|
The Masonic
Family Welcomes
Your Family to
Freemasonry!
A man in your family has become a
Mason. Congratulations!
You are now connected to a worldwide brotherhood which takes as it's
creed:
Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.
We welcome your family to our Masonic
family.
There is much to know about Masonry. It is our sincerest hope that
Masonry will become a true family affair for you and yours. There
are many opportunities for family involvement, not only in the
Lodge but in groups designed for the Ladies and Youth, charitable
activities in the Community and much, much more.
We hope this brochure whets your
appetite to enjoy the Masonic experience with your family to the
fullest. |
What
is the purpose of Masonry?
The main purpose of Masonry is to take good men and assist them in
becoming better husbands, fathers, sons and brothers. Masonry does
this by keeping them exposed to moral and ethical teachings and by
consistently asking them to consider important character building
issues. One of most important concerns is what each Mason gives back
to his community. Masonry's cornerstone is charity. Approximately
two million dollars a day is given to charity by all Masonic
organizations combined. In short, by improving ourselves we are
placed in a better position to help others.
Should the Mason in your family becomes ill or hospitalized,
please take a moment to call the Secretary or Master of his Lodge.
You will be amazed at the support he and the family will receive.
Taking care of Brother Masons and their families is a labor of love
for a Mason.
Masons help in good times too!
Inquire about scholarships for college bound teens, housing and care
for senior family members, and Masonic Youth Camps for children.
There are many ways in which Masons live out their way of life. It
is up to each Masonic Family to choose its own way to contribute. |
How can your Family be involved in Masonry?
Some of the countless ways that your family can be involved in the
Masonic family include:
- Attending Lodge sponsored
functions such as public programs, parties, dinners, tours and
civic programs.
- Working with the Lodge at its
various charitable events such as fund drives, bike rodeos,
child identification programs, blood drives, drug and alcohol
prevention programs, telethons, and private
charitable work such as visiting the sick and tending to the
needs of widows.
- Becoming familiar with the full
family of Masonry which includes Eastern Star, Amaranth and
Daughters of the Nile for women, DeMolay for teenage boys,
Constellation of Junior Stars, Rainbow and Triangle for teenage
girls. All of these groups provide the wholesome environment
which springs from Masonry.
We welcome you with our hearts! |
|
What Masonry is and is not
The Square and Compasses, Masonry's most
popular symbol, signifying integrity and virtue.
Freemasonry is:
The oldest, largest and most charitable men's fraternal organization
in the world.
Spiritual, not religious in nature, requiring every member to
profess a belief in a Supreme Being of his choice.
Family oriented with many programs and groups to involve the entire
family.
An opportunity for a man to improve himself. Rich in history,
tradition and patriotism.
Sensitive to the needs of each community where it exists.
Open to men of good character regardless of race, creed or religion. |
Freemasonry is NOT:
A secret society. Any information about Masons can be found at a
well stocked bookstore or local library. Masonic buildings are
clearly marked and listed in the phonebook. Members wear Masonic
jewelry. The only secret about Masonry is that there are no real
secrets!A
Mason is proud of his membership!
Family values are
critical to the Mason. Membership should never interfere with family
life.
A very brief Look at Masonic History
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 a formal
organization was created in England when four Lodges in London
joined in forming England's Grand Lodge. Freemasonry in America was
initiated by our early settlers and was supported by men such as
Washington, Franklin, Hancock, Revere and DeWitt Clinton. As a
matter of fact, most of Washington's military staff were Masons. The
Grand Lodge of the State of New York was chartered in 1781.
We urge your family to read Masonic history; it is a vital part of
our proud heritage. |
The Mason in your family has joined a
renowned philanthropic brotherhood which has 1.7 million members in
North America and 3.2 million members world wide. There are very few
places in the entire world that could not offer your family Masonic
friendship or assistance if the need arose.
The Degree System of Masonry
Your family member will be going through a unique experience in the
modern world as he participates in our three degrees leading up to
his achieving full membership as a Master Mason. Ancient in origin,
each degree teaches an important lesson through the use of symbols.
There is never any `hazing' in a Masonic Degree. The Degrees are
dignified and when understood can add great value to the Mason's
daily life. All Masons wear aprons at their meetings to symbolize
the historic link between our current Brotherhood and the builders
of old.
Masonic Meetings
All Lodges meet on a regular stated basis which allows your family
to plan events. Masons receive more of the benefits of Masonry by
attending meetings, so long as that attendance does not harm the
family in any way.
We hope that your family will support and encourage your Mason's
attendance and that the whole family will take every opportunity to
participate with him. |
