| Freemasonry is the oldest,
largest Fraternity in the world. It's members have included Kings, Presidents,
Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices,
corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door
neighbor. And 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?
Freemasonry
teaches that principle. We believe that a life not founded 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 become a member of a Freemasonry Lodge. 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 own
beliefs that you insist on yourself?
Masons 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 than 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 have 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 feel that there's something 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 as 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 so 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 applied. We uphold and maintain the
principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would
divide it in a degrading manner.
Do you agree that man should show compassion for 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 much 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 dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other.
Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote
unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his
community. Masons call this way of life believing in the Brotherhood of
Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden
rule. This is why Masonry has been called one the of greatest forces
for good in the world.
IF YOU ANSWERED "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 the
chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and idealsmen who have answered "YES" to
these questions.
It's easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Freemasonry.
You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and
Compasses like the one in this brochure on a 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.
If you are looking for a Lodge in Michigan then simply click
>> HERE <<
Brought to you by:
The Grand Lodge of Michigan
233 E Fulton Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616.459.2451
Fax: 616.459.3912
Website: Michigan Masons
Email: gl-office@gl-mi.org
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Michigan Masons Web Site
Freemasonry Interesting Facts
Steps to Joining
Free Information
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The question is not answerable unless Masonry be defined. Some
form of organization of builders, according to the oldest Masonic
document, the Regius poem, existed as early as A.D. 926. Freemasonry,
as distinguished from any other organization of practical builders,
probably began among the Cathedral builders of the middle ages-tent
or eleventh century. The first Grand Lodge came into existence in
1717. Freemasonry in the United States dates definitely from 1730
and probably earlier.
Why are we called "Freemasons" ?
There are many theories: a man was a Freemason because his ancestors were
not slaves nor was he a slave; he was so called because he was free within his
Guild, or free of the Guild's laws and could thus "travel in foreign countries" and
work where he would; he was a Freemason because he worked in freestone, which
is any stone which can be cut, smoothed, carved in any direction; he was free
when he had passed his apprenticeship and became a Fellow of the Craft; he was
free when he had left the status of serf or villain and legally became free.
Probably at one time or another masons were called Freemasons for any of these
reasons or for all of them. The consensus leans to the theory that the Freemason
was such because of his skill, knowledge and abilities which set him free of
those conditions, laws, rules and customs which circumscribed masons of lesser
abilities in the Cathedral building age.
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