Freemasonry: Is it for me?
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Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th centuries probably in the stonemason guilds of Scotland. Freemasonry exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around three million. At its heart, Freemasonry is a self-improvement organization. Through three initiation rituals, lectures and other ceremonies, combined with social and charitable activities, Freemasons seek to improve themselves as they improve the communities in which they live. To join, one must believe in a Supreme Being, be upright, moral and honest in character, and be recommended by a Mason.
Freemasonry employs the tools and instruments of stone masons to teach a system of morality, friendship and brotherly love, hence, the standard emblem of Freemasonry is the square and compasses. In Ontario Freemasonry is organized locally into lodges and supervised by the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. There are numerous appendant and affiliate Masonic organizations such as the Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, York Rite and the Shrine. Each of these organizations has its own leadership. Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in ones work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for education; and above all, a reverence for God and love of fellow man. Through the influence of good men Freemasonry and its ideals continue to thrive around the world. Many people wonder why men join an organization like the Masons. What, in a modern age such as ours, can an ancient order like Masonry offer men? Men today have a barrage of responsibilities pulling at them from all directions: work, family and friends just to name a few. They try to balance these obligations while still developing themselves physically, mentally and socially. More often than not, we manage our external tasks at the cost of our personal development. So how does Masonry help us with this problem? The question can be answered on multiple levels. At the simplest level, Masonry provides a healthy social forum for men to meet and enjoy the company of others. Simply put; we like to have fun, and in having fun, make others happy. Freemasons come from all walks of life (Presidents, Police, Teachers, Mechanics, etc.) and represented from all countries and cultures. Each man is considered an equal to his brother and respects him implicitly so the opportunity to learn from each other is abundant. This respect and trust might seem strange. Masons are deeply committed to living a moral life with specific focus on the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. These general and universal moral guidelines are shared by all brethren. Tangibly, you will notice that Freemasons take ideas like honour, trust and responsibility very seriously. In using terms like morals and truth, Masonry may seem to possess elements of a philosophy or a religion. In truth, it is neither. Simply put, it is a fraternity of men. At our highest level of understanding Masons share a belief in a Supreme Being and feel the purpose of life as revealed is to do good for which all people should strive. Regardless of who you are we believe that everyone has the ability to change the world for the better. At our very core of our fundamentals, we strive to make good men better. Masonic membership is open to men age twenty one (21) years or older who meet the qualifications and standards of character and reputation and who believe in a Supreme Being. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome. Our Lodge meets once per month; holding meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month. With the exception of the December and June meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday. We do not have meetings during the summer months of July and August. |
