Men of Distinction
Freemasonry traces its roots to the Middle Ages. It is from associations of stone masons, who built the magnificent cathedrals, castles, and monasteries of Europe that the fraternity started. These groups, eventually, began to accept members who were not actual working masons. At that time they adopted the term “Accepted” Masons, and Freemasonry was born.
The Masonic fraternity contributes over $1 Billion each year to its philanthropic pursuits, over $750 Million of that in the United States alone. The Shriners Hospital for Children is sponsored by Shrine Masons are world famous for their ability to help those most in need. Maryland Freemasons provide college scholarships to approximately fifty worthy students each year, and support their communities in countless ways. Other charities supported by Masons include the Speech and Language Clinic, Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Royal Arch Research Assistance which is dedicated to helping children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders, and the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation which supports research in cardiovascular diseases.
There are many reasons for a man to become a Mason. Joining a lodge provides him with a place to meet outstanding people from all walks of life. He becomes part of an organization that embraces the tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. He is taught principles that better his own life and ability to serve others.
Fellowship is an important part of Lodge activities, with regular meetings being held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of every month (except July and August) at 7:00 pm. We also have activities for the whole family including Ladies Night, a Family Picnic, Strawberries & Ice Cream Night, a Christmas Party for the children, and more.
If you are interested in joining the oldest fraternity in the world, please feel free to contact us.
Who are the Masons?
Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are more than two million Freemasons in North America. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in one God.
Many of North America's early patriots were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the Father of the Confederation, Sir John A. MacDonald, was a Mason, as were other early Canadian and American leaders.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many different men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other "Brother."
Many of North America's early patriots were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, including George Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the Father of the Confederation, Sir John A. MacDonald, was a Mason, as were other early Canadian and American leaders.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many different men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other "Brother."
Where did Freemasonry Begin?
No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Most scholars believe Masonry arose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization when four Lodges in London joined in forming England's first Grand Lodge. By 1731, when Benjamin Franklin joined the Fraternity, there were already several Lodges in the Colonies, and in Canada the first Lodge was established in 1738. Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout North America, and in large cities there are usually several Lodges. A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge where he will be welcomed as a "Brother".
What is the Masonic Lodge?
The word "Lodge" means both a group of Masons meeting together as well as the room or building in which they meet. Masonic buildings are sometimes called "temples" because the original meaning of the term was "place of knowledge" and Masonry encourages the advancement of knowledge. Masonic Lodges usually meet twice a month to conduct regular business, vote upon petitions for membership, and bring new Masons into the Fraternity through three ceremonies called degrees. In the Lodge room Masons share in a variety of programs. Here the bonds of friendship and fellowship are formed and strengthened.
So, Who are the Masons?
Masons are men of good character who strive to improve themselves and make the world a better place. They belong to the oldest and most honorable fraternity known to man. If you think you may be interested in becoming a member, you can begin by contacting a Lodge in your area or speaking to a Mason.
Do you have any reading material that helps to explain Freemasonry?
There are two really good books on Amazon that help explain Freemasonry. They are:
1. Freemasonry for Dummies
2. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry
Both books are written by renowned Freemasons who write about Freemasonry in modern day and using modern terms. (If you have ever read other books about Freemasonry, you know they can be a bit hard to read because they use very formal sentence structure and archaic vocabulary….not these guys).
Another very good book just recently published is The Brickyard: A Petitioner's Guide to Becoming a Freemason
1. Freemasonry for Dummies
2. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry
Both books are written by renowned Freemasons who write about Freemasonry in modern day and using modern terms. (If you have ever read other books about Freemasonry, you know they can be a bit hard to read because they use very formal sentence structure and archaic vocabulary….not these guys).
Another very good book just recently published is The Brickyard: A Petitioner's Guide to Becoming a Freemason
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is a fraternity which encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.
What do Freemasons Do?
The Masonic experience encourages members to become better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge help build lifelong friendships among men with similar goals and values. Beyond its focus on individual development and growth, Masonry is deeply involved in helping people. The Freemasons of North America contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable causes. This philanthropy represents an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and the great and honorable Fraternity. Much of that assistance goes to people who are not Masons. Some of these charities are vast projects. The Shrine Masons (Shriners) operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedicly impaired children in the country, and there is never a fee for treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs. Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of philanthropies, including scholarship programs for children, and perform public service activities in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each other and their families in social and recreational activities.
Several Masonic Principles Are:
- Faith must be the center of our lives.
- All men and women are the children of God.
- No one has the right to tell another person what he or she must think or believe.
- Each person has a responsibility to be a good citizen, obeying the law.
- It is important to work to make the world a better place for all.
- Honor and integrity are keys to a meaningful life.
Who Can Qualify to Join?
Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.
What are the Requirements to become a Mason?
- Be a man at least 18 years old.
- Have belief in a Supreme Being (of any faith). No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.
- You should be someone who does, or wants to learn to, enjoy the company of other men from all different social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races, countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.
- If you are a family man, Masonry considers that your family obligations come FIRST, so you must be sure that you have the time to participate (usually two or three evenings each month, sometimes more if you get involved in lodge activities); and you can afford the initiation fees ($250 + a national background check fee) and the annual dues ($118) without hardship to yourself or your family.
- You should be coming to Masonry “of your own free will and accord”, to learn to improve yourself and to enjoy the company of other good people, not because someone keeps pestering you to join or because you think it will help you "get ahead" in business.
To join, all you have to do is ask a Mason:
- Maybe someone you already know (you may know more Masons that you believe).
- Contact us to have a member call you and visit with you to answer all of your questions.
