What is a Mason?

What Masonry is
and is not…

The Square and Compasses, Masonry’s most
popular symbol, signifyng 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!
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.

We urge your family to read Masonic history; it is
a vital part of our proud American heritage.

Family values are
critical to the Mason.
Membership should
never interfere with
family life.

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.

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.

Any Questions?

Should you have any further questions please ask
your Masonic Member. If he cannot provide an
answer, please do not hesitate to contact the Master
or Secretary of his Lodge directly (it is a good idea
to have their numbers available). Or, in time of
emergency, please feel free to call Grand Lodge for
further information.
It is our sincerest hope that you will be proud of
your Mason and of your family’s involvement in
Masonry.

We welcome you with our hearts!
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.

Leave a Reply