Masonry is a skill that’s as old as civilization itself. This time-honored craft has evolved with new materials and technologies, but its traditional values remain intact.
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Masonry is the world’s oldest fraternal organization, and it has been around for centuries. Its members have included politicians, engineers, scientists, writers and inventors, and many have played significant roles in world events such as revolutions and wars. It is also one of the most recognizable organizations, thanks to its ornate rituals and long tradition.
The exact origins of Freemasonry are unclear, but scholars believe it arose from guilds of stonemasons that constructed the castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. In 1717, the first Grand Lodge was formed. Since then, Masonry has become a worldwide movement for moral edification, intellectual recitation and benevolent service.
To join, a man must be of sound character and express belief in a supreme being. He must be at least eighteen years old and petition for membership with a Local Lodge. He must be recommended by two members of his Lodge who know him well and can attest to his good character.
Then, he must pass an entrance examination, which includes questions on the history of Freemasonry and his personal beliefs. He must also agree to abide by the principles of the Fraternity, and be of “moral and ethical standing.” In addition, the Grand Lodge requires him to pay an annual subscription.
In order to maintain the moral edification of the Fraternity, discussion of religion and politics are not permitted within the Lodge. However, the fraternity does encourage members to be religious without advocating a particular religion, and active in their communities without advocating a specific medium for political expression.
Masonry is a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated with symbols—the square and compasses, the level and plumb rule, and the trowel, among others. These tools are used as metaphors for lessons of truth, loyalty and charity, and their meaning is conveyed through the rituals of the Fraternity.
Masons strive to apply these lessons in their homes, their communities and the world. They are men of integrity who work to better themselves and to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
It’s a Community
Masonry has many social and charitable activities. It also encourages members to improve themselves and the world around them. It teaches that every man has a duty to his family, his community and himself. It also teaches that each man should serve his God in the manner of his choice, without detriment to others. It is non-political, but supports those organizations and individuals that strive for freedom and liberty in the world.
Traditionally, Masonry has been open to men only. Its “Old Charges” of 1723 emphasized that the group would not admit women or atheists to membership. It also explicitly prohibited slaves, a point that was later affirmed in the United States Constitution. This exclusivity caused some controversies, with people saying that Freemasonry was secretive and dangerous.
Today, however, Masonry has several groups for women and girls. The highest ranking woman in a Masonic lodge is known as the Worthy Matron. The Order of the Eastern Star and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls are Masonic-related groups that focus on charity, education and character-building.
It also has several academic and research-focused groups, such as the Grand Lodge Research Foundation. These are a good source of information on the history of Masonry and other topics related to it.
In addition to supporting a variety of charities, Masons also contribute money to their communities and neighborhoods through their lodges. They teach valuable lessons rooted in tradition and are dedicated to the idea that “a man must be of good fame and reputation in his community” and that “he must act with honor in all things.”
Masons believe that the values that they promote will make men better in their personal lives, at work and at home. They are also proud of the fact that their values are not only universal, but timeless. They believe that their values will continue to live on long after their bodies have died, and that these values will help the next generation of men to be the best they can be in this changing world. Whether or not a man is a Mason, these principles are worth learning.
It’s a Place of Knowledge
Masonry is a fraternity that offers many opportunities to grow in knowledge and become a better person. It has a strong focus on morality and ethics, which are veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Masons are also known for their generosity and compassion towards others, especially the neediest in society. This is why masonry has long been regarded as a charitable organization, and it continues to be so today.
The origins of masonry date back to the early days of human civilization. Early man sought to supplement his natural caves with stone huts built from piles of stones, and masonry skills evolved over time. Masonry was a skill that required years of training and apprenticeship to master, and skilled masons were in great demand. Early Masons formed masonry guilds that offered wage protection and quality control, as well as social connections that bonded them into a community of friends. They often worked together in “lodges,” which served as their headquarters and gathering places where they socialized, ate meals, and discussed politics and religion.
Today, masonry can be seen in buildings as diverse as the Egyptian pyramids, India’s Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum in Rome. Regardless of its size and scope, a structure made with masonry is sturdy and beautiful. It is resistant to earthquakes and fire, and it can withstand the impact of hailstones and other large weather events. Masonry is the oldest and most widely practiced building construction method in the world.
Masonry can be labor-intensive, and it can take longer to build a structure than other construction methods. This can lead to higher project costs. Additionally, masonry is usually heavier than structures built with other materials, which can require more substantial foundation designs and increase construction costs.
Masonry’s secrets are only revealed to those who are divinely intended to understand them, and they cannot be learned by reading books or watching videos online. This is why there are so many different interpretations of Masonic rituals. Some of them are quite disturbing, so it is important to seek out a lodge that is open and respectful of people of all religious beliefs.
It’s a Place of Fellowship
A Masonic Lodge is not only a gathering place, but also a center for fellowship. The fraternity offers men of all backgrounds and beliefs a chance to share experiences and knowledge in a spirit of brotherly love and charity. The social aspect of Masonry helps members to develop friendships and build relationships with other members that can last a lifetime. This kind of camaraderie and the sharing of mutual interests make Masonry a place where men can be themselves.
Besides a desire to improve themselves, many Masons come together to help others in times of need. They offer financial assistance to those in need and support charitable causes in their communities. In addition, Masons participate in charitable activities such as food drives and community clean-up projects. Many times, members volunteer to work with children or the elderly to teach them the importance of education and good habits.
It’s important to remember that, even though Masonry is a religion, it does not attempt to control the faith of its members. Members are free to practice their own religions and are encouraged to express their views on political and religious issues. This is a fundamental freedom that every Mason should embrace.
Many people are surprised to learn that Freemasonry is a religion because, unlike most other secret societies, it openly declares its existence and welcomes men from all religious backgrounds. However, if you take the time to study the symbols, rituals, and temples of Freemasonry, it is easy to see that they point unmistakably to the idea of a religion. Albert Pike, a prominent Masonic author in his publication Morals and Dogma, wrote, “Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of God and every Masonic degree an instruction in religion” (p. 213).
Some Christians who are involved in Masonry have a hard time reconciling their involvement with Jesus Christ. They may insist that they can be a Christian and a member of a Masonic lodge, but the truth is that it is impossible to please God and be a member of a group that promotes ideas that contradict the Bible. For example, Christian Masons who take Masonic oaths that refer to their religion as one of many equally wise ways of salvation are participating in an anti-Christ lie, since the Bible clearly states that only Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is sufficient for salvation (John 3:16-17).