsibility to be a good citizen, obeying the law.
· It is important to work to make the world a better place for all.
· Honor and integrity are keys to a meaningful life. top
What
is The Masonic Lodge?
The word “Lodge” means both a group of Masons meeting together
as well as the room or building in which they meet. Masonic buildings are sometimes
called “temples” because the original meaning of the term was “place
of knowledge” and Masonry encourages the advancement of knowledge. Masonic
Lodges usually meet once or twice a month to conduct regular business, vote
upon petitions for membership, and bring new Masons into the Fraternity through
three ceremonies called degrees. In the Lodge room Masons share in a variety
of programs. Here the bonds of friendship and fellowship are formed and strengthened. top
Who
Can Qualify To Join?
Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To
become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge
appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon
his petition. Click here for a petition top
So
Who Are the Masons?
Masons are men of good character who strive to improve themselves and make
the world a better place. They belong to the oldest and most honorable fraternity
known to man. If you think you may be interested in becoming a member, you
can begin by contacting a Lodge in your area or speaking to a Mason. top
home | about | officers | events | history |photos | faq | contact
For
techinical problems with the site or for more information onFreemasonry,
Please contact us via email at info@humanelodge21.org or webmaster@humanelodge21.org