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What is Freemasonry to me?
Masonry is a fraternity of men that has its roots set at a time before recorded history. It’s most noted precepts come from the story of the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and it is said Solomon was, actually, our first and most excellent Grand Master.
Over thousands of years, Masonry has been responsible for the construction of many valuable monuments and buildings that we can still enjoy the splendor and beauty. But, more importantly, it has been responsible for the building of better men.
It has grown into a society of friends and brothers, who, by following its teachings, and keeping a faith in God, learn to be better men, better fathers, better husbands, better neighbors and citizens.
Belonging to this fraternity, I have met many wonderful men and their families. I know I can call upon just about every one of them in time of trouble, and they will offer me help and consideration without asking anything in return.
Several have gone well out of their way, and taken time from their busy lives to come to my aid. I am proud to call these men friends and brothers, and their friendship means a great deal to me.
We are not a religious group or society, but every Mason believes in a Supreme Being, and it is by this guidance that we learn to get along so well and enjoy one another. We do not judge a person by his wealth or honors, but by his actions towards others. Some Masons are very wealthy, and others poor, yet all support each other, especially in Lodge activities.
Mason’s support each other because of our bond of friendship, and, because of our beliefs of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Mason’s are taught to try to be good and true and as such, regulate our lives as best as we can, by the virtue of truth.
Masonic teachings have been instrumental in many governmental policies.
Even the Constitution of the United States was based, in several ways, on Masonic principles. And, many of the Founding Father’s of our country were Masons.
Mason’s are philanthropists. They spread relief all over the world.
Masonry exists in ever corner of the world, every country, and their generosity is well known, even if you are not fully aware of it.
From the support and funding of Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals, to funding eye research and holding open programs for the learning disabled, to the more local events in your community, such as haunted houses for Halloween, programs to inspire learning in schools, scholarship programs, and support for teacher education, MASON’S MAKE THEMSELVES KNOWN.
Masonry is a commitment for those who choose to go that way. However, by being involved, there is progressive growth and improvement in character.
Mason’s were, after all, there very first Promise Keepers, and devote themselves to these promises under solemn obligations taken during each Degree they receive.
Over the centuries, they have suffered persecution and even during the past century, thousands were tortured and put to death for their beliefs in religious and political freedom for all. Yet, despite these grievous periods, Masonry has always attracted the best men from society, to rise above the rest, and give of themselves to those less fortunate and securing liberty and independence wherever they can.
Every Mason is, in some small way, a hero. To some, by their kind words; to others, by their good deeds and actions; and to so many, by their donations and philanthropic giving are Masons known for what can be so good in this world.
They do what they do, for the sake of benefiting someone, almost always strangers, and not for personal or group notoriety or fame. Hence, the reason so many do not know much of our ancient and honorable fraternity and may have so many misconceptions of this society, which is hardly secret.
Unlike many other worthwhile groups and organizations, Masons have long rituals and teachings which may seem cumbersome and bothersome to many. But it is through this method of teaching that we are educated to become better men. The more one puts into it, the more he gets out of it. These teachings are held sacred and secret, so that each man may interpret them in his own heart and conscience, for himself, and through thought and circumspection, come to understand what these teachings mean to him.
It is truly an honor to be called a Master Mason, and to be called and accepted as a “Brother” and “Friend” by so many thousands of good men, particularly those by which I have become so enriched by my involvement in my own Lodge and local Masonic Community.
Steven R. Larson, PM
American River Lodge #795 of Free and Accepted Masons
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