FAQ
Main »» Freemasonry| Table of Contents | |
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| What is Freemasonry? |
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| Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. Central to the practice of freemasonry are three characteristics: Brotherly Love, Charity, and Truth.. Brotherly Love is the coming together of like-minded men in amicable fellowship. The harmonious conduct of affairs, constructive and instructive interpersonal and material support, and just plain "hangin' out" are all expressions of brotherly love. Charity is relief provided those in need. Masonic charity activities range from scholarships to childrens' hospitals and everything in between. Involvement with the many masonic charity organizations is an excellent means of providing service to your fellow man. Truth Freemasonry has been called "A system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbol." In this context it is somewhat helpful to consider morality as the term applies to the fables of Aesop rather than the ethics of Aristotle. This is by no means a complete explanation, as the ways in which freemasonry is expressed through its members is as varied as the members themselves, but it's a start. Further reading:
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| How do I become a Freemason? |
| To be one ask one, quite plainly. If you are interested in becoming a freemason, Contact the Braden Lodge Secretary and he will have a brother from the lodge contact you to discuss your interest. If you then choose to, you may submit a petition. Two brothers must sign the petition, reccomending you to the lodge, and the lodge must approve your petition. A committee will then be appointed to meet with you, most likely at your home, and they will report to the lodge concerning their opinion of your compatability with the principles of the fraternity. The lodge will then vote upon the results of their report. If accepted, you will be contacted by the lodge Secretary and asked to report to the lodge to recieve the first of three degrees of masonry. The entire process takes quite some time by today's fast-paced standards. Patience is necessary. |
| Why would I want to be a Freemason? |
| The reasons for becoming a freemason are as varied as the members themselves. Ultimately, each man joins for his own reasons and is expected neither to explain or defend them at any time. However, it is universally accepted within the fraternity that freemasonry makes good men better through the sincere and steadfast application of its principles. Some opinions: What Does Freemasonry Offer the World |
| What are "appendant bodies" |
| To understand an appendant body, you first have to understand the blue lodge. The blue lodge is the central Masonic organization. All masons are members of a blue lodge, and all masons must receive the three blue lodge degrees before being considered a full member of the fraternity. After that, however, there is a various and sundry assortment of organizations that a mason may choose to belong to, or that his spouse or children may wish to join. You may have heard of the Shrine, Grotto, Order of the Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, or Demolay, to name a few. Participation in appendant bodies is by no means required, and the focus of each of the groups is various. Some appendant bodies confer additional degrees, some focus primarily on charity and community outreach, still others exist mainly to provide additional social contact between masons. What is present in all is that they adhere to the moral principles of the fraternity and offer something that the members find worthwhile. |
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