About Masonary

What is Freemasonary

Freemasonry is a 600 year old fraternity with a 3,000 year old tradition, the oldest, largest and most widely know fraternal organization in the world. It is a universal fraternity of friends and brothers who seek to become better men through their association with one another and their families.

In a society whose moral values are severly tested, Masonry brings men together for fellowship and the promotion of integrity and good citizenship.

➢ Not a religion, Masonry does require a belief in God and urges its members to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.

➢ Not political, it encourages its members and their families to be good citizens and to choose their own best means of political expressions.

➢ Not a welfare Institution or benefit society, its selective charity and good works in the community are valuable beyond measure.

In most cases, Masons are not outwardly distinguished in anyway at all. They are simply a cross selection of the majority of the population. But many famous and influential men have been Masons, including Kings and Presidents, as well as others who are leaders in their communities, some being world famous.

No one selects them…no one is ever asked to become a Mason. No one should wait to be asked. Some men who would like to become Masons never do because they do not know this. Such a man should ask for an application from the Mason he knows best, a relative perhaps or a friend.

The unit of organization is the Lodge, grouped under a ruling body known as a Grand Lodge. In Canada there is such an independent Grand Lodge for each province. Freemasonry has always been associated with secrecy, yet it is not a secret society. Such secrets as it possesses are largely ceremonial. It does not hide its existence or its purposes aims and principles. A Masonic hall is familiar sight in thousands of towns and cities.

Charity is a basic teaching of Freemasonry and its tradition of members helping one another is as old as its reputation for secrecy and is still maintained in practice. Concern for non-members is also real. Lodges contribute to blood programs and to character building work. Related Masonic organizations support hospital wards, eye banks, the treatment of many crippling diseases and other humanitarian projects.

Masonry's ritual and symbolism teach kindness, honesty and decency in human relationships. Courtesy, fairness, understanding and concern, resistance toward evil, love of country and reverence toward God.

Good Citizenship and a belief in God are requirements for the individual Mason. Partisan discussion is forbidden in the Lodge. Membership includes men who have diverse political views and various religious beliefs. As Masons they recognize one another simply as friends and brothers and thus harmony can and does prevail.