Transcript Freemasonry - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

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• What ?
• Who?
• Where ?
• When ?
• How ?
What Freemasonry Is
•
FREEMASONRY IS THE OLDEST, LARGEST FRATERNITY IN THE
WORLD
– Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values.
It’s members are taught precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow
ancient forms and use stonemason’s customs and tools as allegorical
guides.
– The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is
a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or
religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute.
What Freemasonry Is
•
FREEMASONRY IS A SYSTEM OF MORAL CONDUCT.
– Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the laws of the
country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not conflict with
its members duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their
private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of his
membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or
personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the condition on which
he sought admission to the Fraternity. His duty as a citizen must always
prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield
a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this
prime duty.
What Freemasonry Is
•
FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE.
– Freemasonry can be traced to biblical times and has withstood to this day
even when so many other organizations have come and gone.
•
FREEMASONRY TEACHES MORALITY THROUGH SYMBOLS.
•
FREEMASONRY USES RITES AND CEREMONIES TO INSTRUCT
ITS MEMBERS.
•
FREEMASONRY SEEKS TO MAKE GOOD MEN BETTER.
What Freemasonry Is
•
THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPALS OF FREEMASONRY
What Freemasonry Is
•
THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPALS OF FREEMASONRY
•
BROTHERLY LOVE
– Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of
others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man.
What Freemasonry Is
•
THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPALS OF FREEMASONRY
•
BROTHERLY LOVE
– Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of
others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man.
•
RELIEF
– Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their
own but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and
by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
What Freemasonry Is
•
THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPALS OF FREEMASONRY
•
BROTHERLY LOVE
– Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of
others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man.
•
RELIEF
– Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their
own but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and
by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
•
TRUTH
– Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to
achieve them in their own lives.
What Freemasonry Is
•
THE THREE GREAT PRINCIPALS OF FREEMASONRY
•
BROTHERLY LOVE
– Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of
others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man.
•
RELIEF
– Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their
own but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and
by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
•
TRUTH
– Freemason strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to
achieve them in their own lives.
• Freemasons believe that these principals represent a way of
achieving higher standards in life.
What Freemasonry Is Not
•
FREEMASONRY IS NOT A SECRET SOCIETY
– The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of
recognition.
– It is not a secret society, since all its members are free to acknowledge their
membership and will gladly do so in response to inquires for respectable
reasons. It's constitutions and rules are available to the public. Anyone
desiring a more than casual knowledge of Freemasonry need only to
investigate a well stocked public library to peruse the wealth of volumes on
the subject. Also, the Library of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania located at
1 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, welcomes any and all
visitors to their extensive collection of books on the subject. There is
nothing secret about its aims and principals. However, like many other
societies and organizations, it regards some of its internal affairs as private
matters for its members.
What Freemasonry Is Not
•
FREEMASONRY IS NOT A RELIGION
– Nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men
of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith.
It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.
What Freemasonry Is Not
•
FREEMASONRY IS NOT AN INSURANCE OR BENEFIT SOCIETY
•
FREEMASONRY IS NOT ORGANIZED FOR PROFIT
•
FREEMASONRY IS NOT A FORUM FOR DISCUSSION OF
RELIGION, POLITICS OR OTHER PARTISAN AFFAIRS
– The discussion of politics and religion at Masonic meetings is strictly
forbidden.
•
FREEMASONRY IS NOT A CHARITY ORGANIZATION BUT IT
MAKES CHARITY A DUTY
– From it’s earliest days Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of
orphans, the sick, and the aged. This work continues today. In addition,
large sums are given to national and local charities.
What Freemasonry Is Not
•
IN PENNSYLVANIA ALONE OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS A DAY
GO TO VARIOUS MASONIC CHARITIES
–
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–
–
–
–
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•
Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children
The Masonic Homes
The Masonic Children's Home
Ronald McDonald House
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Scholarships
The Knights Templar Eye Foundation
Flood and Hurricane Relief
Higher Education Loans
The Scottish Rite Learning Centers for Dyslexic Children
Sponsors of Holy Land Pilgrimages for Rabbis and Ministers
Sponsorship of Masonic Youth Groups
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS, THERE IS
NEVER A REPAYMENT REQUIRED FOR ANY MASONIC CHARITY
Who Freemasons Are
•
FREEMASONRY’S MEMBERS HAVE INCLUDED
•
• Kings
• Presidents
• Prime Ministers
• Statesmen
• Generals
• Admirals
Supreme Court Justices
• Corporate CEO's
• Opera stars
• Movie stars
Who Freemasons Are
•
FREEMASONRY’S MEMBERS HAVE INCLUDED
•
•
• Kings
• Presidents
• Prime Ministers
• Statesmen
• Generals
• Admirals
Supreme Court Justices
• Corporate CEO's
• Opera stars
• Movie stars
and probably your next door neighbor.
Who Belongs To What Fraternity ?
Recently, Standard & Poor released a study which surveyed Presidents, Vice Presidents, Chief
Executives, and Board Chairman of the Country's largest and most prestigious corporations.
15,500 executives were asked about their Fraternal affiliations. Their top ten responses
were….
• Masons
10,199
Masons
• Elks
394
Elks
• Knights of Columbus
941
K of C
• Lions International
415
Lions
• Knights of Pythias
199
Pythias
• Moose
199
• Odd Fellows
159
• Eastern Star
88
• Eagles
58
Eastern Star
• Woodmen of the World
31
Eagles
Moose
Fellows
Woodman
TOP EXECUTIVES CHOOSE THE MASONIC FRATERNITY TWO TO ONE
OVER ALL OTHER ORGANIZATIONS COMBINED
Historic Freemasons
•
16 PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED
STATES WERE OR CURRENTLY
ARE FREEMASONS
Historic Freemasons
• GEORGE WASHINGTON
Historic Freemasons
• THOMAS JEFFERSON
Historic Freemasons
• JAMES MONROE
Historic Freemasons
• ANDREW JACKSON
Historic Freemasons
• JAMES MADISON
Historic Freemasons
• JAMES K. POLK
Historic Freemasons
• JAMES BUCHANAN
Historic Freemasons
• ANDREW JOHNSON
Historic Freemasons
• JAMES A. GARFIELD
Historic Freemasons
• WILLIAM MCKINLEY
Historic Freemasons
• THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Historic Freemasons
• WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT
Historic Freemasons
• WARREN G. HARDING
Historic Freemasons
• FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
Historic Freemasons
• HARRY S. TRUMAN
Historic Freemasons
• GERALD FORD
Other Notable Historic
Freemasons
•
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
– Served as Grand Master of Pennsylvania.
•
PAUL REVERE
– As a silversmith, made all the Masonic Jewels for the Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts.
•
RICHARD VAUX
– Served as both Mayor of Philadelphia and Grand Master of Pennsylvania
when the Masonic Temple and City Hall were built.
Freemasons in Entertainment
Roy Rogers
Red Skelton
Freemasons in Entertainment
John Wayne
Will Rogers
Other Notable Freemasons
in Entertainment
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Gene Autry
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Irving Berlin
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Oliver Hardy
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Bob Hope
Harry Houdini
Ernest Borgnine
•
Grandpa Jones
•
•
Harold C. Lloyd
Roy Clark
“Buffalo Bill” Cody
•
•
Roy Acuff
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W. C. Fields
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Clark Gable
Arthur Godfrey
•
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
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Charles Stratton
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Danny Thomas
•
Will Rogers
Freemasons in Sports
Arnold Palmer
Richie Ashburn
Other Notable Freemasons
in Sports
•
Sammy Baugh
– Football
•
Ty Cobb
– First Baseball Hall of Famer
•
Jack Dempsey
– World Heavyweight Boxing Champion
•
Lee Elia
– former Phillies Manager
•
Duke Kahanamoku
– Olympic swimming and World Champion surfer
Other Notable Freemasons
John Glenn
Buzz Aldrin
First American in
space
Walked on the Moon
J. Edgar Hoover
Former head of
Federal Bureau of
Investigation
Other Notable Freemasons
Jack Kemp
Former VicePresidential
Candidate
Henry Ford
Sir Winston Churchill
Pioneer Automobile
Manufacturer
Statesman
Other Notable Freemasons
•
Neil Armstrong
–
•
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Wrote the United States National
Anthem
Founder of “Guidepost”
Mark Twain
–
•
Commander of the Armed Forces in
the Philippines
Norman Vincent Peale
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Founders of the Mayo Clinic
General Douglas Mac Arthur
–
U. S. Astronaut
Francis Scott Key
–
•
Aviator
Drs. William and Charles Mayo
–
Invented Penicillin
Virgil (Gus) Grissom
–
•
Founder of the Boy Scouts of
America
Sir Alexander Fleming
Charles Lindburgh
–
Designer of the Statue of Liberty
Daniel Carter Beard
–
•
First American to Walk on the Moon
Frederic A. Bartoldi
–
•
Novelist
Earl Warren
–
U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Masonic Contributions To America
•
13 SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WERE
FREEMASONS.
Masonic Contributions To America
•
THE CORNERSTONES OF BOTH THE WHITE HOUSE AND THE
U.S. CAPITAL WERE LAID BY THE MASONIC FRATERNITY.
Masonic Contributions To America
•
THE CORNERSTONE OF THE PEDESTAL OF THE STATUE OF
LIBERTY WAS LAID BY THE GRAND LODGE OF NEW YORK.
Masonic Contributions To America
•
THE BIBLES WHICH BOTH GEORGE WASHINGTON AND GEORGE
BUSH TOOK THEIR OATHS OF OFFICE BELONG TO A MASONIC
LODGE.
•
THE CORNERSTONE OF THE SOLDIER'S MEMORIAL AT
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL CEMETERY WAS LAID BY THE GRAND
LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
•
THE WASHINGTON AT PRAYER STATUE AT THE FREEDOMS
FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE WAS PAID FOR AND
PRESENTED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Masonic Trivia
•
CONSTRUCTION OF THE GRAND
LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA AT 1
NORTH BROAD STREET, WAS
COMPLETED ON SEPT. 26, 1873.
•
33 MASONIC BODIES MEET IN
THE GRAND LODGE BUILDING.
Masonic Trivia
•
THE FIRST GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND WAS CONSTITUTED IN
986 A.D.
•
THE FIRST LODGE IN THE U.S. OPENED IN 1721 BOSTON, MASS,
WORKING UNDER THE GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.
•
THE FIRST GRAND MASTER OF PENNSYLVANIA WAS WILLIAM
ALLEN IN 1731.
•
THE FIRST LODGE IN PENNSYLVANIA IS LODGE #2
CONSTITUTED IN 1761.
Masonic Trivia
•
IN 1992, THE FRIEND TO FRIEND MONUMENT IN GETTYSBURG,
PENNSYLVANIA WAS THE FIRST AND ONLY MONUMENT EVER
DEDICATED ON NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PROPERTY BY A
PRIVATE INSTITUTION. IT WAS PAID FOR AND IS MAINTAINED BY
THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
•
IN 1997, THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARCH AT VALLEY FORGE
WAS RESTORED BY THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Masonic Trivia
•
PRESENTLY, 444 LODGES OPERATE IN THE STATE OF
PENNSYLVANIA.
•
MEMBERSHIP IN PENNSYLVANIA LODGES IS 130,000.
•
THERE ARE OVER 4 MILLION MEMBERS IN THE U.S.
•
THERE ARE OVER 10 MILLION MEMBERS WORLDWIDE.
What Does Freemasonry Offer Me ?
•
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•
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POSITIVE ACTIVITIES
FRIENDSHIPS AND BROTHERHOOD WORLDWIDE
CHANCE FOR A LEADERSHIP ROLE
CULTURAL EDUCATION AND A BETTER APPRECIATION FOR THE
ARTS
A CHANCE TO BETTER ONESELF MENTALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY
HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDS
ADMISSION TO THE MASONIC HOMES
MEMBERSHIP IN THE MASONIC BLOOD CLUB AND ORGAN
DONOR CLUB
PRIDE, HONOR AND INTEGRITY
What Does Freemasonry Offer
My Family ?
•
WIFE
– Membership in Eastern Star, Amaranth, White Shrine Of Jerusalem, Social
Order Of The Beaucent, Knights Templar And Scottish Rite Ladies Auxiliaries
– Admission To The Masonic Homes
– Access To Higher Education Funds
– Membership In The Masonic Blood And Organ Donor Club
•
SON - AGES 12-20
– DeMolay for Boys
– Access To Higher Education Funds
– Membership In The Masonic Blood And Organ Donor Club
What Does Freemasonry Offer
My Family ?
•
DAUGHTER - AGES 12-20
–
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–
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Rainbow For Girls, Job’s Daughters
Admission To The Masonic Homes
Access To Higher Education Funds
Membership In The Masonic Blood And Organ Donor Club
MOTHER
– Admission To The Masonic Homes
•
SISTER
– Admission To The Masonic Homes
What Other Masonic Organizations
Could I Join If I Became A Freemason ?
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THE CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS
THE COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASONS
THE COMMANDERY OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
THE SCOTTISH RITE
THE ANCIENT ARABIC ORDER OF NOBLES OF THE MYSTIC
SHRINE
THE TALL CEDARS OF LEBANON
THE NATIONAL CAMPING TRAVELERS
THE NATIONAL SOJOURNERS
– Each of these offer the aspiring Freemason the opportunity to further
increase his knowledge in the Masonic Fraternity and to further his service
to his fellow man.
How Does One Become A Freemason ?
•
A MAN MUST SEEK MEMBERSHIP ON HIS OWN.
– No One Will Ask You To Become A Mason.
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HE MUST BE RECOMMENDED BY TWO MASTER MASONS.
•
HE MUST BE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY THE MEMBERSHIP.
•
HE MUST RECEIVE THE THREE DEGREES IN FREEMASONRY TO
BECOME A MASTER MASON.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
Do you believe that there is such a thing as honor, and that a man
has a responsibility to act with honor in everything he does?
– Masons teach that principal. 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.
•
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 a
man believe in a Supreme Being.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
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.
•
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 that's there too)
but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a
sympathetic ear.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a
better place than you found it?
– Masonry teaches that each man has a duty, not only to himself but to
others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether
that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, or
helping children to walk, read or see.
•
Do you believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to
receive, but that it's also more fun?
– Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we
know 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're more than
rewarded by that feeling that comes from a job well done.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
Do you feel that there is 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.
•
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 its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when
both are just and equitably applied.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
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.
•
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.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
If You Answered “YES”, You Should Consider Becoming A Mason.
•
Freemasonry Offers Much to Its Members.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
If You Answered “YES”, You Should Consider Becoming A Mason.
•
Freemasonry Offers Much to Its Members.
– It offers the opportunity to grow.
– It offers the chance to make a difference, to build a better world
for our children.
– It offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the
same values and ideals.
Should I Seek Membership In The
Masonic Fraternity ?
•
If You Answered “YES”, You Should Consider Becoming A Mason.
•
Freemasonry Offers Much to Its Members.
– It offers the opportunity to grow.
– It offers the chance to make a difference, to build a better world
for our children.
– It offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the
same values and ideals.
– Men who have answered “YES”.
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Produced by
Frederick J. Fedak, P.M.
Past Master of Widener-Apollo-Kensington Lodge No. 211
Free And Accepted Masons Of Pennsylvania
May 1999
Revised October 2005
© 1999, 2005