Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in one's work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for public education; and above all, a life-practicing reverence for God and love of fellow man.
Fifty years ago, a prominent Freemason referred to our Gentle Craft as "an organized association of men, symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building." That observance was true in l937 as it is just as true today.
For the most relevant definition of our Fraternity, it is suggested that you consider the personal attributes of your Masonic friend who has made this brochure available to you.
The
background of today's Masonry is found deep in the time
when men built the cathedrals, abbeys, and castles of
medieval Europe. The stonemasons who created these
awe-inspiring Gothic structures formed craft guilds to
protect the secrets of their building trade and to pass
on their knowledge to worthy and deserving apprentices.
By the time the need for this type of "Operative" Mason
declined in the Seventeenth Century, the practices and
customs of the operative craft had left such an
impression that men who had no inclination of being
operative builders sought membership. These speculative
builders were learned and well-thinking men, men of integrity and good will. With their admission, "speculative Masonry" evolved. This speculative Fraternity of Freemasons used the symbols (tools) which the operative Masons used in Cathedral building as symbols in character building.
The two principal tools were the Square and Compass-which together form the most familiar Masonic "trademark" in the world to this day. The letter "G", in the very center of this emblem, reflects the true Masonic belief that God is the very center of ALL life.
Twenty-two
words establish the most important prerequisite to
becoming a Mason. " . . . We receive none, knowingly,
into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God
and of good repute before the world . . .
NO! Hopefully, if the concepts and principles of Masonry as enumerated in this folder interest you, you will not need to be asked to join. You must ask to become a Freemason. Unfortunately, many men who would like to become Masons never do because they are unaware of the above-mentioned requirement (that it be of your own free will and accord, and you must ask to join the Fraternity). If you desire to learn more about Masonic membership, feel free to contact a Mason to satisfy yourself concerning Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we believe that membership in an organization as worthy as ours must come from a "sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow creatures" and not because of coaxing, coercement, or of any promise of material gain of any kind.
An applicant, whose petition has been accepted by the lodge, is advised of the date his Entered Apprentice Degree has been scheduled. On that date, following a brief Ritualistic opening, the petitioner is properly prepared and introduced to the lodge. The solemn process is an enlightening experience and the candidate need never worry that embarrassing or compromising situations will arise during this (or any other degree)-THEY WILL NOT!
After receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, you will be expected to memorize several key passages of the Ritual and help will be extended in the teaching/learning process.
Having learned the required Ritualistic work and satisfying the lodge of that proficiency, you will be asked to return for the conferral of your Fellow Craft Degree. Following a proficiency examination on that Degree, you will advance to the "last and highest grade of Ancient Craft Masonry-the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason."
Only after having completed these three symbolic degrees will you truly understand the oft-quoted statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men."
NO! Religion can best teach a man faith, hope, and charity. Freemasonry only endeavors to reinforce these teachings. Masonry is not a religion nor is it a substitute for or a rival of any doctrine. It is an aid to religious development in that it builds character and stresses righteousness. It is significant that many clergymen are
active members of the Fraternity. A Mason respects and is tolerant of that which is sacred to his brother, be he Christian, Mohammedan, Jew, or of some other faith in God.
The Fraternity is essentially an institution providing moral instruction and the rules of right conduct a member must follow are acceptable to all religions.
The basic premise of Freemasonry is "The Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God." With that thought uppermost in mind, Masons strive to learn how better to serve that "brotherhood of man"-charitably-not just with money (although a recent survey revealed that over two million Masonic dollars
are contributed EVERY DAY to philanthropies) but also through actions and deeds. The over 113,000 Masons of Indiana own and operate one of the finest Masonic Homes in the world, which over the past three-quarters of a century has extended the hand of brotherly love and concern to thousands of men, women, and children.
At the other end of the spectrum, Masons help, believe in, and support our young people through scholarship and student loan programs, sponsored by the Grand Lodge and Grand Commandery of Indiana.
The l985-86 restoration of the Statue of Liberty was given a $2,000,000 boost by the Masons of America. The Masons of Indiana claimed approximately $5,000 of that boost.
Lodge members may join Masonically-related organizations outside of the Lodge. These groups include the York Rite (Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar), and Scottish Rite.
Yes I am interested in becoming a Mason please send me a Free and Accepted Masons application.
It encourages good citizenship and political expression but is not a political organization. Its charitable activities are manifold, yet, it is not a welfare or benefit organization.
WHERE DID IT START?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?
WILL I BE ASKED TO JOIN?
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE INITIATION?
IS FREEMASONRY A RELIGION?
HOW DO MASONS HELP OTHERS?
BEYOND LODGE MEMBERSHIP
