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Freemasonry is the oldest and the largest fraternal order in the world. It is a universal
brotherhood of men dedicated to serving God, family, fellowman and country.
The heritage of modern Freemasonry is
derived from the organized guilds or unions of stone masons who constructed the beautiful cathedrals and other stately structures
throughout Europe during the middle ages. The skills and architectural genius of these craftsmen and their commitment to the
highest standards of moral and ethical values were universally applauded, and unlike other classes of people, they were allowed
to travel freely from country to country. Thus, during this period, the word "Free" was prefixed to the word mason, and these
craftsmen, and the generations of masons who followed, were referred to as Freemasons.
Until about the sixteenth century,
masons were strictly an operative craft-stone masons and architects building those magnificent cathedrals and palaces, many
of which still adorn the landscape of the European country side. Early in the seventeenth century, membership in these unions
or operating lodges of stone masons began to decline, and probably to compensate for their loss in members, they began to
admit certain men of prominence in society who were not craftsmen or stone masons. This class of members were initially considered
patrons of the Fraternity, and over the years became known as "accepted masons". At the conclusion of the seventeenth century,
a radical transformation had evolved; these accepted masons had become predominant, and the older lodges of Freemasons began
to emphasize and teach moral philosophy rather than the technical and operative art of earlier centuries. Tools of the stone
masons are still used in the Fraternity today, but only to symbolize moral virtue, not to build cathedrals.
Although
the moral philosophy of Freemasonry is founded upon religious principles, it is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for
religion. Candidates for membership (adult males) are however, expected to profess a belief in a Supreme Being, (God) and
be of good moral character.
Membership in the brotherhood of Masons means many things.
It means being part
of an unbroken tradition that stretches back over 500 years to a time when guilds of freemasons traveled throughout Europe
laying the stones of the great Gothic cathedrals.
It means sharing the values of our nation's founding fathers; the
ideals of men who believed in the brotherhood of man are firmly rooted in the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others. It means
forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well as those of geography.
But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing
for others without asking, or expecting anything in return.
Sharing the Traditions of Our Founding
Fathers
In its early years, Masonry numbered among its members some of the nation's most influential citizens - among
them GeorgeWashington, Henry Knox, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and Paul Revere.
The values that were important
then - loyalty, patriotism, liberty, courage and faith - are just as important to Masons today. The principles upon which
this country was founded are deeply embedded in Masonry.
Improving Yourself and Those Around You
Basic to
most of the world's great religions is the belief in what some might call the "old fashioned" values of honesty, fair play
and unselfishness in dealing with others.
Freemasonry shares many of the same beliefs; and, through its traditions
and teachings, attempts to instill in its members both the desire and the means to improve themselves and the lives of others.
However, while it may adhere to many of the same values associated with a religious faith, Masonry is not a religion.
It is a brotherhood of men from every country, sect, and opinion, joined in a common effort to make themselves better people,
to ease the suffering of others, and to make the world a better place.
To achieve these goals, Masonry does not promote
itself or its individual members. Instead, it teaches by example. New members are not publicly recruited; they are attracted
by the example of good men performing good works and living good lives.
Having Friends Wherever You Go
Who
becomes a Mason: anyone and everyone, accountants, businessmen, teachers, contractors, professional men and laborers. Masons
come from all walks of life and levels of income. They represent every race, creed and culture.
In Masonry, it doesn't
matter whether a man is a bricklayer or a physician, a waiter or the mayor of the city. All are on equal footing in the Lodge
room.
The ceremonies and practices of the Masons have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. No matter where a
Lodge is located, its members share the common bond of having passed through the same degree work, rites and rituals.
Because
of this, members can find brother Masons wherever they go. In Massachusetts alone, there are 300 lodges with nearly 60,000
members. Across the country and around the world, there are Lodges in nearly every city and in many smaller communities.
It's
a good feeling to know that, wherever a man's travels may take him, he has friends he can depend upon and trust.
Committing
Yourself to a Code of Moral Ethics
Freemasonry is built upon three basic tenets - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love is the
practice of the Golden Rule. Relief embodies charity for all mankind. Truth is honesty, fair play
and
adherence to the cardinal virtues.
These moral lessons are taught during three ceremonies, or "degrees" through
allegory and symbolism using the traditional stonemasons tools.
The First Degree uses the gavel and gauge to remind
the new member of his dependence on others and his subordination to God. In the Second Degree, the square, level, and plumb
are used to reinforce the moral lessons of brotherly love and service. And in the Third Degree, the trowel and other tools
encourage the candidate to reflect on the end of life and on the value of faithfulness to his promises.
After the
Three Degrees, members may explore other branches of Masonry, such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine.
Freemasonry
is not a secret organization. Lodge buildings are clearly marked and listed in the phone book. Members frequently wear rings
and pins identifying them as Masons. However, Masonry values confidentiality and, as with many other organizations, many of
its meetings are not open to the public.
Giving Freely of Yourself and Asking Nothing in Return
Of all the
cardinal virtues, none is more valued in Masonry than selfless giving. Examples of Masonic charity are legion.
Nationally,
Masons contribute nearly $2 million every day to relieve suffering and for the enrichment of mankind. Masons are the founding
sponsors and supporters of the Shriners Burns Institutes and the Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, both of which offer
their services free of charge. Every Shriner is a Mason.
Satisfaction derived from these endeavors cannot be measured
in ordinary terms. We will say, however, that it is through helping others that man most helps himself.
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