
Interested in becoming a Mason?
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It's
members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief
Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door
neighbor. And 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 a man has a responsibility to act
with honorin everything he does?
We believe that a life not founded on honor is hollow and empty. You must be a man of
honor to be a mason. This you can trust, as only honorable men in good standing can be
masons.
Do you believe in a Supreme Being?   No atheist can become a member of a Freemasonry Lodge. Masons do
not care if you are
Jewish, Christian, Muslim or Buddhist; that is between youand
yourGod - but we do require that a man believe in a Supreme Being. Are you willing to allow
others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself? Masons insists on toleration - on the
right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political matters. This is a fundamental
belief and right of every mason.
Do you believe that we all have a responsibilityto leave the world a better place than you found
it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but 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 have passed through it.
Do you believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to
receive, it's also more fun?
Masons 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
givehelpto your Brothers when they need it, and to accepttheir 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 feel that there's
something more to life than just financial success? Masons
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.
Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building a house.
Do you agree that man should
show compassion for
others,that goodness of heartis
among the most important of human values?
Masons 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?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds
men together - a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse
to speak evil of each other. Masons 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. Masons call this way of life believing in
the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why
Masonry has been called one the of greatest forces for good in the world.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizenand that we have a moral
dutyto be true to country in which we
live? Masons believe
that a country is strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development are afforded
to all. A Mason 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 principles of good government, and oppose every
influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
If you answered "
YES
" to these questions, you should consider becoming a mason.
Freemasonry offers much to its members - the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a
better world for our children. It offers the 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 Mason and ask him about Freemasonry. You probably know several Masons.
Perhaps you've seen the Square and Compasses like the one in this brochure on a pin or 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.
|