[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_toggle title=”What is Freemasonry?” admin_label=”What is Freemasonry?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Freemasonry, sometimes just called Masonry, is the world\u2019s oldest and largest Fraternity. It aims to promote Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love among its members \u2014 men from every race, religion, opinion, and background \u2014 who are brought together as Brothers to develop and strengthen the bonds of friendship. There are more than 3 million members meeting in nearly every free country in the world. Freemasonry proposes to \u201cmake good men better\u201d by teaching \u2014 with metaphors taken from geometry and architecture \u2014 about building values based on great universal truths. And of course, charity and community service is fundamental to Freemasonry and something we actively take part in.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Where can I get more information about the Freemasons?” admin_label=”Where can I get more information about the Freemasons?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]The best way to get information is to talk to a Mason \u2014 either online (Contact form below) or in person. That person, usually the Secretary or one of the Ambassadors of the Lodge, will answer your questions and provide you with additional information. If you would like, he can usually arrange a convenient time to meet, introduce you to some other members, give you a tour their building, and answer your questions. You may have some of the same questions as those below \u2014 so take a look at the rest of the FAQ\u2019s.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What are the requirements to become a Mason?” admin_label=”What are the requirements to become a Mason?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Although exact membership requirements may vary slightly from country to country and state to state, generally anyone meeting the following primary requirements may petition a Lodge for membership:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How do I become a Freemason?” admin_label=”How do I become a Freemason?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask?<\/p>\n
If you meet the requirements above, it is really quite simple. Most men can become a Mason by simply asking. Each Lodge manages the membership process for its candidates. In general, men seek out a Lodge near their home or work (the \u201cFind a Lodge\u201d feature above will help you find the nearest Lodge), or they ask a Mason to recommend a Lodge to them. Once you\u2019ve found a Lodge you would like to join, let them know of your interest and they will provide you with a petition.<\/p>\n
If you are unanimously elected by the members of a Lodge, joining the Fraternity involves going through three \u201cdegrees\u201d: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Every man accepted into the Fraternity goes through the degrees, thereby making each an equal to the others in the Lodge. Typically they are conferred during a Lodges\u2019s monthly meeting over the course of three months. Once you are a Master Mason, however, you are free to join the many appendant organizations.You should know though, that the 3rd Degree, or Master Mason degree, is the highest degree in Freemasonry \u2014 any others are supplemental, and though they may add to your Masonic experience, the degrees are no higher, regardless of their number.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What if I don\u2019t know a Mason who can recommend me?” admin_label=”What if I don\u2019t know a Mason who can recommend me?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]It is quite possible you know a Mason but you just don\u2019t realize it. If your father, uncles, or grandfathers aren\u2019t Masons, they probably know someone who is. You might also want to ask around your workplace or school, church, or gym \u2014 anywhere that you find a group of men, you might find a Mason. Masons tend to be very proud of their association with the Fraternity, but though many love to talk about Masonry, others are uncomfortable talking about it. Some find it difficult to speak with their friends or family members because they don\u2019t want to push Masonry on them. They might very well be looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you if you show interest, however. More importantly, they would probably be honored to sponsor you for membership.<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t know anyone who is a Mason and you are a complete stranger to all of the members of the Lodge,you can fill out the contact form and a member will contact you to meet at the lodge. Once you have completed your three degrees, we expect our members to attend their lodge\u2019s \u201cStated Communication,\u201d or monthly meeting, although it is not required. Sometimes there will be a special meeting on a second night in a month, and rarely, you may find some Lodges that have stated meetings twice a month. Beyond that, there are other activities going on: community service, family and social outings, etc. that take place throughout the year. We hope our members will participate in the events that their time and interest allows. Like many things, you get out of Freemasonry what you put into it; although we also recognize and understand the need for balance between family, work or school, and other interests and commitments.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> Considering the cost to join many organizations these days, Freemasonry could be thought of as a bargain. But there are some costs involved, like initiation fees and dues.<\/p>\n Over the course of your degrees, the fee is $300, split 4 ways $75 for application fee and $75 at the time of each degree. Upon completion of the degrees. The annual dues are indexed off the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and currently $196 due each September. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages. Certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt, and some historians say that Masonry has its real roots in antiquity. Today, men seek out Masonry for the same reasons \u2014 to better themselves and improve society in the company of like-minded brothers. As we learn more about how our physical world works, there\u2019s also new interest in those things we don\u2019t understand \u2014 especially things bound around tradition or that have a more mystical nature. Masons also appreciate and value relations with women. We sponsor and participate in Masonic related organizations that include women and\/or girls, such as the Order of Eastern Star<\/a>, the Order of Rainbow for Girls<\/a>, and Job\u2019s Daughters<\/a>. Ezekiel Bates Lodge works closely with local organizations to assist where we can. Our work includes the Polar Plunge for Heller’s Angels<\/a> (the local branch of the Massachusetts Special Olympics) to being stewards for the Larson Woodland area for the Attleboro Land Trust.<\/a> Although every Freemason takes an obligation \u2014 and vows to keep the secrets of Masonry \u2014 it doesn\u2019t matter to him that you can find the secrets in print; what matters is that he keeps his promise. And the secrets he is protecting are only used to help Masons become better men; and there\u2019s certainly no secret surrounding what it takes to be good and true. It speaks to the power and impact our ritual has on men\u2019s hearts and minds because it has stood the test of time for more than 300 years. Although our world has changed dramatically during that time, our ritual is virtually the same.<\/p>\n Not everyone will want to learn the ancient ritual \u2014 as it takes great time and study \u2014 but those Masons who chose to learn it are rewarded with the satisfaction of upholding a great tradition and helping their fellow brothers further their Masonic understanding.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What are the time and\/or financial commitments of being a Mason?” admin_label=”What are the time and\/or financial commitments of being a Mason?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Time:<\/strong> Becoming a Mason takes several months from the time you complete your petition until you have finished your degrees. Until you begin taking your degrees though, very little is asked of you. Once the degree work begins you will need to attend your Lodge\u2019s monthly meeting. Different states may have additional requirements, such as attending a \u201cLodge of Instruction,\u201d where you receive further explanation about the degree you just experienced. There is also some side work that you will need to complete that amounts to a little bit of homework. Every member of the Fraternity has gone through this process and your lodge will assign a Brother to help you.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Where did Freemasonry come from?” admin_label=”Where did Freemasonry come from?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, historians have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was formed.<\/p>\n
\nThe formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern (or \u201cSpeculative\u201d) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These \u201cAccepted\u201d Masons adopted more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesmen\u2019s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Why is there so much interest in Masonry today?” admin_label=”Why is there so much interest in Masonry today?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Over the last five centuries, Freemasonry seems to have flourished during times of great enlightenment and change. It is no coincidence that Freemasonry rose to prominence during the Age of Enlightenment in both Europe and America. That was the time when a new generation believed it could discover ways to gain personal improvement, bring order to society, and understand the whole universe. This statement is perhaps even stronger today than it was in the 18th century.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What are the benefits of becoming a Mason?” admin_label=”What are the benefits of becoming a Mason?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]There are numerous benefits to being a Mason, but they tend to be personal, and quite varied. The benefits can only be truly discovered by becoming a member. But we can try and give you an idea. Without question you will have the opportunity to experience camaraderie and fellowship with a group of men across the boundaries of age, race, religion, culture, and opinion. This is a fundamental concept to the Fraternity. Many find great value and knowledge in our ritual ceremony \u2014 it uses symbolism and metaphors to encourage and remind us to appreciate principles, ethics, and morality, and to live our lives accordingly. Others find great satisfaction in our charitable efforts, community service, and the support we provide our members and their families. Finally, for those who take on leadership positions within their lodge, they have the chance to develop or further very practical management skills.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Why aren\u2019t there any famous women who are Masons?” admin_label=”Why aren\u2019t there any famous women who are Masons?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Freemasonry is, by definition, a fraternity that aims to promote Brotherly Love and Friendship among its members. It is a worldwide organization that draws together men and helps cultivate and promote better relationships and the bonds of friendships between them. Freemasonry doesn\u2019t focus on Friendship and Brotherly Love because it believes that only relations between men are important, or that relations between men and women are unimportant, but because hope for peace and harmony in the world is improved when men can put aside their differences and come together as friends.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Is Freemasonry a charity?” admin_label=”Is Freemasonry a charity?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]No. Masonic principles teach the value of relief (charity), and Freemasons give more than $2 million A DAY to charitable causes, along with countless man hours. More than 70% of these donations support the general public. Among their works are the Shriners Hospitals for Children, with 22 sites throughout North America that include world renowned burn centers and orthopedic facilities; almost 225 Learning Centers that help children with dyslexia, speech and hearing disorders; the Masonic Youth Child Identification Program (MYCHIP), and the Masonic Angel Foundation, providing modest assistance to children and adults in local communities who do not fit the criteria for usual social-services. Throughout America and world, there are numerous other worthy causes and groups that local Lodges contribute to and help in their communities.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Is Masonry a secret society?” admin_label=”Is Masonry a secret society?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]No. It is sometimes said that Freemasonry is a \u201cSociety with secrets, not a secret society.\u201d In point of fact, however, any purported Masonic \u201csecrets\u201d were made public several centuries ago in London newspapers, and today can be found in the Library of Congress, on the Internet, and in many books on the subject. Benjamin Franklin once said, \u201cThe great secret of Freemasonry is that there is no secret at all.\u201d But some say the one great secret of Freemasonry\u2026 is finding out who YOU really are.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What about secret handshakes, ritual, and passwords?” admin_label=”What about secret handshakes, ritual, and passwords?” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Freemasonry, often called the \u201cCraft\u201d by its members, employs metaphors of architecture. Following the practice of the ancient stonemason guilds, Freemasons use special handshakes, words, and symbols to not only to identify each other, but to help, as William Preston said in 1772, \u201cimprint upon the memory wise and serious truths.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What is Masonic \u201critual?\u201d” admin_label=”What is Masonic \u201critual?\u201d” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]The nature of Masonic ritual is both complex and beautiful. \u201cRitual\u201d is a formal ceremony of initiation which recites certain tenets and truths that have been passed down for generations \u2014 mostly from mouth to ear. This \u201cRitual\u201d takes the form of lectures and theater in the Lodge, and is used to teach new Masons the value of true friendship, the benefits of knowledge, and the necessity of helping those in need.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Final Thought…” admin_label=”Final Thought…” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#0c71c3″ title_font=”|on|||” title_font_size=”22″ body_font_size=”18″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]Just because the secrets have been made public doesn\u2019t mean everyone knows the mystery of Masonry. In fact, much of the appeal of the Craft is that the great truths revealed in Masonic ritual can take years to understand. Like the building of any great structure, the powerful metaphors and symbols of Masonry build character \u2014 and sometimes greatness \u2014 one stone at a time.
\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Contact WooFoo Form” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]