WHY WAS I NOT ASKED TO JOIN THE
MASONIC FRATERNITY?
You may be surprised to know that the
friend who asked you to read this literature WILL NOT
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR
MEMBERSHIP IN THE MASONIC FRATERNITY?
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy
and practice of “making good men better.” Only individuals believed to be of
the finest character are favorably considered for membership.
HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL PETITION TO
BECOME A MEMBER OF A MASONIC LODGE?
A petitioner must be recommended by two
members of the masonic lodge to which he seeks membership. At the next monthly meeting of
the lodge the petition is voted upon by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be
unanimous.
ARE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS EVER
REJECTED?
In an organization as old and as large
as the masonic fraternity, surely some individuals may have, on occasion, been unfairly
rejected. Because voting is by secret ballot, there is no way of knowing who votes for or
against the individual. On the other hand, surely no fraternity in the world cares more
or teaches more about fairness, justice, and brotherly love as does Freemasonry. One of
the reasons for Freemasonry s success is surely the careful manner in which it considers petitions for membership.
ARE UNQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS EVER
ACCEPTED?
Because of the size of the masonic
fraternity, occasionally an individual may be accepted for membership who does not
practice the honorable precepts of Freemasonry. When this is discovered, and the
fraternity’s established rules of conduct have been violated, suspension may result.
Because of the careful manner in which petitioners are considered for membership,
however, this problem has proven to be most rare.
WHAT TYPES OF INDIVIDUALS ARE MEMBERS
OF FREEMASONRY?
Freemasons come from virtually every
occupation and profession. Within the fraternity, however, they all meet on an equal
basis. They come from diverse political ideologies, but, within the fraternity, they meet
as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one
God. Freemasons are patriotic citizens who obey the governments under which they live.
One of the most fascinating
aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of
life, can meet together, begin and end their meetings with a prayer, always conduct their
affairs in peace, harmony, and friendship, and call each other “Brother!”
WHAT DO FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN?
Members of the masonic fraternity
practice a
IS THERE MORE THAN ONE MASONIC
ORGANIZATION?
After a member receives his Third (or
Master Mason’s degree) he may, if he so desires, become a member of any of a number
of masonic organizations within the masonic “family” which are well-known for
their charitable work. They include:
ORGANIZATION
The Scottish Rite
The York Rite
The Shrine of North America
CHARITY
Schizophrenic Research
Eye Foundation
Crippled and burned children
Some of these masonic organizations
(such as the Shrine) are much more visible in our communities than others. The Shrine
Masons have built 18 crippled children’s hospitals and 3 burn institutes throughout
North America. These hospitals were built, staffed, and are maintained without any
government money. Even more incredible, no child has ever been charged for any treatment
at a Shriner’s Hospital. That’s because the Shrine Masons and their friends pa y
for it all with endowments, wills, gifts, and
fund-raising activities such as the Shrine Circus.
At the Shriner’s Hospitals, more
than 250,000 crippled children have been restored to a normal or near-normal life. Because
of their great work for crippled and burned children! the Shrine Masons have earned the
proud title of “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy.”
Several of the organizations within the
masonic “family” are much more socially oriented than is the Blue Lodge. It is,
however, the strength of the principles taught in Blue Lodge masonry that establishes the
foundation and creates the real bond among masons everywhere. No matter how many
masonic-related organizations to which an individual belongs, he always holds to that bond
of being first, last, and always “A MASON!”
The individual Blue Lodges dispense
charity in many ways within their own communities while, as its primary charities, the
Grand Lodge of New Hampshire maintains the Masonic Home in Manchester and provides
scholarships to worthy young men of DeMolay through its DeMolay Foundation.
WHAT DO FREEMASONS DO?
The masonic lodge (called the Blue
Lodge) meets one evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon petitions
for membership. This is called the “stated meeting” and lasts about 90
minutes. It usually includes a speaker, traditionally followed by refreshments. It is here
where the bond of fellowship is strengthened. No profanity nor alcohol is permitted.
Each month an “extra meeting” is held to
confer the three masonic degrees upon new members. For the candidate, this requires three
meetings (one per month) and concludes with the Third (or Master Mason’s Degree), the
highest degree in Blue Lodge Masonry.
The degree is solemn, enlightening, and
an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where
the principles of Freemasonry are taught. These principles teach respect for God, for each
other, and for ourselves. They also teach that one’s family and his own necessary
vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.
IS MASONRY JUST A MAN’S
ORGANIZATION?
While membership in Freemasonry and its related organizations is limited to men, many family activities occur year-round with a considerable number of special events of all types for members and their ladies.
WHY DID MY FRIEND ASK ME TO READ THIS
LITERATURE?
Your friend is a Master Mason and is
very proud of the Masonic Fraternity. He is also very proud of the fine character of its
members. He sincerely believes that you possess the qualities for
By taking a few moments to read this
literature, you will be better informed about Freemasonry. You will also understand
that those who seek membership must do so on their own accord. Unfortunately, without this
understanding, many fine individuals have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership
in Freemasonry.
If, after reading this material, you
have any questions or desire to know more about Freemasonry, your friend will be p
leased to answer your questions or to obtain the answers for you.
Whether or not you should decide to
inquire about membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special
friend within the masonic fraternity who thinks very highly of you. Please consider the
fact that he shared this literature with you as a message of kindness from FRIEND TO
FRIEND!