Freemasonry: The Noble Craft
For centuries, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion throughout the world have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of God and man? Is there a higher truth?
Freemasonry is "a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols." It is not a religion. It is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization. They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary mortal experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the Universe, your God, as you know him.
Freemasonry, however, can never conflict with a man's personal relationship to his God or his fellow man. As such, sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited. Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life, financial position or religious belief. We are all equal and "on the level." The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness", invoking greater understanding of the inward life and encouraging a spirit of fellowship so that every Mason can also lead a better outward life.
Brotherhood At Work
Freemasonry has been characterized as a fraternity devoted to high ideals and admirable benevolence. Community service and charitable work are, in fact, principal Masonic activities. Charity is practiced at all levels of our fraternity, from the Blue Lodge to it's many concordant bodies. Easily the best-known of these concordant bodies is the world's largest single charitable institution, the Shriners' Hospitals for Crippled Children and Burns Institutes, which are located throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Another one is the Scottish Rite's and its Dyslexia Centers, also across the nation and very active here in the state of New Jersey.
Masons everywhere assist distressed brother Masons and non-Masons and their families. They also sponsor or support local and community projects ranging from the recognition of the achievements of others to scholarship programs. Masons serve as volunteers and quietly extend help to countless thousands in the local community, the state, the nation and the world.
Altogether, the allocations for these community services has been estimated to exceed two million dollars per day. These benefits are provided without regard to the Masonic affiliation of their recipients. With this spirit of working together to serve mankind, brotherhood works very well indeed.
A Progressive Science
The mother of all Freemasonry is the "Blue" or "Craft" Lodge. "In a room adjoining the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons" is where every man begins his journey into the Ancient Craft. The reason why a Craft Lodge is also often refereed to as a "Blue" Lodge is uncertain. The term seems more common to American Freemasonry. It may refer to the color of the heavens and to which we all hope to rise to someday. Also, the color blue is commonly found in Masonic regalia and since ancient times has been associated with immortality, eternity, hope and fidelity.
Once raised to the "sublime degree" of Master Mason in the local "Blue" Lodge, a Freemason steps onto a broad vista of opportunity for fellowship and advancement. Starting at the Blue lodge, the newly raised Masonic brother can decide on his level of involvement in lodge activities and functions. Although your attendance is desired and requested, no Mason is required to advance beyond his Blue Lodge or participate actively in its ritual, business affairs or charitable affairs, but those who do so find personal fulfillment in the rewards of public speaking, leadership, fraternity, teaching, community work, and even music and the dramatic arts. Whether their commitments are to Masonic ritual, study or organizational and charitable work, most active Masons simply speak of the warm camaraderie among trusted friends and a satisfying sense of purpose. We firmly believe however that you family, health and business take reasonable priority to your participation in the lodge.
Additionally, concordant bodies of the York Rite and the Scottish Rite offer ritual instruction for advanced degrees and further light. To join one of these concordant groups, you must be first raised a Mason in a Blue Lodge. Advancement through these concordant bodies not only invites participation in this Masonic network, but also promotes a more comprehensive understanding of its sacramental system of ceremonies, doctrines, and symbols.
All the states' Blue Lodges are governed by the particular state Grand Lodge. Concordant Masonic groups also have Statewide Grand organizations and have national governing councils as well. If so desired, Masons can then also aspire to working at these state levels as well. These offer further opportunity for growth and responsibility.
Ancient Traditions
Though its heritage in antiquity is unmistakable, modern speculative Freemasonry was founded more recently upon the structure, ceremonies, and symbolism of the lodge of operative or working freemen stonemasons, who built the magnificent Medieval Gothic structures throughout much of Europe and England.
Dated in 1390 A.D., the Regius Poem details the charter of a lodge operating in the 900s A.D. "Masonry" then meant architecture and encompassed most of the arts and sciences. Because lodges held knowledge as competitive secrets, only trusted, capable companions were instructed in the craft - and then only by degrees, orally and through symbols, because of widespread illiteracy.
In the late Renaissance, lodges of Freemasons began to accept speculative masons: Those educated men who were attracted by the elegance of masonic traditions for philosophic expression. In time they too were passed into the inner circles. Thus, the framers of speculative Freemasonry began to describe a code of conduct through the symbolic nature of architecture and the stonemason's craft. Signaling modern speculative Freemasonry, the first Grand Lodge of England was chartered in 1717. Constituent Symbolic Lodges were soon established throughout the world.
The first Lodge in the Colonies was chartered in Boston in 1733, and the first Lodge in New Jersey, St. Johns #1, was chartered on May 13, 1761. Our own lodge, Trenton Cyrus #5, was founded in 1787.
A Family Affair
The Blue Lodge is the bedrock of the Masonic Family. At the Blue Lodge level, family-oriented activities include a range of social and entertainment programs, family outings, and community service projects, as well as numerous occasions for statewide or regional travel.
There are several appendant organizations which a Mason's family members can also join as well to share many more of their common interests and activities. Among the appendant groups for adults, both men and women may be welcome as members, but women typically will hold the principal offices.
These groups include, among others, the Order of the Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, and Order of the Golden Chain. There are also groups for young people to build self-esteem and prepare them for citizenship through successful experience with responsibility and leadership. Masonic youth groups include the Order of Rainbow for Girls, and the Order of DeMolay for young men.
With many opportunities for growth and friendship, the "Masonic family" truly is a family affair.
Two Important Questions
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Neither is Freemasonry a religion, nor does it require a religious affiliation. Many Masons worship in congregations of their choice. Some are ordained priests, ministers, or rabbis; many serve in lay capacities; and, others have no affiliation. With origins in post-Reformation England,
Freemasonry's allegories and rituals are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition. They exemplify mankind's universal experience and inculcate an admired moral and ethical value system. With respect to religion, Freemasonry simply teaches the "Fatherhood of God" and the "Brotherhood of Man".
Is Freemasonry a "secret" society?
No. Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are proud to be known as Masons. Since our inception, the world has known of speculative Freemasonry and its work. Freemasonry does, however, have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition. Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies, and rituals for conferring our Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets. These few secrets are what binds us together as Brothers. Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, craft, and proceedings are widely available to the public.
Now Ask Yourself
Among millions of Masons, not one has been lawfully invited to apply for membership. Our code of conduct prevents it. Thus, no faithful Mason can ask you to join our fraternity. That is why we say "2B1Ask1." Any Mason can obtain a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry for you, but you must ask for it - and for good reason.
You must first ask yourself if you are suitably prepared and ready to enter the "gentle craft of Masonry" , to become a brother in the world's most exclusive fraternal order. We are interested in men becoming Masons but only if they emotionally and spiritually ready.
If ethical and moral questions hold little interest for you, if fraternity and brotherly love do not have value for you, then you will gain little benefit from the instructions of the Craft. If, however, you seek a more meaningful quality of life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then Freemasonry has much to offer.
We want you to know what we believe, how we act, and what we do...and, then, should you become a Mason, to be proud to be our Brother and to participate in our work. Only those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should seek a petition. We say that a man first becomes a "Mason" in his heart, and only then is he truly ready to ask for a petition and join our great fraternity.
That is why we do not "ask you" to join, and why you must "ask yourself."
What We Do Ask Of You
Any man who is eighteen years of age of older and of good moral character, who comes well-recommended, and who believes in a Supreme Being or higher power may petition to become a NJ Freemason. A criminal record check will be conducted during your investigation for membership. Our society provides tools to help a good man become a better man but it does not aspire to rehabilitate those of significantly impaired character.
Are you ready to petition? If so, click here for further light...
For centuries, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion throughout the world have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of God and man? Is there a higher truth?
Freemasonry is "a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols." It is not a religion. It is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization. They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary mortal experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the Universe, your God, as you know him.
Freemasonry, however, can never conflict with a man's personal relationship to his God or his fellow man. As such, sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited. Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life, financial position or religious belief. We are all equal and "on the level." The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness", invoking greater understanding of the inward life and encouraging a spirit of fellowship so that every Mason can also lead a better outward life.
Brotherhood At Work
Freemasonry has been characterized as a fraternity devoted to high ideals and admirable benevolence. Community service and charitable work are, in fact, principal Masonic activities. Charity is practiced at all levels of our fraternity, from the Blue Lodge to it's many concordant bodies. Easily the best-known of these concordant bodies is the world's largest single charitable institution, the Shriners' Hospitals for Crippled Children and Burns Institutes, which are located throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Another one is the Scottish Rite's and its Dyslexia Centers, also across the nation and very active here in the state of New Jersey.
Masons everywhere assist distressed brother Masons and non-Masons and their families. They also sponsor or support local and community projects ranging from the recognition of the achievements of others to scholarship programs. Masons serve as volunteers and quietly extend help to countless thousands in the local community, the state, the nation and the world.
Altogether, the allocations for these community services has been estimated to exceed two million dollars per day. These benefits are provided without regard to the Masonic affiliation of their recipients. With this spirit of working together to serve mankind, brotherhood works very well indeed.
A Progressive Science
The mother of all Freemasonry is the "Blue" or "Craft" Lodge. "In a room adjoining the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons" is where every man begins his journey into the Ancient Craft. The reason why a Craft Lodge is also often refereed to as a "Blue" Lodge is uncertain. The term seems more common to American Freemasonry. It may refer to the color of the heavens and to which we all hope to rise to someday. Also, the color blue is commonly found in Masonic regalia and since ancient times has been associated with immortality, eternity, hope and fidelity.
Once raised to the "sublime degree" of Master Mason in the local "Blue" Lodge, a Freemason steps onto a broad vista of opportunity for fellowship and advancement. Starting at the Blue lodge, the newly raised Masonic brother can decide on his level of involvement in lodge activities and functions. Although your attendance is desired and requested, no Mason is required to advance beyond his Blue Lodge or participate actively in its ritual, business affairs or charitable affairs, but those who do so find personal fulfillment in the rewards of public speaking, leadership, fraternity, teaching, community work, and even music and the dramatic arts. Whether their commitments are to Masonic ritual, study or organizational and charitable work, most active Masons simply speak of the warm camaraderie among trusted friends and a satisfying sense of purpose. We firmly believe however that you family, health and business take reasonable priority to your participation in the lodge.
Additionally, concordant bodies of the York Rite and the Scottish Rite offer ritual instruction for advanced degrees and further light. To join one of these concordant groups, you must be first raised a Mason in a Blue Lodge. Advancement through these concordant bodies not only invites participation in this Masonic network, but also promotes a more comprehensive understanding of its sacramental system of ceremonies, doctrines, and symbols.
All the states' Blue Lodges are governed by the particular state Grand Lodge. Concordant Masonic groups also have Statewide Grand organizations and have national governing councils as well. If so desired, Masons can then also aspire to working at these state levels as well. These offer further opportunity for growth and responsibility.
Ancient Traditions
Though its heritage in antiquity is unmistakable, modern speculative Freemasonry was founded more recently upon the structure, ceremonies, and symbolism of the lodge of operative or working freemen stonemasons, who built the magnificent Medieval Gothic structures throughout much of Europe and England.
Dated in 1390 A.D., the Regius Poem details the charter of a lodge operating in the 900s A.D. "Masonry" then meant architecture and encompassed most of the arts and sciences. Because lodges held knowledge as competitive secrets, only trusted, capable companions were instructed in the craft - and then only by degrees, orally and through symbols, because of widespread illiteracy.
In the late Renaissance, lodges of Freemasons began to accept speculative masons: Those educated men who were attracted by the elegance of masonic traditions for philosophic expression. In time they too were passed into the inner circles. Thus, the framers of speculative Freemasonry began to describe a code of conduct through the symbolic nature of architecture and the stonemason's craft. Signaling modern speculative Freemasonry, the first Grand Lodge of England was chartered in 1717. Constituent Symbolic Lodges were soon established throughout the world.
The first Lodge in the Colonies was chartered in Boston in 1733, and the first Lodge in New Jersey, St. Johns #1, was chartered on May 13, 1761. Our own lodge, Trenton Cyrus #5, was founded in 1787.
A Family Affair
The Blue Lodge is the bedrock of the Masonic Family. At the Blue Lodge level, family-oriented activities include a range of social and entertainment programs, family outings, and community service projects, as well as numerous occasions for statewide or regional travel.
There are several appendant organizations which a Mason's family members can also join as well to share many more of their common interests and activities. Among the appendant groups for adults, both men and women may be welcome as members, but women typically will hold the principal offices.
These groups include, among others, the Order of the Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, and Order of the Golden Chain. There are also groups for young people to build self-esteem and prepare them for citizenship through successful experience with responsibility and leadership. Masonic youth groups include the Order of Rainbow for Girls, and the Order of DeMolay for young men.
With many opportunities for growth and friendship, the "Masonic family" truly is a family affair.
Two Important Questions
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Neither is Freemasonry a religion, nor does it require a religious affiliation. Many Masons worship in congregations of their choice. Some are ordained priests, ministers, or rabbis; many serve in lay capacities; and, others have no affiliation. With origins in post-Reformation England,
Freemasonry's allegories and rituals are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition. They exemplify mankind's universal experience and inculcate an admired moral and ethical value system. With respect to religion, Freemasonry simply teaches the "Fatherhood of God" and the "Brotherhood of Man".
Is Freemasonry a "secret" society?
No. Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are proud to be known as Masons. Since our inception, the world has known of speculative Freemasonry and its work. Freemasonry does, however, have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition. Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies, and rituals for conferring our Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets. These few secrets are what binds us together as Brothers. Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, craft, and proceedings are widely available to the public.
Now Ask Yourself
Among millions of Masons, not one has been lawfully invited to apply for membership. Our code of conduct prevents it. Thus, no faithful Mason can ask you to join our fraternity. That is why we say "2B1Ask1." Any Mason can obtain a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry for you, but you must ask for it - and for good reason.
You must first ask yourself if you are suitably prepared and ready to enter the "gentle craft of Masonry" , to become a brother in the world's most exclusive fraternal order. We are interested in men becoming Masons but only if they emotionally and spiritually ready.
If ethical and moral questions hold little interest for you, if fraternity and brotherly love do not have value for you, then you will gain little benefit from the instructions of the Craft. If, however, you seek a more meaningful quality of life - and the spirit of charity and good fellowship which flow from it - then Freemasonry has much to offer.
We want you to know what we believe, how we act, and what we do...and, then, should you become a Mason, to be proud to be our Brother and to participate in our work. Only those who desire membership because of their favorable impression of us should seek a petition. We say that a man first becomes a "Mason" in his heart, and only then is he truly ready to ask for a petition and join our great fraternity.
That is why we do not "ask you" to join, and why you must "ask yourself."
What We Do Ask Of You
Any man who is eighteen years of age of older and of good moral character, who comes well-recommended, and who believes in a Supreme Being or higher power may petition to become a NJ Freemason. A criminal record check will be conducted during your investigation for membership. Our society provides tools to help a good man become a better man but it does not aspire to rehabilitate those of significantly impaired character.
Are you ready to petition? If so, click here for further light...
Seeking more light? Watch these videos.
|
|
|
