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CHild ID Program
Christmas
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Tribute
to Bro. George Washington
Have You Ever Considered Becoming a
Mason?
As published by the Masonic Renewal Committee of North America
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. It's members have included
Kings,
Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices,
corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor.
And Masonry is always ready to welcome good men in the Fraternity. It's ready to welcome
YOU, if in your heart you can answer "yes" to a few questions.
Do you believe that there is such a thing as honor, and that a man has a responsibility to
act
with honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not founded on honor is hollow and
empty --
that a man who acts without honor is less than a man.
Do you believe in God?
No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual faith is -- that is
question
between you and your God -- but we do require that a that a man believe in a Supreme
Being.
Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on
yourself?
Masonry insists on toleration -- on the right of each person to think for himself in
religious,
social and political matters.
Do your believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than you
found it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must do
what we
can to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment,
working
on civic projects, or helping children to work or read or see -- the world should be a
better place
because we have passed through it.
Do your believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to receive, it's also more
fun?
Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know it gives each of
us
a good feeling -- unlike any other -- to help. Much of our help is given anonymously.
We're not
after gratitude, we're more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have
helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help
when you need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that's there, too) but help in
the sense of
being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Do you feel that there's something more to life than financial success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social
position
or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no
substitute for
it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works a
building a
house.
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and the we have a moral
duty to be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country is strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity
for
human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He
supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and
maintain
the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a
degrading manner.
Do you agree that man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among
the most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people
who
suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is
right. Masonry
teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover
the
goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their
potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together -- a
private
friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse
to speak
evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and
promote
unity and harmony is his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons
call
this way of believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it
his
duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest
forces for
good in the world.
IF YOU ANSWERED "YES", YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.
Freemasonry offers much to its members -- the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a
difference, to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to be with and
work with
men who have the same values and ideals -- men who have answered "YES" to these
questions.
It's easy to find our more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Masonry. You probably know
several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and Compasses like the one in this brochure
or
on a pin or tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the lodge is in your community,
stop by
or look up the number of your local Masonic lodge in the phone book and ask for the
secretary of
the lodge. He'll be happy to help you.
Have you ever considered becoming a Mason? We'd like a chance to talk with you.
