The Masonic Family Welcomes
Your Family to Freemasonry!
A man in your family has become a Mason. Congratulations! You are now connected to a worldwide brotherhood which takes as its creed: Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love.
We welcome your family to our Masonic Family.
There is much to know about Freemasonry. It is our sincerest hope that Masonry will become a true FAMILY affair for you and yours. There are many opportunities for family involvement, not only in the Lodge, but in groups designed for the ladies and youth, charitable activities in the community, and much, much more. We hope this brochure whets your appetite to enjoy the Masonic experience with your family in the fullest.
What Masonry is and is not
The Square and Compasses, Masonry's most popular symbol, signify integrity and virtue.
Freemasonry is:
The oldest, largest and most charitable fraternity in the world.
Spiritual, not religious in nature, requiring every member to profess a belief in a Supreme Being of his choice.
Family oriented with many programs and groups to involve the entire family.
An opportunity for a man to improve himself.
Rich in history, tradition and patriotism.
Sensitive to the needs of each community where it exists.
Open to men of good character regardless of race, creed or religion.
Freemasonry is NOT:
A secret society. ANY information about Masons can be found at a well stocked bookstore or local library. Temples are clearly marked and listed in the phonebook. Members wear Masonic jewelry. The only secret about Masonry is that there are no real secrets!
A Mason is proud of his membership!
FAMILY VALUES ARE CRITICAL TO THE MASON.
MEMBERSHIP SHOULD NEVER INTERFERE WITH FAMILY LIFE.
A very brief look at Masonic History
No one knows the exact origin of Freemasonry. The ancient "Regius Manuscript" places Masonry in England as early as 926 A.D. Masonry is certainly linked to the builders of the Middle Ages, who eventually opened their doors to men of all occupations who met certain moral standards. Freemasonry in America was initiated by our early settlers, and was supported by men such as Washington, Franklin, Hancock and Revere. We urge your family to investigate Masonic History; it is a proud heritage. The Mason in your family has joined a fraternity which has three million members in North America, and five million members world wide. There are very few places in the entire world that could not offer your family Masonic friendship or assistance if need be.
The Degree System of Masonry
Your family member will be going through a unique experience in the modern world as he participates in our three degrees, leading up to his achieving full membership as a Master Mason. Ancient in origin, each degree teaches an important lesson through the use of symbols. There is never any "hazing" in a Masonic Degree. The Degrees are dignified, and when understood can add great value to the Mason's daily life. All Masons wear aprons at their meetings to symbolize the historic link between our current Brotherhood and the builders of old.
Masonic Meetings
All Lodges meet on a regularly stated basis, which allows your family to plan events. Masons receive more of the benefits of Masonry by attending meetings, so long as that attendance does not harm the family in any way. We hope that your family will support and encourage your Mason's attendance, and that the whole family will take every opportunity to participate with him.
What is the purpose of Masonry?
The main purpose of Freemasonry is to take good men and assist them in becoming better husbands, fathers, sons and brothers. Masonry does this by keeping them exposed to moral and ethical teachings, and by consistently asking them to consider important character building issues. One of our most important concerns is what each Mason gives back to his community. Masonry's cornerstone is charity. Over 1.5 million dollars a day is given to charity by all Masonic organizations combined. In short, by improving ourselves, we are placed in a better position to help others.
Should the Mason in your family become ill or hospitalized, please take a moment to call the Secretary or Master of his Lodge. You will be amazed at the support he and the family will receive. Taking care of brother Masons and their families is a labor of love for a Mason.
Masons help in good times too! Inquire about scholarships for college bound teens, housing for aged family members, and Masonic Youth Camps for the children. There are many ways in which Masons live out their way of life. It is up to each Masonic Family to choose its own way to contribute.
How can your family be involved in Masonry?
Some of the countless ways that your Family can be involved in the Masonic Family include:
Attending Lodge sponsored functions such as public programs, parties, dinners, dances, tours, and civic events.
Working with the Lodge at its various charitable events such as fund drives, bike rodeos, child identification programs, blood drives, drug and alcohol prevention programs, telethons, and private charitable work, such as visiting the sick and tending to the needs of widows.
Becoming familiar with the full family of Masonry, which includes Eastern Star, Amaranth and Daughters of the Nile for women, DeMolay for teenage boys, Triangle, Constellation and Rainbow for teenage girls. All of these groups provide the wholesome environment which springs from Freemasonry.
Any Questions?
Should you have any further questions, please ask your Masonic Member. If he cannot provide an answer, please do not hesitate to contact the Master or Secretary of his Lodge directly. It is a good idea to have their numbers available.
It is our sincerest hope that you will be proud of your Mason, and of your family's involvement in Freemasonry.
We welcome you with all our hearts!