Friend to Friend
WHY WAS I NOT ASKED TO JOIN THE MASONIC
FATERNITY?
You may be surprised to know that the friend who
asked you to read this literature WILL NOT ASK YOU TO PETITION THE MASONIC FRATERNITY FOR MEMBERSHIP. Contrary to popular belief, membership in Freemasonry is not by invitation. Instead, if you seek membership, you must do so on your own initiative by making your wishes known to a member of the fraternity.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE
MASONIC FRATERNITY?
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better.” Only individuals believed to be
of the finest character are favorably considered for membership.
HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL PETITION TO BECOME A MEMBER
OF A MASONIC LODGE?
A petitioner must be recommended by two members of the masonic lodge to which he seeks membership. All members of the
lodge are notified through the lodge’s monthly notice. At the next monthly meeting of the lodge, the petition is voted upon by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.
ARE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS EVER REJECTED?
In an organization as old and as large as the Masonic fraternity, surely some individuals may have, on occasion, been
unfairly rejected. Because voting is by secret ballot, there is no way of knowing who votes for or against the individual. On the other hand, surely no fraternity in the world cares more or teaches more about fairness, justice and brotherly love as does Freemasonry. One of the reasons for Freemasonry’s success is surely the careful manner in which it considers petitions for membership.
ARE UNQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS EVER ACCEPTED?
Because of the size of the masonic fraternity, occasionally an individual may be accepted for membership who does not practice
the honorable precepts of Freemasonry. When this is discovered, and the fraternity’s established rules of conduct have been violated, suspension may result. Because of the careful manner in which petitioners are considered for membership, however, this problem has proven to be most rare.
WHAT TYPES OF INDIVIDUALS ARE MEMBERS OF FREEMASONRY?
Freemasons come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the fraternity, however, they all meet on an equal basis. They come from diverse political ideologies, but, within the fraternity, they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but
they all believe in one God. Freemasons are patriotic citizens who obey the government’s under which they live.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks
of life, can meet together, begin and end their meetings with a prayer, always conduct their affairs in peace, harmony, and friendship, and call each other “Brother!”
WHAT DO FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN?
Members of the masonic fraternity practice a sincere belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man.
IS THERE MORE THAN ONE MASONIC LODGE?
After a member receives his Third (or Master Mason’s degree) he may, if he so desires, become a member of any of a number of masonic
organizations within the masonic “family” which are well-known for their chartable work. They include:
ORGANIZATION
CHARITY
The Scottish Rite
Aphasia & Dyslexia Treatment
The York Rite
Eye Foundation
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Muscular Dystrophy
The Shrine of North America
Crippled and burned children
The Grotto
Dental Care for the retarded
Some of these masonic organizations (such as the Shrine) are much more visible in our communities than others. The Shrine Masons have built 18 crippled children’s hospitals and 3 burn institutes throughout North America. These hospitals were built, staffed, and are maintained without any government money. Even more incredible, no child has ever been charged for any treatment at a Shriner’s Hospital. That’s because the Shrine Masons and their friends pay for it all with endowments, wills, gifts, and fund-raising activities.
At the Shriner’s Hospitals, more than 250,000 crippled children have been restored to a normal or near-normal life. Because of their great work for crippled and burned children, the Shrine Masons have earned the proud title of “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy.”
Several of the organizations within the masonic “family” are much more socially oriented than is the Blue Lodge. It is, however, the strength of the principles taught in Blue Lodge masonry that establishes the foundation and creates the real bond among masons everywhere. No matter how many masonic-related organizations to which an individual belongs, he always holds to that bond of being first, last, and always “A MASON!”
The individual Blue Lodges dispense charity in many ways within their own communities while the Grand Lodge of Maryland maintains the Masonic Homes at Cockeysville as its primary charity.
WHAT DO FREEMASONS DO?
The masonic lodge (called the Blue Lodge) meets regularly to conduct its business and vote upon petitions for membership. This is called the “stated meeting” and lasts about 2 hours. It usually includes degree work or a speaker and is traditionally followed by refreshments. It’s here where the bond of fellowship is strengthened. No profanity or alcohol is permitted.
The degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught. These principles teach respect for God, for each other, and for ourselves. They also teach that one’s family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.
IS MASONRY JUST A MAN’S ORGANIZATION?
While membership in Freemasonry and its related organizations is limited to men, many family activities occur year-round with a considerable number of special events of all types for members, their ladies and children.
WHY DID MY FRIEND ASK ME TO READ THIS LITERATURE?
Your friend is a Master Mason and is very proud of the Masonic Fraternity. He is also very proud of the fine character of its members. He sincerely believes that you possess the qualities for membership in the Fraternity and that you should, at least have the opportunity to know more about it.
By taking a few moments to read this literature, you will be better informed about Freemasonry. You will also understand that those who seek membership must do so on their own accord. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many fine individuals have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership in Freemasonry.
If, after reading this material, you have any questions or desire to know more about Freemasonry, your friend will be pleased to answer
your questions or to obtain the answers for you.
Whether or not you should decide to inquire about membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special friend within the masonic fraternity who thinks very highly of you. Please consider the fact that he shared this literature with you as a message of kindness from FRIEND TO FRIEND!
FATERNITY?
You may be surprised to know that the friend who
asked you to read this literature WILL NOT ASK YOU TO PETITION THE MASONIC FRATERNITY FOR MEMBERSHIP. Contrary to popular belief, membership in Freemasonry is not by invitation. Instead, if you seek membership, you must do so on your own initiative by making your wishes known to a member of the fraternity.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE
MASONIC FRATERNITY?
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better.” Only individuals believed to be
of the finest character are favorably considered for membership.
HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL PETITION TO BECOME A MEMBER
OF A MASONIC LODGE?
A petitioner must be recommended by two members of the masonic lodge to which he seeks membership. All members of the
lodge are notified through the lodge’s monthly notice. At the next monthly meeting of the lodge, the petition is voted upon by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.
ARE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS EVER REJECTED?
In an organization as old and as large as the Masonic fraternity, surely some individuals may have, on occasion, been
unfairly rejected. Because voting is by secret ballot, there is no way of knowing who votes for or against the individual. On the other hand, surely no fraternity in the world cares more or teaches more about fairness, justice and brotherly love as does Freemasonry. One of the reasons for Freemasonry’s success is surely the careful manner in which it considers petitions for membership.
ARE UNQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS EVER ACCEPTED?
Because of the size of the masonic fraternity, occasionally an individual may be accepted for membership who does not practice
the honorable precepts of Freemasonry. When this is discovered, and the fraternity’s established rules of conduct have been violated, suspension may result. Because of the careful manner in which petitioners are considered for membership, however, this problem has proven to be most rare.
WHAT TYPES OF INDIVIDUALS ARE MEMBERS OF FREEMASONRY?
Freemasons come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the fraternity, however, they all meet on an equal basis. They come from diverse political ideologies, but, within the fraternity, they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but
they all believe in one God. Freemasons are patriotic citizens who obey the government’s under which they live.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks
of life, can meet together, begin and end their meetings with a prayer, always conduct their affairs in peace, harmony, and friendship, and call each other “Brother!”
WHAT DO FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN?
Members of the masonic fraternity practice a sincere belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man.
IS THERE MORE THAN ONE MASONIC LODGE?
After a member receives his Third (or Master Mason’s degree) he may, if he so desires, become a member of any of a number of masonic
organizations within the masonic “family” which are well-known for their chartable work. They include:
ORGANIZATION
CHARITY
The Scottish Rite
Aphasia & Dyslexia Treatment
The York Rite
Eye Foundation
The Tall Cedars of Lebanon
Muscular Dystrophy
The Shrine of North America
Crippled and burned children
The Grotto
Dental Care for the retarded
Some of these masonic organizations (such as the Shrine) are much more visible in our communities than others. The Shrine Masons have built 18 crippled children’s hospitals and 3 burn institutes throughout North America. These hospitals were built, staffed, and are maintained without any government money. Even more incredible, no child has ever been charged for any treatment at a Shriner’s Hospital. That’s because the Shrine Masons and their friends pay for it all with endowments, wills, gifts, and fund-raising activities.
At the Shriner’s Hospitals, more than 250,000 crippled children have been restored to a normal or near-normal life. Because of their great work for crippled and burned children, the Shrine Masons have earned the proud title of “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy.”
Several of the organizations within the masonic “family” are much more socially oriented than is the Blue Lodge. It is, however, the strength of the principles taught in Blue Lodge masonry that establishes the foundation and creates the real bond among masons everywhere. No matter how many masonic-related organizations to which an individual belongs, he always holds to that bond of being first, last, and always “A MASON!”
The individual Blue Lodges dispense charity in many ways within their own communities while the Grand Lodge of Maryland maintains the Masonic Homes at Cockeysville as its primary charity.
WHAT DO FREEMASONS DO?
The masonic lodge (called the Blue Lodge) meets regularly to conduct its business and vote upon petitions for membership. This is called the “stated meeting” and lasts about 2 hours. It usually includes degree work or a speaker and is traditionally followed by refreshments. It’s here where the bond of fellowship is strengthened. No profanity or alcohol is permitted.
The degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught. These principles teach respect for God, for each other, and for ourselves. They also teach that one’s family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.
IS MASONRY JUST A MAN’S ORGANIZATION?
While membership in Freemasonry and its related organizations is limited to men, many family activities occur year-round with a considerable number of special events of all types for members, their ladies and children.
WHY DID MY FRIEND ASK ME TO READ THIS LITERATURE?
Your friend is a Master Mason and is very proud of the Masonic Fraternity. He is also very proud of the fine character of its members. He sincerely believes that you possess the qualities for membership in the Fraternity and that you should, at least have the opportunity to know more about it.
By taking a few moments to read this literature, you will be better informed about Freemasonry. You will also understand that those who seek membership must do so on their own accord. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many fine individuals have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership in Freemasonry.
If, after reading this material, you have any questions or desire to know more about Freemasonry, your friend will be pleased to answer
your questions or to obtain the answers for you.
Whether or not you should decide to inquire about membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special friend within the masonic fraternity who thinks very highly of you. Please consider the fact that he shared this literature with you as a message of kindness from FRIEND TO FRIEND!
Originally published 1984 Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of Pennsylvania.
SOLUMN II is a service mark of the Right Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania
Originally
Revised and Reprinted for the Grand Lodge, A.F.& A.M. of Maryland,
1986
Masons of Pennsylvania.
SOLUMN II is a service mark of the Right Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania
Originally
Revised and Reprinted for the Grand Lodge, A.F.& A.M. of Maryland,
1986