What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternity of men bound together by vows of morality in public and private life, who believe in God, and respects the choice of religion and political persuasion by its members. Masonry strives to make good men better -- to teach its members to be "better than themselves." It accepts only men of high moral character.
The fraternity of Freemasonry encourages self-improvement, sanctions equal rights under law, practices good will towards all men, and contributes generously to philanthropies. Masonry is a charitable, benevolent, and educational society. Its basic tenets are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Through the improvement and strengthening of the character of the individual, Freemasonry seeks to improve the community. Masonry is not a benefit society, nor a charitable institution. It assists members by many means through times of hardship, but it is not an insurance society with sickness, death, disability or old age benefits.
Masonry is not a secret society. It is a well-known, nation-wide fraternity whose members proudly declare their membership. Masons meet in buildings plainly identified as Masonic Buildings, and public announcements of their activities are published in community publications. There is no attempt to hide the names of individuals who are Masons.
Masonic ritual is often considered by Masons as having been the most moving experience of their lives. Employing the tools of the stone mason as symbols of basic moral truths, Masonic ritual dramatizes a philosophy of life based on morality.
Masonry is voluntary! A candidate for masonry must be a man, free born, of the mature age of 21 years old, and satisfactorily pass a committee report on their character. They may voluntarily seek membership by contacting a Mason and announcing their desire to join.
Members of the Masonic Lodge, or any of its appendant bodies, such as the Shrine club (which you must first become a master mason to join), may participate in varied activities. Men take part in an active social life that includes their families and friends. Besides national philanthropic activity, such as scholarships and medical research, Masons maintain many types of local charitable projects.
Non-Masons can easily see the social, civic and philanthropic activities of Masons, and frequently comment on the close bond that exists between Masons, and the obvious belief that they are their brothers' keepers. They can easily see that Masons are quick to assist their fellows in misfortune with encouragement, kindness and tangible assistance. The bond of faith and confidence among Masons is largely the result of the common knowledge that all, having experienced the memorable rituals, accept the high ethical standards as guides to their conduct.
Within a Masonic Lodge, Masons do not discuss religion, or political matters, or any other subject likely to excite personal animosities. Masonry teaches men to be religious without advocating a particular doctrine, or creed. It requires its members to be good citizens, but free to choose their medium of political expression.
"Let there be light" is a famous Masonic motto.
Masonry, with its dedication to education, morality, brotherly love, non-sectarianism in religion and politics and equal rights, is a steadying influence that balances and consolidates the social, religious and political life of the world.
For any more information on the Grande Prairie Masonic Lodge or any other lodge in the Mighty Peace District, please contact the worshipful master of the lodge by leaving a message at (780) 532-2789.