A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota
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Rochester Lodge No. 21 A. F. & A. M. of Minnesota |
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What is Masonry? |
It encourages good citizenship and political expression but is not a political organization. Its charitable activities are manifold, yet, it is not a welfare or benefit organization.
Sixty years ago, a prominent Freemason referred to our Gentle Craft as "an organized association of men, symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building." That observance is as true today as it was in l937.
For the most relevant definition of our Fraternity, it is suggested that you consider the personal attributes of your Masonic friends and business associates.
The background of today's Masonry is found deep in the time when operative masons built the cathedrals, abbeys, and castles of medieval Europe. The stonemasons who created these awe-inspiring gothic structures formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their building trade and to pass on their knowledge to worthy and deserving apprentices. By the time the need for this type of "Operative" Mason declined in the seventeenth century, the practices and customs of the operative craft had left such an impression that men who had no inclination of being operative builders sought membership. These speculative builders were learned and well-thinking men, men of integrity and good will. With their admission, "speculative Masonry" evolved. This speculative Fraternity of Freemasons used the symbols (tools) which the operative Masons used in Cathedral building as symbols in character building.
The two principal tools were the Square and Compass-which together form the most familiar Masonic "trademark" in the world to this day. The letter "G", in the very center of this emblem, reflects the true Masonic belief that God is the very center of all life.
Twenty-two words establish the most important prerequisite to becoming a Mason. " ... We receive none, knowingly, into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world..." He must be a man, of lawful age, well recommended, with a sincere belief in God.
Race, specific religion, ethnic background, political ties and occupation play absolutely no part in qualifying or disqualifying candidates for membership.
No, probably not! Hopefully, if the concepts and principles of Masonry interest you, you will not need to be asked to join. In most Masonic jurisdictions, you must ask to become a Freemason. Here in Minnesota, a man, that is thought of as a good candidate, may be simply asked to join us, however he may not be coaxed or coerced into doing so.
Unfortunately, many men who would like to become Masons never do because they are unaware of the requirement, "that it be of your own free will and accord", which applies here in Minnesota as well as all other regions of the world. If you desire to learn more about Masonic membership, feel free to contact a Mason to satisfy yourself concerning Freemasonry. As Freemasons, we believe that membership in an organization as worthy as ours must come from a "sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow creatures" and not because of coaxing, coercement, or of any promise of material gain of any kind.
A candidate, whose petition has been accepted by the lodge, is advised of the date his Entered Apprentice Degree has been scheduled. On that date, following a brief Ritualistic opening, the petitioner is properly prepared and introduced to the lodge. The solemn process is an enlightening experience and the candidate need never worry that embarrassing or compromising situations will arise during this (or any other degree) - they will not!
After receiving the Entered Apprentice Degree, you will be expected to memorize several key passages of the Ritual and help will be extended in the teaching/learning process.
Having learned the required Ritualistic work and satisfying the lodge of that proficiency, you will be asked to return for the conferral of your Fellow Craft Degree. Following a proficiency examination on that Degree, you will advance to the "last and highest grade of Ancient Craft Masonry-the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason."
Only after having completed these three symbolic degrees will you truly understand the oft-quoted statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men."
No! Religion can best teach a man faith, hope, and charity. Freemasonry only endeavors to reinforce these teachings. Masonry is not a religion nor is it a substitute for or a rival of any doctrine. It is an aid to religious development in that it builds character and stresses righteousness. It is significant that many clergymen are active members of the Fraternity. A Mason respects and is tolerant of that which is sacred to his brother, be he Christian, Muslim, Jew, or of some other faith in a supreme being by whatever name He may be called.
The Fraternity is essentially an institution providing moral instruction and the rules of conduct a member must follow which are acceptable to all religions.
The basic premise of Freemasonry is "The Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God." With that thought uppermost in mind, Masons strive to learn how better to serve that "brotherhood of man" - charitably - not just with money but also through actions and deeds. Refer to our Community Action page for specific Rochester Lodge No. 21 philanthropic activity.
There are several good sources on the web for information about Freemasonry and the various bodies that we support. Start out by looking at the Masonic Links page of our Web site. If you have specific questions, please feel free to e-mail them to our Secretary.
Have you ever considered becoming a Mason?