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Road to
Becoming a FreeMason
Freemasonry is the
oldest
and largest worldwide Fraternity
in the world.
Its 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 neighbour.
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 honour and that a man has a
responsibility to act
with honour in everything he does?
FreeMasons teach that principle. We
believe that a life not found on honour is
hollow and empty-that a man who acts
without honour is less than a man.
Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a FreeMason. FreeMasons 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 than how you
found it? Masonry teaches that each man has a
duty not only to himself but also 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?
FreeMasons 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?
FreeMasons 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.
FreeMasons 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?
FreeMasons believe that a country is
strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for
human development
are afforded to all. A FreeMason 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 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?
FreeMasons 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?
FreeMasons see brotherhood as a form of
wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together, a private
friendship that tells
us, that we owe it to each other to be just in our dealing and to refuse to
speak
evil of each other. FreeMasons 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. FreeMasons
call this way of life believing in the
Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every FreeMason
makes it his duty to follow
the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest
forces
for good in the world.
If you answer "yes," you should consider becoming a FreeMason.
Freemasonry offers much to its
members, the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference,
and 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 FreeMason and ask him about Masonry. You probably
know several FreeMasons. Perhaps
you've seen the Square and Compasses like the one on this page
or on a pin, 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. You can reach
Caledonia’s Secretary by email or phone by checking
the officer list or by
double clicking on the 2B1ASK1 animation at the top of this page. Have you
ever
considered becoming a FreeMason? We'd like a chance to talk with you.
For some of the answers, questions, myths and false statements surrounding Masonry read this page.