Article: 4081 of alt.freemasonry Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!news2.near.net!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!news.cais.com!wdnuucp!kevin.harp From: kevin.harp@wdn.com (KEVIN HARP) Newsgroups: alt.freemasonry Subject: For Your Information Message-ID: <8A781E5.08C5000135.uuout@wdn.com> Date: Sun, 16 Apr 95 08:05:00 -300 Distribution: world Organization: World Data Network BBS. Since 1984. Telnet wdn.com. Reply-To: kevin.harp@wdn.com (KEVIN HARP) X-Newsreader: PCBoard Version 15.21 X-Mailer: PCBoard/UUOUT Version 1.10 Lines: 109 I recently received a request for information from someone via private e-mail. My response was to type in the text of a printed pamphlet that we in Virginia give to a man who is interested in Freemasonry entitled "For Your Information" (Note: any omissions or typos are mine). I thought that this may be of interest to others. ------------------Quoted Text----------------------------------------- DEAR FRIEND: You have indicated an interest in Freemasonry. Obviously, you would like to know what Freemasonry is, what Freemasonry does, and how you can obtain membership in this most ancient and honorable order. Trusting that your interest is motivated by more than idle curiosity, and that you have a sincere interest to learn something of Freemasonry, this pamphlet is provided to inform you of the nature and purpose of the Order of Freemasonry and the requirements for membership. Freemasonry is the oldest Fraternal organization in existence. Written records about the Order date back to 1390, and the traditions of Masonry are even older. The Grand Lodge of Virginia is the oldest independent body in the United States. A roster of Masonic membership during the early years of our country reads like a study in American history. It is led by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Chief Justice John Marshall, Edmund Randolph, and a host of signers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Since those early years of our country's history, Masonic membership has continued to include many famous Americans, including United States Presidents, Congressmen, State governors and other well known men in leadership positions. The Masonic Fraternity includes men from all walks of life; professionals; tradesmen and laborers. Freemasonry is not a religion. It does not promise salvation. Religion and religious beliefs are not discussed in our Lodges, but through the use of symbols and allegories, Freemasonry teaches the equality of man and the value of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Freemasonry teaches and practices charity towards all who are less fortunate, and freemasonry seeks to become the happy means of cementing its members into one harmonizing body. Thus, while not a religion, Freemasonry is religious in the sense that Masons revere God, and urge every man to attend the Church or Synagogue of his choice. We learn that our strength is to be found in our God, no matter how we may view Him. Freemasonry is not a secret society as some would accuse. Masons proudly wear the ancient insignia of Freemasonry, the Square and Compasses, publicly. The location of our Masonic Lodges is known and our membership rosters are printed. We do keep secret our modes of recognition and the ceremonies of initiation to prevent imposition by imposters. In sum, Freemasonry teaches the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, marvelling at the Divine order of the universe. It brings together men of all creeds and teaches the many aspects of the Great and Golden Rule common to all Faiths. To become a member of this ancient and honorable Order a man must come of his own free will and accord, for the great truths taught in Freemasonry, and He whom we all serve, require us to come freely and with an open heart. We do not issue invitations to join a Masonic Lodge nor do we solicit individuals to join. If you are interested after reading this pamphlet, ask a Masonic friend for an application. The requirements for membership are; that you be a man, one of good character and reputation; that you be a peaceful citizen, and one who guards against intemperance and excess; and that you are one who respects genuine brotherhood and general good of society. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being. Each Masonic Brother is left to his own private judgement concerning the mode and form of his religion. We meet together in harmony as Christion, Jew, Moslem, and Buddhist applying those great principles which are common to all religions. Thus, the great Fraternity has existed since time immemorial. Each applicant for membership must be vouched for by two members of the Fraternity who know the applicant and can vouch for his character and his reputation. In addition, the applicant must be elected by an unanimous ballot. Only in this manner have we maintained for centuries the harmony and brotherhood which has characterized the practice of our principles. The applicant, if elected, accepts the financial responsibility for payment of initiation fees and annual dues which are required by Masonic law and which vary from Lodge to Lodge. In addition, each candidate, after initiation, is required to commit to memory a catechism and to stand an examination in open Lodge. This is but a short introduction to Freemasonry; what it is; what it does; and how to become a member. If you are interested in learning more, your Masonic friend who provided you this pamphlet, will answer your questions, or he will refer you to a better informed Masonic Brother. This pamphlet has been given to you by a friend. After you have finished with it, please return the pamphlet to your friend. Grand Lodge, A.F.&A.M., of Virginia P.O. Box 27345 Richmond, Virginia 23261 -----------------------End of Quoted Text------------------------ Kevin Harp, W:.M:. Sterling Lodge #268 Sterling Virginia kevin.harp@wdn.com --- * WR [NR] * UNREGISTERED EVALUATION COPY