WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
Freemasonry, or Masonry, is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, a universal society of friends who seek to become better men through their association with one another and their families. It is a 600-year-old fraternity with a 3,000-year tradition, the prototype of most modern fraternal societies and service organizations.
Masonry requires a belief in God or "Grand Architect of The Universe" and urges its members to be faithful to their own religious beliefs, but it is not a religion. It encourages its members and their families to be good citizens and to choose their own best means of private political expression, however political discourse is not permitted within the lodge or at it's social events. Its charitable activities and good works are for the benefit of all humankind.
The recognized Masonic fraternity In the United States includes approximately 875,000 members in 13,000 Lodges. There are about 3 million Masons and more than 100 Grand Lodges worldwide. New York has 24,000 members in over 800 Lodges which belong to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. George Washington and 13 other Presidents of the United States, as well as 18 Vice Presidents and 35 Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States have been Masons.
WHERE DID FREEMASONRY START?
Because Freemasonry is many centuries old, scholars do not agree about precisely when and where it began. The most commonly accepted theory is that the origins of Freemasonry reach back to medieval times when the great cathedrals of Europe were built. The stonemasons who created these awe-inspiring Gothic structures formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their trade, to help one another, and to pass on their knowledge to worthy apprentices.
In 17th century England, these guilds began accepting honorary members, men of learning and position. These new members were not working stonemasons or even associated with the building trades. As "accepted Masons," they eventually grew into a separate organization called Free and Accepted Masons, or Freemasonry.
IS FREEMASONRY A SECRET SOCIETY?
No, this Is a mistaken notion although it has been widely believed from the beginning. The membership, meeting places, and activities of the Masonic fraternity are actually well known to anyone who is interested. Many books have been written about Freemasonry, and you can probably find several in your local public library. Even the constitutions, rules and regulations of the Fraternity have been published.
It is true that Masons have private modes of recognition and ceremonies for some meetings, but the Fraternity is not otherwise secret. Masonic halls and temples are often made available for community activities. Many members wear distinctive Masonic rings or lapel pins to show their pride in being a part of this ancient and honorable fraternity.
WILL I BE ASKED TO JOIN?
No, not directly. And you should not wait to be asked. Some men who would like to become Masons never do because they are unaware that a Mason is not permitted directly to solicit new members. Regrettably, it is not uncommon to hear a man say that he waited in vain to be invited into the fraternity.
If you are interested in membership, or desire more information, feel free to approach a Mason and satisfy yourself concerning what Freemasonry is all about. Or possibly one of your Masonic friends may introduce the subject in conversation with you. But, he won't actually ask you to join because Freemasons believe that a man should seek membership only of his own free will and accord, not because he was solicited.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Membership in a Masonic lodge is open to men 18 years of age or older, without regard to race, religion, or financial status. Those accepted for membership must be of good character and reputation, and believe in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.
A candidate for membership is first recommended by a member of the Lodge he wishes to join. His application or "petition" is read at a meeting and referred to a committee, usually composed of three members, who interview the applicant, normally in his home, so that the applicant's wife and family may become familiar with the organization and its activities. After the committee reports back to the lodge, the applicant is voted on by a secret ballot of the lodge members and, if accepted, begins the process of becoming a lodge member.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INITIATION?
There are three basic degrees of Masonry - Entered Apprentice (First Degree), Fellowcraft (Second Degree) and Master Mason (Third Degree) - which are conferred at three separate meetings over a period of several weeks or months. The solemn process is an enlightening and interesting experience for the candidate with no embarrassing moments. Between meetings he is given further instruction concerning the meaning of the ritualistic ceremony in which he has participated. He will also be asked to memorize a few key passages of the ritual.
The Masonic ritual dramatizes its philosophy of the importance of a moral life. It uses the tools of ancient stonemasons as symbols to teach these ideals. A Mason promises to build his life and character with the same care and precision that stonemasons used to construct the great cathedrals centuries ago.
WHAT DO FREEMASONS DO?
Masons are dedicated to becoming better men. Like many people, Freemasons try to live in accordance with high moral principles as good citizens. They do not claim to have a monopoly on these ideals, but they do join together in lodges to help each other intensify their devotion to these enduring values. Freemasonry teaches and practices the principles and ideals of kindness, honesty, decency, courtesy, fairness, understanding, and concern. It upholds the belief that we are all a part of a Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Masons practice patriotism, and shape their lives in accordance with the best practices of civilized society. They do this in lodges for men, but there are many family activities as well.
Freemasonry, or Masonry, is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, a universal society of friends who seek to become better men through their association with one another and their families. It is a 600-year-old fraternity with a 3,000-year tradition, the prototype of most modern fraternal societies and service organizations.
Masonry requires a belief in God or "Grand Architect of The Universe" and urges its members to be faithful to their own religious beliefs, but it is not a religion. It encourages its members and their families to be good citizens and to choose their own best means of private political expression, however political discourse is not permitted within the lodge or at it's social events. Its charitable activities and good works are for the benefit of all humankind.
The recognized Masonic fraternity In the United States includes approximately 875,000 members in 13,000 Lodges. There are about 3 million Masons and more than 100 Grand Lodges worldwide. New York has 24,000 members in over 800 Lodges which belong to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York. George Washington and 13 other Presidents of the United States, as well as 18 Vice Presidents and 35 Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States have been Masons.
WHERE DID FREEMASONRY START?
Because Freemasonry is many centuries old, scholars do not agree about precisely when and where it began. The most commonly accepted theory is that the origins of Freemasonry reach back to medieval times when the great cathedrals of Europe were built. The stonemasons who created these awe-inspiring Gothic structures formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their trade, to help one another, and to pass on their knowledge to worthy apprentices.
In 17th century England, these guilds began accepting honorary members, men of learning and position. These new members were not working stonemasons or even associated with the building trades. As "accepted Masons," they eventually grew into a separate organization called Free and Accepted Masons, or Freemasonry.
IS FREEMASONRY A SECRET SOCIETY?
No, this Is a mistaken notion although it has been widely believed from the beginning. The membership, meeting places, and activities of the Masonic fraternity are actually well known to anyone who is interested. Many books have been written about Freemasonry, and you can probably find several in your local public library. Even the constitutions, rules and regulations of the Fraternity have been published.
It is true that Masons have private modes of recognition and ceremonies for some meetings, but the Fraternity is not otherwise secret. Masonic halls and temples are often made available for community activities. Many members wear distinctive Masonic rings or lapel pins to show their pride in being a part of this ancient and honorable fraternity.
WILL I BE ASKED TO JOIN?
No, not directly. And you should not wait to be asked. Some men who would like to become Masons never do because they are unaware that a Mason is not permitted directly to solicit new members. Regrettably, it is not uncommon to hear a man say that he waited in vain to be invited into the fraternity.
If you are interested in membership, or desire more information, feel free to approach a Mason and satisfy yourself concerning what Freemasonry is all about. Or possibly one of your Masonic friends may introduce the subject in conversation with you. But, he won't actually ask you to join because Freemasons believe that a man should seek membership only of his own free will and accord, not because he was solicited.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Membership in a Masonic lodge is open to men 18 years of age or older, without regard to race, religion, or financial status. Those accepted for membership must be of good character and reputation, and believe in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul.
A candidate for membership is first recommended by a member of the Lodge he wishes to join. His application or "petition" is read at a meeting and referred to a committee, usually composed of three members, who interview the applicant, normally in his home, so that the applicant's wife and family may become familiar with the organization and its activities. After the committee reports back to the lodge, the applicant is voted on by a secret ballot of the lodge members and, if accepted, begins the process of becoming a lodge member.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INITIATION?
There are three basic degrees of Masonry - Entered Apprentice (First Degree), Fellowcraft (Second Degree) and Master Mason (Third Degree) - which are conferred at three separate meetings over a period of several weeks or months. The solemn process is an enlightening and interesting experience for the candidate with no embarrassing moments. Between meetings he is given further instruction concerning the meaning of the ritualistic ceremony in which he has participated. He will also be asked to memorize a few key passages of the ritual.
The Masonic ritual dramatizes its philosophy of the importance of a moral life. It uses the tools of ancient stonemasons as symbols to teach these ideals. A Mason promises to build his life and character with the same care and precision that stonemasons used to construct the great cathedrals centuries ago.
WHAT DO FREEMASONS DO?
Masons are dedicated to becoming better men. Like many people, Freemasons try to live in accordance with high moral principles as good citizens. They do not claim to have a monopoly on these ideals, but they do join together in lodges to help each other intensify their devotion to these enduring values. Freemasonry teaches and practices the principles and ideals of kindness, honesty, decency, courtesy, fairness, understanding, and concern. It upholds the belief that we are all a part of a Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Masons practice patriotism, and shape their lives in accordance with the best practices of civilized society. They do this in lodges for men, but there are many family activities as well.
White Plains Lodge No. 473
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