Masonry in Texas // Masonry in America //
There is much information out there, we recommend you to do your own research and learn all that you can. This is just a small view of what freemasonry is.
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What is Freemasonry?
"A regular system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols."
Freemasonry is the world's oldest largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions that are based on the belief in one God.
What Freemasonry IS:
- It is a voluntary association of men
- It is a system of moral conduct. It is a way of life.
- It is a fraternal society.
- It is religious in its character.
- It teaches the Golden Rule.
- It seeks to make good men better men.
- It teaches morality through symbolism.
- It uses secret rites and ceremonies to instruct its members.
- It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man and the Immortality of the Soul.
- Its purpose is to improve humanity as a whole, each mason charged to walk uprightly before God and man, and by his rectitude or conduct encouraging others to conduct themselves in like manner.
- Its tenents are ethical principles such as are acceptable to all men.
- It teaches toleration toward the beliefs of others, and charity toward all mankind.
- Masons are proud to proclaim that their fraternity consists of men bound together by bonds of brotherly love and affection, universally applicable throughout the world.
What Freemasonry is NOT:
- It is not an insurance or benefit society. It does not solicit members.
- It is neither a religion or a creed. It is not a charity organization.
- It is not organized for profit. It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.
- It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics. It is not a forum for discussion of partisan affairs.
- It is not a secret society, as it does not conceal its existence, membership or purposes.
Just Remember
Masonry teaches love and kindness in the home, honesty and fairness in business or occupation, courtesy in social contacts, help for the weak and unfortunate, resistance to wickedness, trust and confidence in good men, forgiveness toward the penitent, love toward one another and, above all, reverence for the Supreme Being. One of the outstanding features of Freemasonry, and a quality almost unique amoung societies, is a rule of immemorial standing that no man may be asked, invited or solicited to enter the fraternity.
How do I become a Mason?
"Ask one to be one"
Anyone seeking membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a petition stating his age, occupation, and place of residence.
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Principal Tenets of Freemasonry
The principal tenets of the craft are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
The primary objective of Freemasonry is to make good men better. To this aim, masonry teaches via symbols and catechism, and in the simple but effective lessons of work. Masonry employs working tools to convey messages and lessons, including the square, compass, and the trowel. These lessons are taught and illustrated in the three degrees of masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master.
Famous Masons:
Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as 13 signers of the Constitution and 14 Presidents of the United States including George Washington.
Today, the more than three million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
One of the fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men from so many different walks of life can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!"
Why Should I Become A Freemason?
The Entered Apprentice
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest Fraternity in the world. It's members included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEO's, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor.
Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the Fraternity. It's ready to welcome YOU, if in your heart you can answer "yes" to a few questions.
Do you believe that there is such a thing as honor and that a man has a responsibility to act with honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not found on honor is hollow and empty-that a man who acts without honor is less than a man.
Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual faith is, that is a question between you and your God, but we do require that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
Are you willing to allow others the same right to their beliefs that you insist on yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration - on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political matters.
Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better place that you found it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, or helping children to walk or read or see - the world should be a better place because we passed through it.
Do you believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more fun?
Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know it gives each of us a good feeling - unlike any other - to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude, we're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that's there too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you believe there is more to life than just financial success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self- development. but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just a a carpenter works at building a house.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country is strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably app ed. We uphold and maintain the principals of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man should show compassion to others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of doing wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together - a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealing and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an titude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of live believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golde rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest forces for good on the world.
If you answer "yes", you should consider becoming a Mason.
Freemasonry offers much to its members - the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better world for our children. It offers a chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and ideals - men who have answered "YES to these questions.
It's easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Masonry. You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and Compasses like the one above on this page or on a ring or pin or tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your community, stop by or look up the number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book and ask for the secretary of the lodge. He'll be happy to help you.
Have you ever considered becoming a Mason? We'd like a chance to talk with you.