This page provided Courtesy of

The Grand Lodge of Texas

 

BETWEEN FRIENDS

 

 

YESTERDAY - TODAY - TOMORROW


WHY YOUR FRIEND ASKED YOU TO READ THIS

Your friend is proud of Freemasonry and the fine character of its Members. He believes that you have the qualities for Membership and that you deserve the opportunity to know more about it.

This will explain what Freemasonry is, who Freemasons are and what they believe in, and what they do. It is important for you to know that those who desire membership must seek it on their own. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many qualified men have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership and Fellowship in Freemasonry. If after reading this,

you have any questions or desire to know more about Freemasonry, your friend will be pleased to answer your questions or to obtain the answers for you.

Whether or not you decide to seek Membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special friend within the Masonic Fraternity who thinks very highly of you. Please consider it the highest compliment that he has shared this information with you. It is a message of kindness... Between Friends!



WHAT FREEMASONRY IS
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most devised political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God.

WHO FREEMASONS ARE
Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington.

Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!"

WHAT FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN
All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.

WHAT FREEMASONS DO
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as "the world's greatest philanthropy!"

The Freemasons of America contribute almost two million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.

QUALIFICATIONS
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity).

THOSE WHO SEEK MEMBERSHIP
Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote on admission after careful consideration of the character and reputation of the applicant.

THE MASONIC LODGE
The Masonic Lodge meets regularly to conduct its regular business and to vote upon Petitions for Membership. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.




THE MASONIC DEGREES

The candidate attends three Meetings (one per month) to receive the three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new Member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a "Brother" in any of the thousands of Masonic Lodges throughout the world.


ABOUT THE GRAPHIC

The graphic depicts some of the most famous Freemasons of all time:

President and Brother George Washington, Brother Benjamin Franklin, Brother Jose Navarro, Brother William B. Travis, Brother Sam Houston, Brother Lorenzo de Zavala, Brother Stephen Austin, President and Brother Theodore Roosevelt, Brother Charles Lindbergh, President and Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt, Brother Will Rogers, President and Brother Harry S. Truman, U.S. General and Brother Douglas S. MacArthur, Brother Normal Vincent Peale, Brother John Wayne and U.S. Lunar Astronaut and Brother Edwin E. (Buzz) Aldrin.


 

top