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"What is Freemasonry"

There are many definitions of the word but none is complete because the organization embraces a wide scope of activity.  But a short definition is; Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, religious brotherhood of man, which does charitable work in the community and among its member, and through it teaching and ceremonials seeks to make good men better, and thereby make the world a better place to live in. 

 

Freemasonry is a voluntary association in that no one is invited to become a member..  unlike college fraternities, and other organizations, masonry never has a membership drive and never solicits anyone to become a member.  As a matter of fact  it is a violation of Masonic Law for any member to invite anyone to join the craft.the prospective member must truly come of his own free will and accord.

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freemasonry is not a religion. masons do not look upon their organization as a religion or as a church, and that most masons belong to various churches.  Masons do not go to worship God; they do this on Sunday and any other day they choose when if mason goes to his own church.  It is religious in that one can not become a member unless he believes in God; but there are no religious test applied to the prospective member; nor is he required or asked to subscribe to any religious tent or dogma.

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 freemasonry is not a “secret society”.  A secret society is one that keeps its existence a secret and whose members do not make known their affiliation with the group.  Freemasonry is not a secret society because it does not hide its existence, members do not hide their membership, but on the contrary, the organization meets in buildings located on public streets, announces its meetings in newspapers and magazines, engraves the words “Masonic Temple” or “Masonic Lodge” on many of its buildings, published periodicals, and has homes for the orphans and the aged.  Like most organizations, it has some “Secretes”, but is not a secret society.

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three degrees of masonry consist of a ceremony of a strictly serious nature, without horseplay, which teaches basic moral truth in an impressive and solemn manner. the rituals contain a philosophy of life which provides the new member with something on which to build a hope that is eternal.each candidate takes part in a ceremony of initiation, is then advanced to the second degree, and later promoted to the third. promotion depends on his proficiency in learning certain things relating to freemasonry, its ethics, and its philosophy. no man ever took degrees without becoming a better man.  They are lessons based on the Golden Rule, tolerance towards all men, respect for one’s family, charity towards all, and being true to God for his manifold blessings.

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 we are a serious organization of mature men— an organization that instills the love of God, teaches charity in the broadest sense and shows each member how to live a better life. masons are bound together by the deep and abiding knowledge that each of them during the ceremonies of the degrees has accepted certain high ethical standards of conduct.  These standards insure a bond of faith and confidence between masons. freemasonry is one of the great organizations of the world and a standing influence in a faltering world.

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Extracted from:

Son’s of Light Masonic Lodge

Washington Jurisdiction

Schweinfurt, West Germany

-Author Unknown

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