Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It is
comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion,
race, age, income, education, and opinion, who believe in a Supreme Being.
Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each
man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his
family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Freemasonry (often simplified to “Masonry”) enhances and
strengthens the character of the individual man by providing opportunities
for fellowship, charity, education, and leadership based on the three
ancient Masonic tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. The Massachusetts
Grand Lodge is a crowning legacy of this venerable heritage as we strive to
“make good men better.”
By attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow Masons,
you’ll strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with
like-minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature.
You’ll enjoy the friendship of other Masons in the community, and you’ll be
welcomed as a “brother” by Masons everywhere in the world. Freemasonry also
promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness, or
adversity through no fault of your own, the hands of our great fraternity
will be stretched forth to aid and assist you.
From its earliest days, charity has been the most visible Masonic activity.
Freemasons have always been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children,
the sick and the elderly. In fact, Masons in North America give away
approximately $3 million to national and local charities each day, of which
more than 70% is directed toward the general public. Masons are also
actively involved in a great deal of community volunteer work.
The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has advocated the education of its members
since its earliest years. Its ceremonies provide instruction to all members,
supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures,
workshops, and reading. Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain
aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry
uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical
issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand
what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as "a beautiful
system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."
Freemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge,
District, and Grand Lodge level. As Freemasons progress through the Craft,
they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills
that even they might not have known they possessed. By developing leadership
techniques that fit their personality, Masons unlock the door to their full
potential. For more than 10 years the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has
sponsored the
Masonic Leadership Institute for its members to strengthen leadership
within our Fraternity and to contribute to the personal growth of
Massachusetts Masons.
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