There are many more degrees you can take and several different groups you may choose to get involved with as you grow in the fraternity. This process is very rewarding and will help you get to know the brothers at your lodge. This traditional process could take 3-6 months based on the system of the lodge you choose. This process would start with the Entered Apprentice degree and then move to the Fellow Craft degree and conclude with the Master Mason degree. This process of going through the degrees can be done traditionally in your own lodge with smaller groups that include other candidates entering your lodge just like you. After becoming a Master Mason (the third degree of the lodge) you may seek membership in the many other Masonic related groups these are often referred to as appendant bodies. These degrees are very solemn and Masons take the task of making Masons very seriously. At no time will horseplay or indignities enter into the program. These ceremonies are very dignified and inspirational. (A Masonic) lodge will perform three degrees (initiation ceremonies) for your education and enjoyment. By developing leadership techniques that fit their personality, Masons unlock the door to their full potential. As Freemasons progress through the Craft, they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills that even they might not have known they possessed. Since its very beginnings, Freemasons have been regarded as the most admirable men in their communities.įreemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge, District, and Grand Lodge level. Thus, the reputation of each Freemason, and of the fraternity as a whole, is reinforced. Like so much that comprises our ceremonies and ritual, secrecy is used as a symbolic lesson to reinforce our philosophy of honor. Much has been rumored of Masonic “secrecy” for over three hundred years. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as “a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Its ceremonies provide instruction to all members, supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures, workshops, and reading. The Grand Lodge of Indiana has advocated the education of its members since its beginning in 1818. But personal acts of charity are deemed to be an essential cornerstone of Masonic philosophy, and this begins with agreeing to help, aid and assist fellow Freemasons and their families. Masons are also actively involved in a great deal of community volunteer work. In fact, Masons in North America give away approximately $2 million to national and local charities each day, of which more than 70% is directed toward the general public. Freemasons have always been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children, the sick and the elderly. While Freemasonry itself is not a charity, from its earliest days, charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasonry also promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness, or adversity through no fault of your own, the hands of our great fraternity will be stretched forth to aid and assist you. You’ll enjoy the friendship of other Masons in the community, and you’ll be welcomed as a “Brother” by Masons everywhere in the world. There are Masonic lodges on every continent on Earth, and in almost every nation. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself, while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.īy attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow Masons, you’ll strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with like-minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. The traditions of the fraternity are founded upon the building of King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, and modern Freemasons likewise use the tools, traditions and terminology of those earlier stonemasons as allegories for building temples in the hearts of men. As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character of different religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds, who share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.įreemasonry (often simplified to “Masonry”) is based on the medieval stonemason guilds who built the great castles and cathedrals of Europe. Founded in London, England in 1717, its current worldwide membership totals 3.5 million members, 1.3 million of which are in the United States. What is Freemasonry? (from )įreemasonry is the world’s oldest, largest, and best-known gentleman’s fraternity.
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