What is Freemasonry?
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.
Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy to others; dependability in one’s work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for public education; and above all, a reverence for God and love of fellow Man.
Who can become a Mason?
“…We receive none knowingly into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world…”
Under Indiana Masonic Law, a person seeking admission must be a man, at least 18 years of age and a resident of Indiana for at least six months immediately prior to petitioning. He must profess his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, by whatever name He may be known. Membership in the Fraternity must be of one’s own free will and accord.
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 any coercement, or of any promise of material gain of any kind.
How do I become a Mason?
- Phone or E-mail one of the Officers
- E-mail the Lodge requesting information
- Contact a person known to you to be a Mason and ask him to assist in obtaining the information you require
- Contact the Indiana Grand Lodge.
How old do I have to be to become a Mason?
Is it really a secret society?
There are secret ways Masons use to identify each other and gain entrance into Lodges involving grips and passwords, but this is done to be certain of a man’s membership qualifications.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
Yet, religion plays an important part in Freemasonry. A candidate must profess a belief in God – no atheist can ever become a Mason. Masonry encourages its members to be active in religion and the house of worship of his own choice, for without religion, a man is alone and lost and will never reach his fullest potential. But a man’s choice of religion is his own, and will never be dictated by his Lodge.
Masons come from every religion the world over, and are always respectful and tolerant of that which is sacred to his brother, be he Christian, Muslim, Jew, or of some other faith in God.
What are the basic principles of Freemasonry?
What is the time commitment?
Can women become Masons?
What does Freemasonry teach?
How does Freemasonry teach?
What are some ways Masons serve their fellow man?
What is the difference between a Shriner and a Mason?
I have just moved to Indianapolis and I would like to attend Lodge.
What kind of activities is the Lodge involved?
A few questions for a man considering Masonic membership...
1. Do you believe in Honor, and that man has a responsibility to act with Honor in everything he does?
Masons teach that Principle. We believe that a life not founded on Honor is hollow and empty– that a man who acts without Honor is less than a Man.
2. Do you Believe in God?
No Atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual Faith is–that is a question between You and your God–but we do require that you believe in a Supreme Being.
3. Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs that you insist on yourself?
Masonry insists on Toleration– on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political Matters.
4. Do you believe you should leave this world a Better place than you found it?
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but also to others. We must do what we can to make this world a better place. Whether it means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, of helping children to walk, read or see–the world should be a better place because we have passed through it.
5. Do you believe that it is more blessed to give than to receive?
Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know that it gives each of us a good feeling, unlike any other, to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We’re not after gratitude, we are more than rewarded by that feeling that comes with knowing that we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
6. Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it, and to accept their help when you need it?
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although it is there too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
7. Do you feel that there’s something more to life than just Financial success?
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character just like a carpenter works at building a house.
8. Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live?
Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and it’s ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
9. Do you agree that a man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
10. Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together – a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in the brotherhood of man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry is called one of the Greatest forces for Good in the World.
If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you might consider becoming a Mason.
