Freemasonry is one of the oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons customs and tools as allegorical guides. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:
Brotherly Love
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinion of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Relief
Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
Truth
Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
What is the purpose of Masonry?
The basic purpose is to make “better men out of good men”. There is an emphasis placed on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook, and broadening his mental horizons.
Masonry tries to educate its members about:
– The principle of personal responsibility and righteousness
– Understanding of and feeling for Freemasonry’s character
– How to put these lessons into practice in their daily life.
Ancient Free & Accepted Masonry
Lodges and Grand Lodges whose charter’s derive from the United Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of England, The Grand Lodge of Ireland or the Grand Lodge of Scotland use the expression , A.F. & A.M.
Joining Freemasonry
Freemasonry has its lodges throughout the world. You will find Masons meeting in almost every town and village. None of these lodges was ever organized as a result of any type of “missionary” work: They came into existence because a group of Masons wanted to share the friendship and fraternity with others in the area. The requirements are:
- Being a man of good repute and well recommended.
- A belief in a Supreme Being.
- Ability to support one’s self and family.
- Of lawful age.
- Come to Freemasonry of their “own free will and accord”.