Friend To Friend
Welcome, friend. The Masonic Friend-to-Friend Program, first adopted in California, has provided positive results for our Fraternity. Below are some general questions about Freemasonry that comprise the Friend to Friend brochure. The Brethren of Sackville Lodge hope that you will find them enlightening. Should you have further inquiries, please feel free to contact the Master or the Secretary of this Lodge.
Why was I not asked to join the Fraternity? Why was I not asked to join the Fraternity? 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, one must seek membership under one's 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 of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favourably considered for membership. They must profess a belief in a Supreme Being.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. At a subsequent monthly meeting of the lodge the petition is voted upon by secret ballot.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 individuals. 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 the careful manner in which it has considered 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 honourable 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 God. Freemasons are patriotic citizens who obey the government 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, friendship, and call each other "Brother." What do Freemasons believe in? Members of the Masonic Fraternity practice a belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.Is there more than one Masonic organization? After a member receives his Third (or Master Mason) Degree he may, if he so desires, become a member of any of the a number of Masonic organizations within the Masonic "family"; which are well-known for their charitable work. These include:
Some of these Masonic organizations (such as the Shrine) are much more visible in our communities than others. The Shrine Masons have built 18 children's hospitals and three (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. This is because the Shrine Masons and their friends pay for it all with endowments, wills, gifts, and fundraising activities such as the Shrine Circus. 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 main Craft Lodge. It is, however, the strength of the principles taught in Lodge that establishes the foundation and creates the real bond of being first, last, and always A MASON.The individual Lodges dispense charity in many ways within their own communities. For example, the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia provides scholarships to worthy young men and young women: chiefly to students with no ties to the Fraternity. Since the inception of the Masonic Foundation, Grand Lodge and Lodges within the province have given out over $500,000 in scholarships to students to further their education within the Maritime Provinces. The Masonic Lodge (sometimes referred to as the "Blue Lodge" or "Craft Lodge") meets one evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon petitions for membership. It sometimes includes a speaker and is traditionally followed by refreshments. This is where the bonds of fellowship are strengthened.The candidate will receive three degrees concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's) Degree, the highest degree in the Craft Lodge system. The degree is solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarassing 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 (it is, after all, a Fraternity and not a Sorority), many family activities occur year-round with a considerable number of special events of all types for members, their ladies and children. There are other organizations that exist alongside Freemasonry to which family members may belong.Why did my Friend ask me to read this? 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 we hope that you have become 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, you have any questions or a desire to know more about Freemasonry, your Masonic 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 with you as a message of kindness from FRIEND TO FRIEND. |
Masonic Links
Sponsor: W.Bro. M.N. Klayme, PM
Design: Bro. P. Moss, GLCA