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 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. The nature of Masonic ritual is both complex and beautiful.
Although our world has changed dramatically during that time, our ritual is virtually the same. Not everyone will want to learn the ancient ritual — as it takes great time and study — 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.
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 — and sometimes greatness — one stone at a time. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, his faith, his country, and his fraternity.
Find a Lodge Donate MassMasons. What is Freemasonry? Where can I get more information about the Freemasons? What are the requirements to become a Mason? 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: You are an adult male usually , based on the individual jurisdiction of good character and recommended by a Mason.
You believe in a Supreme Being — no atheist can become a Mason — but we are not concerned with theological distinctions or your particular religious beliefs. How do I become a Freemason? How do I find a Lodge? Where did Freemasonry come from?
Why is there so much interest in Masonry today? What are the benefits of becoming a Mason? Is Masonry a Religion? Is Freemasonry a charity? Because of this, members can find brother Masons wherever they go.
Across the country and around the world, there are Lodges in nearly every city and in many smaller communities. Freemasonry is built upon three basic tenets — Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love is the practice of the Golden Rule. Relief embodies charity for all mankind. Truth is honesty, fair play, and adherence to the cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. Freemasonry is an organization with secrets, not a secret organization.
However, Lodge buildings are clearly marked and listed in the phone book. Members frequently wear rings and pins identifying them as Masons. Masonry values confidentiality and so, as with many other organizations, many of its meetings are not open to the public.
Selfless giving is a trademark of Freemasonry. Locally, Masonic Lodges may offer scholarships to students pursuing higher education; they may conduct Child Identification programs in coordination with local police departments; they may donate bicycles to schools in their community to promote public education, in addition to volunteering their time in a host of other ways for the betterment of their towns and cities.
UCLA's Margaret Jacob says these symbols have been used by many different groups, including Masons, throughout history. Brent Morris said there are two types of people who want to promote the idea that the symbols are Masonic: "The pro-Masons and the anti-Masons -- and that pretty well covers the universe. The uncompleted pyramid [which also appeared on a pound Colonial note] represented that our country was not yet completed, that we were continuing to grow. The Shriners known formally as the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine , the charity organization best known in the popular mind for driving tiny cars in parades, are an off-shoot of the Masons.
They run 22 children's hospitals where patients don't pay a cent. Masonry began as a guild for stone masons who built the castles and cathedrals of Medieval Europe.
So that's why they believe the Masons' word came into effect. That's what it is all about. Unsurprisingly, many Freemasons are vague when discussing the fraternity's purpose, but two things crop up repeatedly when you ask why they enjoy being members. Anna, too, lists the charitable side of membership as something she enjoys. Admirable though charity may be, people donate all the time without joining secretive societies. What else, then, compels people to not only join but remain committed members?
You will come across people you've met in the past, certainly if you've lived in the area for a number of years. But what is a network for if it does not operate for the benefit of those involved? It is not to be used for your own personal benefit. It really is for others. Anna adds: "I don't know a single other woman who's worked in [my industry]. I know people think there is but that's true of any society, isn't it?
0コメント