FRIEND TO FRIEND

This will introduce you to the fraternity of Freemasonry. A time honored society that accepts men of good character and proved them the opportunity to become better citizens.

The Masonic fraternity has a proud history. One, that has been passed on from generation to generation.  Over the years it was passed from father to son, brothers, uncles, nephews, and friends.

It has long featured the companionship, camaraderie, and inner satisfaction resulting from being a part of an organization that has made a difference in the quality of life of its members and society in general.

This pamphlet is presented to you as an introduction to Freemasonry.

Qualities in your character might make you a good candidate for membership in our ancient fraternity

This information may clear up some misunderstanding and give us an opportunity to share some light on your society that will help you to make an informed decision.

This is just one of the many ways we use to get acquainted with individuals who might share our passion for helping mankind and insuring our societies and communities continue to prosper for the betterment of everyone.

Whenever freemasonry is the subject of conversation, among non masons, it invariable generates comments, both pro and con, on the role of the fraternity in society.

In the following comments, hopefully you will get some insight about our organization that will give you a better understanding of Freemasonry and the role you would accept, if you become a member.

So, what is Freemasonry?  Time will not permit a lengthy explanation of the subject.  However, here are some important points.

First of all, Freemasonry is a fraternity.  It is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious fraternity in the world.

Prince Hall Masonry is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious predominately black fraternal organization in the United States.  The distinction will be explained later.

Secondly, freemasonry is a philosophy, a way of life.   Its members are bound to one another by ties of brotherhood.  Freemasonry provides a sense of belonging, wherever you may be.  Masons always meet as brothers, never as strangers.

Freemasons believe in honor, integrity, patriotism, and in helping others.  We believe that life is a process of learning and we dedicate ourselves to learning more about ourselves as well as others from many different walks of life.

We teach ethics, and our members believe that they must take personal responsibility for their actions.

Freemasonry is charity, which one might term philosophy in action.

Finally, masonry is a group men determined to make themselves better men and to help make the world a better place.

Because there is so much to be said about masonry, let us begin with a few words about a commonly used phrase.  The universality of freemasonry.  In simple terms, it means that masonry believes in the creed of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

This belief is intended to bridge difference between various religions, faiths and practices in order to unite the family of man, and the service of one God.

Masonry is not a religion, but it is steeped in religious teachings.  It bows in humble recognition of the homage due from the creator of the world.   At the same time it forbids narrow and sectarian bigotry that would condemn anyone who is of a different belief.  Most especially if it differs from your own.

Our credibility has been established by the many countries.   Languages, races, creeds and religions that  have embraced the Masonic ideals and make up its membership.

How old is Freemasonry?  No one knows for sure, but its present form of organization goes back to the early 1700’s, when several lodges in England, came together to form a grand lodge.  It is descendants from the stone masons who built the great castles and cathedrals in the middle ages.  Spiritually and symbolically our rites go back even further, at least to the building of King Solomon’s temple.  Information dating back to biblical times and beyond has been cited giving credibility to the possibility of freemasonry dating back even to the ancient empires.

During your inquires, you might discover the use of two terms: Operative and Speculative Masons.  These terms allude to the role of ancient Operative masons,  as opposed to that of the modern Speculative  Masons of today.  By learning as much about the teachings and practices as possible, you will be able to feel a genuine sense of brotherhood and friendship, which reinforces the positive image that we try to portray.

All of our endeavors are intended to make society and our communities’ better places in which to live and grow.

Our predecessors around the globe embrace these fraternities of men and by example epitomize the highest standards of conduct and honor.  Despite some very significant difficulties over the ages, they have always acted with dignity toward one another.  Thereby leaving a legacy that we of the current generation are duty bound to perpetuate.

A part of this legacy is the respect masons show for one of society’s most important elements, the family unit.

As Masons, the family unit includes not only your immediate and extended family, but also the Masonic family.  Masons reach out with equal sincerity to all brethren and their family members, when they need our assistance or comfort.  There are no grater feelings then to be the one who brings a smile to a friend in need, who offers a shoulder of comfort, or lightens the burden of another human being.

Support of the family unit is one of the basic precepts all masons are expected to enforce.  Globally support of the family unit refers to the fact, wherever a mason or his family member s may travel, they’re among family and friends, if they seek the aid or friendship of a brother mason, and identified themselves as Masonic family members.

Early we spoke about Charity.  A most important quality which helps defines the character of masonry.  Quit often charity and the charitable endeavors are terms associated with our public and private programs.

Being encouragers of improvement in individuals and groups, we promote, sponsor and support many programs that include educational opportunities for our citizenry.  With special emphasis placed on our youth.

This we do through scholarship programs, mentoring, support of church, social and civic programs, financial, and in-kind assistance rendered by individual members and collectively through our lodges.

We involve ourselves with the need of others, not for our self gratification, but because it is the right thing to do.  And yes, it does make one feel good.  Charity, in the truest since of the word, is the implicit belief in the love of God for humanity, or a love for ones fellow human being.

Is masonry a religion?  This is another important, but controversial subject that often rises in conversations about freemasonry.  The fraternity has often been accused of being a religious or trying to replace the church in individual lives.  Nothing is further from the truth.  The answer to the questions is NO.  Masonry is not a religion.  Masonry is a sublimit to religion, but not a substitute for religion.

Masonry requires that all its members believe in a supreme being.  Thus no atheist can become a mason.  Some in the religious community, at different periods of time, have condemned or expressed grave concerns about the influence exerted by the fraternity on its membership.

To every mason, religion is a very important element of his life and every mason pledges to never, abridge, or interfere with the beliefs of any person.

Ones duty to his God, practice of the golden rule, and duty to ones neighbor are taught at the beginning of the journey each man makes into masonry.

American and Prince Hall Masonry strongly reinforce the teachings of the bible and use many of its scriptures and passages to illustrate the correlation between living a moral and ethical life and upholding the principals of the fraternity.

Political persuasions, like religious affiliation is a matter of personal choice, and often another subject of expressed concern.   Ones political beliefs are not to be bartered in exchange for favor, position, or status in the fraternity.  And political issues are not subjects for discussion with Masonic lodges.

We do however encourage our members, as individuals, to be active role models and leaders by setting the standards of caring and being involved in the public affairs of our respective communities.

Respect for the laws of the country and the United States which we reside, is imperative for all masons. Some of the pleasures of participating in the fraternity at work are the sharing of the skills and expertise of its members.

 The beauty of its symbolism and ceremonies, and the respect for one another, regardless of station in life.  In freemasonry you meet men from all walks of life.  Whose stature in their particular vocation is set aside, when doing the work of the fraternity.

Presidents, lawyers, statesmen, blue collar workers, and common laborers, men from all around the world have joined this time honored fraternity, to serve mankind.  You too are welcome if you can meet the stringent requirements for membership.  Those requirements include a belief in god, displaying   tolerance for your fellow man, being courteous and willing to allow others the same rights and believe you reserve for yourself.  And an acceptance of the responsibility for helping make the world a better place in which to live.

Finally, always try to act with honor and integrity in your dealings with others.   if you can answer yes to these requirements , then you may be a good candidate for membership.

How does a man become a mason? First, you must be a man.  That is of lawful age, free born, and recommended to the membership by a mason.   For the latter to happen, you must first ask to become a member.  Any such request must be of your own free will.

Our rules prohibit a potential petitioner being solicited or pestered to become a member or promised acceptance in advance.

A member, who furnishes you a petition, must have already satisfied himself that you are in possession of the required attributes and character traits.  Your completed application must be accompanied by the required fees for degrees as would be explained by your sponsor.

Once the petition is received in the lodge, it will be referred to an investigation committee.  This committee will schedule an in home visit with you and your spouse, as appropriate.   The purpose of the visit is to expand upon the information provided by you on your petition and that provided by your sponsor. And to answer any question you or your spouse may have relative to the fraternity.

If you are married, it is vitally important that your spouse supports your petition for membership, since she will be affected by the future Masonic activities.

The investigating committee members will also explain the process you will follow should you be found an acceptable candidate for the degrees.  They will verify your understanding of the financial obligations you will incur.  They will ascertain your willingness to abide by the laws and regulations of the fraternity.

They will also make any other inquiries deem necessary, such as interviewing references, verifying employment, determining financial stability, and the like.

The investigating committee will then submit its completed report to the lodge for discussion and ballot.  If the ballot is favorable, you then receive notification of acceptance from the lodge secretary, along with appropriate reporting instructions for initiation.

 Your progress through the three degrees will be evaluated for proficiency, at pre-determine intervals, based upon your ability to learn the lectures.

The ritualistic works are steeped in symbolism and they are essential to the candidate’s basic understanding of the fraternity and its precepts.  These ceremonies are solemn, sincere, and meaningful, and they’re not designed or intended to harass, embarrass or be-little the candidate in any way.

That being said, this is a good time to talk about some of the myths surrounding the Masonic fraternity.  Dispelling one of the biggest myths, beginning with saying that Masonry is a secret organization.  We hold many public Masonic ceremonies openly and willingly, supporting public organizations and their programs.  Volunteering to serve as needed for worthy causes.  And often can be identified by the various fraternal emblems which may include rings, pens, badges, and other paraphernalia, worn or displayed.

The only secrets in free masonry are the modes of recognition and the ceremonial symbolism of the degrees.

In the world of advanced technology, one has ready and easy access, to various sources of information, on most any subject, including masonry.

The next segment will focus on the subject of Prince Hall Masonry. 

The origin of Prince Hall Masonry, like all legitimate freemasonry in the United States, began in the 18^th century.  That is a story in itself that will be related to you at some future period.

Prince hall masonry has survived for well over two hundred years and has grown to more than 4000 lodges, located throughout the United States, its territories, and in foreign countries on three other continents.  These lodges embrace well over a quarter of a million masons.   Great men off the world have never deemed it demeaning to level themselves in the name of Prince Hall Masonry.

The trials and tribulations encountered by prince hall masons are many, and well documented.  The court fights, and the results of decisions, are both historic and lamentable.   Hopefully the lessons taken from these experiences will provide positive motivation for new comers and continuing incentive for older members.

Question, what is in it for me?   Freemasonry offers an opportunity for good men to become better men, while enjoying the brotherhood, fellowship, and camaraderie of the fraternity.  It offers the perfect opportunity to be of service to your fellow man.  You may be asked, what do you have to offer the fraternity, should you become a member.  Think very carefully before answering, as your response may give considerable insight as to your commitment and sincerity of purpose.

The differences between Masonic fraternity and other organizations are many.  While each is of some importance to our society, our fraternity is founded upon the concept of friendship, morality, and brother love.  Most civic organizations are more narrowly focused on one or two particular projects.

While that may be good and necessary, depending upon resources, we hasten to point out that freemasonry traditionally engages itself in many and varied projects, often several at a time.  Depending upon the need, we hope you would examine the differences in the organizations that attract your interest.  By using the research vehicles available to you and by talking with individuals you know to be masons.

After reading this pamphlet, you decide to complete a petition for membership; we congratulate you on your decision and wish you well in your quest.  We look forward to the day we can call you brother in a fraternity of masons.

Thank you for your indulgence.