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Introduction to Freemasonry

Freemasonry is composed of a family of organizations bound by common purposes and ideals; dedicated to improving life by improving human kind.

Blue Lodge Masonry (also known as Craft or Symbolic Masonry) is the starting point. To be affiliated with any or other part of the family, you must be a Blue Lodge Mason or a member of a Blue Lodge Mason's family.

Once made a Master Mason other Masonic organizations are open for membership. These include:

·         The York Rite of Freemasonry

·         The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

·         The Shrine

·         The Order of the Eastern Star (open to women and men)

And your children can become a part of several organizations, including DeMoly for boys, and Jobs Daughters and Rainbow for girls.

Ten Reasons to Become a Mason

Some of the members in Iowa were asked why a man should be a Mason and here are 10 Reasons that were given:

·         A place where you can confidently trust every person and trust your family with them also.

·         A place where, within moral and civil guidelines; free thought, free speaking and the spiritual growth of man, can grow into its fullest potential.

·         A place to meet outstanding individuals from all walks of life, that a person would not otherwise have had the opportunity to know and call brother.

·         A place to be part of an organization which has for its principal tenets – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

·         A place that provides self-development opportunities, leadership training and experience, and to improve public speaking skills. A place you can go to seek support as well as give it.

·         A place where moral virtues are taught and through these teachings a regular reinforcement of the moral virtues is experienced. A place to spend time with a group of brothers, who by acting as good men, make me want to become a better man. Not better than others, but better than I would have otherwise been.

·         A place to become better equipped to serve Church and community.

·         A place to meet with established members of the community and to become a part of the community.

The history and traditions of Freemasonry date back to antiquity, with the singular purpose of making good men better. The tenets of our fraternity; Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, have stood the test of time, and survived some of the most brutal religious and political conflicts history has to offer, including our own Civil War. Freemasonry, while neither a political forum, nor formal place of worship, does require of its members two things: The belief in the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of Man, regardless of political or religious persuasion.

Who are Freemasons?

Many of our founding fathers were Freemasons. George Washington was the first of 14 Presidents of the United States to be a member of the fraternity, as well as 13 signers of the Constitution. In more recent history members of the fraternity include President Truman, General Douglas McArthur, numerous astronauts, entertainers, and sports figures. More importantly, millions of men such as yourself.

Freemasonry enjoys over three million members world wide and draws to its ranks men from every profession and occupation, all meeting on the "Level." While each man may have his own religious and political views and opinions, they all share one common bond, the belief in one God, and the need to treat each man with brotherly love and affection. What are the qualifications?

It is the internal and not the external qualifications that should recommend a man to be a Mason. It does not consider any man for his worldly wealth or honor as a qualification for membership. Nor does it place any requirements on a man’s political or religious affiliations. Masonry seeks to "make good men better." It therefore looks to those men who have already demonstrated strong moral background, and exemplary character. In Iowa a candidate for Masonry must also be at least 18 years of age, and must profess his belief in a Supreme Being as no atheist can be made a Mason.

Seeking Membership

Anyone seeking membership into Freemasonry should first seek out a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must first sign a petition on which he states his name, age, occupation, and place of residence, as well as his belief in a Supreme Being. This petition will be investigated and brought before the members of the Lodge who will vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the results of this ballot must be unanimous.

Is Freemasonry a Religion

Absolutely not, it is the oldest and largest Fraternity in the world - Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being to become a member, and accepts men of any faith, it is in no way a religion, and it does not try to compete with religion. Instead, the fraternity strongly encourages you to be active in the church of your choice, and pursue your own religious beliefs.

What About the Derogatory Comments Found On The Internet

You may have noticed that these sites never include a way of contacting them, unless that is, when they wish to sell you books or tapes - many make a living out of defaming the fraternity. To get factual information regarding their ridiculous allegations, take a look at the following sites: http://www.masonicinfo.com/ and http://www.indianafreemasons.com/imoanti/detract.html- the first does a great job of dispelling myths and outright lies - the second gives a good perspective on our feelings on religion in the Lodge room.

Masons believe in independence, liberty, freedom and constitutional rights for all, and oppose special privileges for a few! As a way of life, Masonry may be explained as follows:

·         In the home it is kindness.

·         In the business it is honesty.

·         In society it is courtesy.

·         In work it is fairness.

·         Toward the unfortunate it is pity.

·         Toward the wicked it is resistance.

·         Toward the weak it is help.

·         Toward the strong it is trust.

·         Toward the penitent it is forgiveness.

·         Toward the fortunate it is congratulations.

·         Toward God it is reverence and love.

Yes, Masonry is good - so let's talk about it always and clear up mistaken beliefs about this wonderful way of life, which teaches men how to live. A good education furnishes the tools to work with, and experience in Masonry teaches how these things can and should be done.