WHO
ARE THE FREEMASONS / WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
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Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal
societies, rich in history, who share one common goal: to help
each other become better men. We strengthen and improve our
character by learning and practicing basic virtues of fraternal
love, charity, and truth. Our principles extend far beyond our
interactions with each other, and we strive to apply them to our
daily lives. |
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We live our lives "upon the square". Masons come from
all walks of life. We are teachers, business people, doctors,
lawyers, pharmacists, police, firemen, EMT's, barbers and
deli-men. All who join Freemasonry must declare their belief in
the existence of a Supreme Being, and practice their own personal
faith, but the fraternity is neither a religion nor a place to
worship. Rather, it is a place where men of all monotheistic
creeds can meet and focus on the great truths of peaceful human
interaction that are common to all religions.
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for
religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of
many religions and it expects them to continue to follow thier own
faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its
meetings.
For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles
with the belief that these principles with the belief that these
principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life:
Brotherly
Love
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the
opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to
his fellow creatures.
Relief
Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only
for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by
charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as
individuals.
Truth
Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and
aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the
country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in
any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens, but should
strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public
responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to
promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or
personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions
on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen
must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and
any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or
unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
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MASONRY
IS EVERYWHERE.....
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| You may have seen the
signs of Masonry in your community, at the movies, historic
buildings, or maybe know some Masons in history. |
Community
There are
over 100 lodges in the State of New Jersey alone. You may
recognize one of their buildings in your community.
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Movies
The DaVinci Code, Angel
& Demons, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and
National Treasure are but a few examples of the mysteries
of Freemasonry in films.
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Historic
Buildings
George
Washington Historic Masonic Memorial, Historic Trenton
Masonic Temple, and Philadelphia Masonic Temple are but a
few of the local Historical buildings.
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Masons in History
George Washington, James
Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew
Johnson, James Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore
Roosevelt, William H. Taft, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry
S. Truman, Gerald R. Ford, and Lyndon B. Johnson are all
Presidential Masons.
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THE
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
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several prerequisites to be a Mason. To qualify for
membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 21 years of age,
one who believes in the existence of a Supreme Being, of good
moral character (and have three people willing to vouch for this
character), motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal
gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry,
desirous of earning knowledge and willing to conform to the
ancient usages and customs of the fraternity. |
HOW
DO I BECOME A MASON?
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Our
tradition is to wait for you to seek membership entirely of your
own free will and accord. The Masons have a saying,
"To be one, ask one" and this is still true today. Your
interest in joining the Masons is enough, if you meet the
qualifications.
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To start the process, you must first submit a petition. This
petition will be read at a meeting of the Lodge you are seeking to
join. You will then be visited by a small committee from the Lodge
who will ascertain your qualifications and answer any questions
you or your family may have regarding Freemasonry. At the next
meeting, the members will vote on your petition for membership.
Once approved, you will be asked to attend three successive
meetings, during which you will learn the teachings of
Freemasonry. In ceremonies known as Degrees you will assume your
vows of membership. The fee for joining Freemasonry varies with
each Lodge and includes your dues for the first year. |
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Contact the Grand Lodge via e-mail grandlodge@njmasonic.org
or call (609)
239-3950 for a petition
or to get more information about "The Greatest Fraternity in
the World". |
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