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What
is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the largest and
oldest secular fraternal order in the world, crossing all religious boundaries to bring men together of all countries, sects,
and opinion in peace and harmony. It is a universal brotherhood, dedicated to serving the divine by service to family, country,
and mankind.
Freemasonry is a philosophical organization emphasizing the
study of moral symbols to build character. This education is, in part, the foundation of a more profound understanding of
mankind and his existence. Living today in a "throw away / mass consumption society", Freemasonry teaches about the value
of people and the meaning of relativism over personal individualism. The real nature of Freemasonry is a spiritual force behind
each member, improving him or herself morally by associating with other like-minded individuals. Also, Freemasonry acts as
a social organization, promoting the interaction between like-minded men within the lodge to build bonds between them. By
fostering this brotherhood relationships are made that remain even outside the comforts of the lodge the bonds remain and
genuine affection prevails. Wherever traveling, masons meet and greet other masons as brothers as a result of these bonds.
Freemasonry opens men's eyes to the knowledge that the road
to happiness is found in the journey to the perfection of the spirit, intellect & soul, to strive to his fullest potential.
Differing from religious institutions, Freemasonry sees all men as equal, not drawing division to beliefs. Fellow Freemasons
are regarded as brothers because of the rituals of Freemasonry, which have remained virtually unchanged for many hundred years.
By accepting men of all faiths, together in Freemasonry, they learn and teach the truths of morality, justice, patriotism
and brotherly love. All expressed through reverence to the divine Great Architect of the Universe.
Who Are Masons???
Freemasons
are men who voluntarily seek admission to a lodge, are accepted because they were tested and found to be of good moral
character, with a belief in the divine, and uphold high moral, personal, and ethical standards.
They participate and desire to participate with like-minded
individuals in learning what Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth truly mean, practicing in these tenants both within and without
lodge, in their various communities.
Freemasons are people from all walks life, from college students
to presidents. Men from all walks have petitioned and received the degrees of the fraternity and have attended and served
side by side with others who have elected to do the same.
Membership is Freemasonry is not a secret, as many masons
proudly wear pins or rings proclaiming their fellowship. There are no secrets in Freemasonry, except for the most initiaic
of rituals in the quest for light, and even those are not secret in their activity, but rather in their deeper meanings.
The lessons learned in Freemasonry are openly shared with
wives, friends, coworkers and anyone who seeks their meaning on what the great fraternity is about. But, Freemasons are not
boastful nor indolent in it's virtues and do not squander their opportunities to impart wisdom whenever possible. Practical
duties of charity are planned for and carried out, personally and within a lodge. And lastly, but most importantly, the bonds
of fidelity and brotherly love are practiced within the lodge and without towards all brothers and non-brothers alike, but
with special consideration to brother master masons, where ever they may be.
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