Commonly asked questions regarding Freemasonry
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry
is the largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization across the globe.
It is made up of men who are concerned with moral and spiritual values.
Freemasons are taught the concepts and lessons of Freemasonry through ritual
dramas. These Masonic rituals follow ancient forms and involve the customs and
tools of stonemasons as allegorical guides.
Below mentioned are the three great
principles followed by Freemasonry:
Brotherly Love
Every true
Freemason is expected to show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others
and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow members.
Relief
Freemasons
are taught to practice charity and to care. They do this not only for their own
but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving and by
voluntary efforts and through their works as individuals.
Truth
Freemasons
strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in
their own lives.
Members of
this organization believe that by following these main principles, they can
achieve higher standards in life. Freemasons also believe strongly in providing
charity to others, if not through monetary donations then through undertaking
voluntary work.
Why Freemasonry is considered a
secretive society?
The Lodge
meetings of Freemasonry are private and are open to only the members of this
fraternity. Although, their meeting places are known to all and in many areas
they are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry.
Their aims and the rules they follow are also available to public. Masons are
also free to speak openly about their fraternity and its beliefs.
What is the structure of Freemasonry?
The
fraternity is divided into the Grand Lodges that govern their specific
geographical area. Each Grand Lodge is further made up of smaller Lodges, which
cover areas like towns and cities.
Each of the
Lodge has its own Masonic regalia which are worn during Lodge meetings and
other ceremonies. These regalia have significance in terms of the different
ranks that member hold in that particular Lodge.
What happens during a Lodge meeting?
The Lodge
meeting usually happens in two parts. In first part; certain amount of
administrative procedures take place such as minutes of last meeting, proposing
and balloting for new members, discussing and voting on financial matters,
election of officers, news and correspondence.
In second
part; ceremonies are conducted for admitting new Masons and the annual
installation of the Master and the appointment of officers. Further, three
ceremonies are conducted for admitting a new Mason and they are carried out in
two parts. In this, a dramatic representation is done of the principles and
lessons taught in the Craft which is followed by a lecture in which the new
candidate’s duties are informed verbally.
Why do Freemasons take oaths?
Members who
are new to Freemasonry make solemn promises concerning their conduct towards
the Lodge and to the society. Each member also promises to keep confidential
the traditional methods of proving that he is a Freemason which he would use
when visiting a lodge where he is not known. Freemasons promise to support
other in times of need, but only if that support does not conflict with their
duties to God, the law, their family or with their responsibilities as a citizen
of their country.
What is the procedure of becoming a
Freemason?
A candidate
who is over the age of 18 years can give an application for becoming the member
of Freemasonry. The person needs to have a belief in God or the Supreme Being
of the Universe. Men of all faiths and religions are free to join Freemasonry.
What are the Grand ranks in
Freemasonry?
Some of the
Grand ranks in Freemasonry that are common to all jurisdictions include:
·
Worshipful
Master
·
Senior
Warden
·
Junior
Warden
·
Treasurer
·
Secretary
·
Senior
Deacon
·
Junior
Deacon
·
Tyler
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