What Is Freemasonry?

BROTHERHOOD - LEADERSHIP - CHARITY - EDUCATION

What is Freemasonry?

Being a Mason is about a father helping his son make better decisions; a business leader striving to bring morality to the workplace; a thoughtful man learning to work through tough issues in his life.

What is the typical life of a Mason? It’s a question we get a lot from men who are deciding if they’d like to join the craft. The real answer is: There is no “typical” life of a Mason. Masons come from all walks of life — from Corporate CEOs to city bus drivers, from commodities brokers to auto mechanics. What unifies Masons is not where we come from or what we do for a living, but rather what we aspire to be.

Please take a moment to watch this short movie about Freemasonry

Leadership

Freemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge, District, and Grand Lodge level. As Freemasons progress through the Craft, they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills that even they might not have known they possessed. By developing leadership techniques that fit their personality, Masons unlock the door to their full potential. For more than 10 years the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has sponsored the Masonic Leadership Institute for its members to strengthen leadership within our Fraternity and to contribute to the personal growth of Massachusetts Masons.

Charity

In this world of plenty, no one should be in need. Freemasons believe that the desire to help others is a natural by-product of our own personal growth and development. When good men come together, this desire (and our ability to put it into action) grows exponentially. From the earliest days of Freemasonry, providing care and resources for others has been one of our most vital activities. In fact, we give over 3 million dollars to national and local charities every single day. More importantly than financial support, however, is that all Masons give generously of both their time and talents.

Cleaning Larson Woodland

We are currently the site stewards at the Attleboro Land Trust for the Larson Woodland wildlife sanctuary where we keep the area clean for the community to enjoy.

10 Mile River Cleanup

Every year we take part in the Attleboro Ten Mile River Cleanup. This past year we were awarded largest pile collected!

St. Jude Walk

Each year we walk in the Boston St.Jude Walk raising over $3,000 dollars the past two years.

Winter Festival

We even fry Oreos at the Attleboro Winter Festival and Capron Park Zoo Moon.

Polar Plunge

Every February we take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics at Nantasket beach. This past year we collected close to $2,000!

Relay for Life

As June approaches each year you can find us at North Attleboro High School cooking breakfast for the Relay For Life.

On Common Ground Oktoberfest

October is Oktoberfest time! We help the local organization On Common Ground cook and serve for their Oktoberfest Fundraiser.

POW/MIA Committee

We have also cooked for the Pow/Mia Committee and the American Legion Post 312 with their fundraisers.

Habitat for Humanity

Partnering up with Excelsior Lodge, we spent a day working on a house on Holman Street in Attleboro for the Habitat for Humanity

Out of Darkness Walk

We volunteer at the annual Southern Rhode Island American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Walk

Education

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has advocated the education of its members since its earliest years. Its ceremonies provide instruction to all members, supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures, workshops, and reading. Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as “a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”

Members of Ezekiel Bates and Bristol Lodge formed the study group Lvmen Scientiae, which is a monthly lecture group for Masons and Non-Masons alike to expand their minds. The lectures vary from Masonic Artifacts to the Legend of Thoth and the Emerald Tablets.

Brotherhood

In today’s world, it is difficult for men to come together in a way that enables them to develop true and lasting connections. Increasing demands from our careers and family makes camaraderie difficult to establish and maintain. Masons develop a connection built on shared beliefs and experiences. This creates a profound bond that transcends ordinary kinship. Brothers support and challenge one another, share knowledge and wisdom, and provide light and hope in times of darkness. As a Masonic brother, you will always have a network of peers who care about you, no matter the hardships you may face.