In a previous page, the question was asked: “What is Freemasonry?” The answer provided was brief. However, a thorough answer would be far more comprehensive in nature and it would take many voluminous tomes to rightly address the subject matter. Generally speaking, the following points outline the more important aspects of what constitutes Freemasonry:
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity.
Freemasonry is universal, that is to say, it is global in reach.
Freemasonry is constituted of men concerned with moral and spiritual themes, not in a dogmatic sense, but in a manner that allows each person the right to exercise their freedom of conscience to arrive at their own personal answer to the questions posed.
Freemasonry does require that each potential member have faith in Deity. No specific religious dogma or concept of Deity is imposed. Again, this is a matter left to each individual to exercise their own freedom of conscience.
Freemasonry’s origins are old. We know that during the medieval period guilds of stone workmen existed that were organized into exclusive lodges. These are referred to as the operative masons. To insure that their craft methodologies remained exclusive, they were bonded to secrecy. Because of their exclusivity, a phenomenon occurred where non-workers were allowed to join these powerful guilds, and as the demand for their trade waned, those guilds were transformed into exclusive groupings that allowed men to freely assemble and freely speculate on topics often censored, by the ruling orthodoxy. The latter group is referred to as speculative masons. In the year 1717, four existing lodges in England formed a Grand Lodge - the first public appearance of the Fraternity.
Freemasonry is fundamentally a traditionalist society. It is concerned with philosophical themes and ideals, such as, virtue and honor. Unizar Lodge seeks to reclaim many of those traditionalists’ aspects that have been discarded by the onset of modernity. We are confident that, as we embrace the traditional and educational aspects of the Craft, our beloved Fraternity will experience qualitative growth. We extend an invitation to men of good will to become united with us in this noble cause.
Unizar Lodge No. 347 |
Freemasonry: It's a way of life!! |
What exactly is Freemasonry??
"The Square and Compasses, the best known symbol of a Mason, cannot replace the identity of living the life of a Mason, which is itself perpetually in a state of improving ourselves in body, mind, and spirit. Masonic imagery is a valuable resource when it inspires us to take new action consistent with our personal growth and enlightened thought. We must discover our own Masonic calling, our own place in the history of Masonry, by making authentic Masonic performance our top priority."
The above excerpt taken from The Masonic Information Center (MIC) publication entitled, "It's About Time.".
The above excerpt taken from The Masonic Information Center (MIC) publication entitled, "It's About Time.".
What does it mean to be a Mason?
- It means that you set yourself a part as a free thinker.
- It means that you bind yourself with men that share a common thread of values enshrined in the spirit of toleration and liberality.
- It means that you appreciate the opportunities extended in being a member.
As a starting point for those who are seeking an answer to the question posed, Masonry presents itself as an opportunity to embark upon a distinctive way of life.
- An opportunity, because it presents a choice to freely associate with or dismiss a philosophy founded on fraternal love, relief and truth.
- An opportunity, because Masonry welcomes men, who profess faith in Deity, to seek insight into life’s most profound mysteries.
- An opportunity, because it requires the personal commitment to embrace the value of honor among peers and within which one may find continuing fulfillment and growth.
All you need to do is Ask.
For a Fraternity steeped in over four hundred years of tradition, you might think it is difficult to become a Mason.
The answer is: it is! You have to do the introspection into yourself. There is also one major hurdle that each candidate must pass. You must ASK.
Freemasonry in Minnesota accepts no one for membership unless they come of their own free will and accord, having already obtained a favorable impression of our Fraternity.
There are few other requirements. You must:
- Be a man, no less than eighteen (18) years.
- Believe in a Supreme Being.
- Live an ethical and moral life.
- Have a strong interest in the Fraternity and desire to participate in its charities and its activities.
Because we are all unique, each person that associates himself with the Fraternity brings something special to the body of Freemasonry. Yet each member shares common intiatic experience, a set of core ideals, and the collective expectation, that by improving oneself, one can labor to positively impact the community.
Masonry is not for everybody, it is a way of life.
If you are interested in receiving more information about the Fraternity of Freemasonry, please contact us by either our contact page, emailing our Secretary WB. Joe R. Gonzalez, at mexxam@msn.com or by giving him a call at 651-690-2611.
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