| 
Home
How to Join
About Us
Lodge Officers
Past Masters
Masonic Charity
Mason's
Family
District
Project
Coming Events
Event
Pictures
Guest Book
|
|
When a man joins Masonry something special is added
to his life. He now shares membership in a fraternity dedicated to
such things as morality, worldwide brotherhood, obedience to the law,
the practice of charity and belief in a Supreme Being.
And it means much more. No wonder Masons, and newer members in particular,
find it difficult to discuss Masonry with others, even with their
families. But family interest and support in this special part of
his life means a great deal to every Mason, to his lodge and to Masonry
in general. The purpose of this publication is to help him share Masonry
with
you, and to extend sincere appreciation for your continued interest
and support.
WHAT DOES MASONRY OFFER ITS MEMBERS ?
High on
the list is encouragement to lead a more rewarding life by being a
good citizen and neighbour; a good husband, father, son or brother;
a friend to those in need; and to be a man of honour and of good morals.
Masonry also offers a place where every member, regardless of age
or occupation, can enjoy a sense of brotherhood in an evening of fellowship.
Teachings of Masonry are of a serious nature, but lodge meetings and
social events are meant to be enjoyed. Masonic Lodges can also provide
ways in which a member can serve his community through a variety of
charitable activities.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES BEING A MASON REQUIRE ?
To most new members and their families the first months in Masonry
seem full of memory work and meetings. After the member receives his
degrees things settle down to one, or sometimes two monthly meetings.
If a member joins a committee or becomes an officer the time required
naturally increases.
In making such decisions, a Mason is expected to consider the needs
of his family and of his work.
WHAT ABOUT SECRECY ?
Masonry has no secrets to come between a member and his family, his
religion or his occupation. Many lodges hold "open house"
events and other occasions to show and explain Masonry to member's
families
and to the public. Most organizations manage their affairs in private
and membership almost always provides privileges. So it is with Masonry
HOW RELIGIOUS ARE MASONS ?
Each Mason's personal religion or denomination is considered private
and the subject of religion, as well as that of politics, is not discussed
in a Masonic Lodge. Masonry, on the other hand, is religious in nature.
Members are encouraged to support whatever religion they follow. Each
candidate must state
his belief in a Supreme Being before he may become a member. The letter
'G' in the Masonic symbol refers to God. A volume of religious writings
, acceptable to the members of the the lodge or to an incoming member
is open at every regular meeting. These volumes include the Bible,
the Granth, the Koran and the Torah.
WHO ELSE ARE MASONS ?
Worldwide, there are probably four million members. An exact number
is difficult as each of the 150 Grand Lodges is separate and manages
its own affairs. In our jurisdiction, Ontario, there are 653 lodges
and about 90,000 members. Masons are in all walks of life, professions
and occupations; characteristics that are set aside when they enter
the lodge building. To become a Mason, our lodges require that a man
be at least 21 years old, be recommended by two members of the lodge,
and be of good moral character. A man's race or religion is not a
factor. When he joins, he is initiated in the same ceremony that has
been
used for several hundred years.
Published by
Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada
in the Province of Ontario
|
|
