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Freemasonry: The Craft

For centuries, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion throughout the world have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life? The nature of God and man? Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols. Not a religion but religious in character, it is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization. They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the universe. Yet Freemasonry can never conflict with a man's relationship to God or fellow man. Sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited. Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life, and none is turned away for financial need. The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness", invoking greater understanding of the inward life and a spirit of fellowship in which every Mason can also lead a better outward life.

Brotherhood At Work

Freemasonry has been characterized as a fraternity devoted to high ideals and admirable benevolence. Community service and charitable work are, in fact, principal Masonic activities. Easily the best-known is the world's largest single charitable institution, the Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children and Burns Institutes, which are located throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Other Masonic bodies support their own statewide and national foundations for research, teaching, and treatment for rehabilitation services for children with learning or speech disorders, cancer, visual problems, and need of dental restoration. Masons everywhere assist distressed brother Masons and their families. They also sponsor or support local projects ranging from the recognition of the achievements of others to scholarship programs. Masons serve as community volunteers and quietly extend help for countless thousands - from providing a child with shoes to assisting the handicapped. Altogether, the budgets for these community services exceed two million dollars per day, which Masons support without regard to the Masonic affiliation of their recipients. With this spirit of working together to serve mankind, brotherhood works well, indeed.

How Do I Join?

Now, if you don't know any Masons, or may not know that a specific person is a Mason, that statement may pose a problem. People don't generally start conversations with, "Hello, I'm a Mason", the same way a person may not say he is in the Rotarians, Boy Scouts, a member of a bowling team, or serves in the Reserves. I myself did not know any Masons, but looked in the telephone book Yellow Pages under "Fraternities and Lodges", and found the number for the Masonic Lodges in my area (so much for the "Secret Organization" claim). I then called a local Lodge, and spoke with an individual that took my name and number and arranged a meeting. Later on in the week, I met with some members in a social environment and asked if I could join the Lodge. Other ways are if you know that a friend, relative or acquaintance is a Mason, and ask that individual. If he is in agreement, he with another, will act as your sponsors and ask that you be allowed to join the lodge.