How the Masonic Lodge Strengthens The Family and the Community

WHEN YOU JOIN the Masonic Fraternity, you become part of the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world.  Today, there are more than 5,000,000 Masons in virtually every free country on earth.   Yet, Freemasonry is deeply rooted in the local community.  The Masonic Lodge in Edmond, like the more than three hundred Lodges throughout Oklahoma, is involved in a variety of programs that make for a better society.   Freemasons actively support the concept of free public education and development and support programs to support the local schools.  They sponsor activities that bring greater awareness of the Constitution and representative government to youngsters and adults alike. We get involved in other community projects like the Prevent Blindness, Special Olympics and Child Identification programs, and are continually finding new ways to strengthen our community.  Freemasonry nurtures the family unit, through affiliated organizations such as Eastern Star for the ladies, Rainbow for Girls and DeMolay for boys. There is an appeal in Freemasonry for all family members.

Freemasonry Means Caring For Others

A MASON IS BOUND by oath to build his character as carefully as ancient stonemasons built the great cathedrals of Europe.  But quality of character is not enough.  Masons also believe in practicing their beliefs through helping the less fortunate in our society.  There are approximately 2,500 Masons in Oklahoma and together with other Masons throughout the nation who have made possible the expenditure of $1.5 million each day to support and maintain a variety of philanthropic activities.  Freemasons finance medical research in childhood language disorders and in diseases of the eye.  They provide college scholarships for needy and worthy students.  Twenty-three hospitals are operated throughout the country by Shrine Masons for crippled and burned children.  And Masons maintain a unique care system for aged masons their widows, and children.  When you join your local Masonic Lodge, you become part of an organization that cares for other people from all walks of life.

We Are Proud Of Our Masonic Heritage

No one knows exactly when Freemasonry was established but the first Grand Lodge was establisned in England in 1717.  Since then its lodges have spread to the free countries throughout the world.  Members of the Fraternity like Simon Bolivar, Voltaire and Garibaldi helped champion the cause of freedom, peace and independence in Europe and South America.  In the 20^th Century American astronauts, who were Masons, pushed out to the frontier of space.  When Freemasonry reached the shores of the New World in the early 18^th Century, Masonic Lodges produced leaders who would make a lasting impact upon our emerging nation.  Of the thirty-nine men who in Philadelphia in 1787 affixed their signatures to the United States Constitution, Thirteen were Masons.  George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were members of Masonic Lodges, as were thirteen of the American Presidents who would follow, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman and Gerald R. Ford.  Members of the Fraternity have made valuable contributions to our society, from government, business, and space exploration, to the arts, sports, and entertainment.

The value of Masonic Membership

THE SQUARE AND COMPASS is the best-known symbol of Freemasonry.  It represents one of the great and lasting values of Masonic membership.  It is a reminder to each member to live by high moral standards by: Maintaining honesty in business, Fairness in work, Courtesy and deference to neighbors, compassion for the less fortunate, and Love for our fellow man and our Country.  Life-long friendships are marks of Masonic membership.  As you travel throughout the United States and to countries around the world you will find yourself as much at home in that faraway Masonic Lodge room as you do with your own Lodge.

How to become a Mason:

Perhaps you have asked yourself if you are ready to join the gentle craft of Freemasonry.  Perhaps you haven’t, but would like to see what is needed of you in order to join.  Although it is a privilege to be a member of the fraternity, a lot of people find it surprising that one of the most important things you have to do in order to join Freemasonry is ASK A MASON.

“2B1 ASK1“

To be one of us, you have to ask one of us.  Why? Because you have to join on your own free will and accord.  No one from a lodge can legally ask you to join.  It has to be your own decision, Your own desire, Your own action.  If you know someone who is a Mason, he will gladly get you a petition to join a lodge.  If you don’t know one, then it would be best to check out a lodge nearest you.  Someone will gladly give you the information you need.

Aside from asking a Mason, you will also have to fulfill the following requirements:

• Be a man who comes of his own free will,
• Believe in a Supreme Being (the form of which is left to open interpretation by the candidate),
• Be at least the minimum age (in Oklahoma, 18 years old),
• Be of good morals, and of good reputation,
• Be of sound mind and body, and
• Be capable of furnishing character references.

If you meet the requirements, and are ready to join and want a petition for membership or would like additional information, please contact a member of the Edmond Masonic Lodge or email your request to edmondmasoniclodge@cox.net.  If you are not in the Edmond area you can contact the Secretary of the Masonic Lodge in your area.  You can also download a petition for membership in an Oklahoma Masonic Lodge by clicking here.

The following was published by the Grand Lodge of Iowa in 2005 and is worth repeating here.

TEN REASONS TO BECOME A MASON

1. Masonry is a place where you can confidently trust every person, and entrust your family with them.

2. Masonry is a place where, within moral and civil guidelines; free thought, free speaking and the spiritual growth of man can grow into its fullest potential.

3. Masonry is a place which provides the opportunity to meet, know, and call brother, outstanding individuals from all walks of life that I would not otherwise have met.

4. Masonry is a place to be a part of an organization that has for its principle tenets —Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

5. Masonry is a place that provides self-development opportunities, leadership training and experience, and to improve public speaking skills.

6. Masonry is a place you can go to give support as well as seek it.

7. Masonry is a place where moral virtues are taught and through these teachings a regular reinforcement of the moral virtues is experienced.

8. Masonry is a place to spend time with a group of brothers, who, by acting as good men, make me want to be come a better man. Not better than others, but better than I would otherwise have been.

9. Masonry is a place to become better prepared to serve church and community.

10. Masonry is a place to meet with established members of the community and to become a part of the community.