Who are the Freemasons?
The answer is simple, Freemasons are members of a society known as Freemasonry or simply Masonry. A Fraternity is a group of men who join together. FREEMASONRY EXPLAINED - WHAT IS IT? No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Probably it arose from the Guilds of Stone Masons who built the castles and cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Possibly they were influenced by the Knights Templar, a group of Christian monks formed in 1118 to help protect pilgrims making trips to the Holy Land. In 1717, Freemasonry members created a formal organisation in England when the first Grand Lodge was formed. A Grand Lodge is the administrative body in charge of Freemasonry in some geographical areas. THE ANCIENT STONE MASON PERSPECTIVE Freemasonry draws much imagery from the history and construction of King Solomon’s Temple (945 BC) by masons from the Phoenician city of Tyre, it seems fanciful to claim direct Stone Mason links from that era. Nevertheless, skills in the manipulation of stone had been well established by then and had been handed down through the ages and through the hands of many peoples including craftsmen from the Greek, Byzantine and Roman eras. Certain present day Masonic words and meanings seem noted from the time of the ancient Egyptians of this era: The virtues of truth and justice were said by them to be “on the square”. Confucius in 500 BC referred to the squareness of actions; even Aristotle in 350 BC associates square actions with honest dealings. The square and its symbolism is very old and has maintained a remarkable consistency of meaning over centuries. However, it does not necessarily follow that Freemasonry began in those eras any more than trying to assert that Euclid was a Freemason because of his 47th Proposition (as shown in the Worshipful Masters Jewel) has relevance in modern Freemasonry. Legend next informs us that Athelstan, having subjugated most of the minor Kingdoms of England, gathered together many skilled Masons and established York Rite Masonry in 926 AD by granting them a Royal Charter. The charter enabled the stonemasons to meet in general assembly once a year and seems to have been a catalyst for a host of construction projects including numerous Abbeys, Castles and Fortresses. Athelstan’s importance to stonemasons is mentioned in both the Regius and Cooke manuscripts. PRINCIPLES BROTHERLY LOVE is the concern which each Freemason has for his Brother, which is readily shown by tolerance and respect for the beliefs, opinions and practices of his fellows and his willingness to care for his Brother and that Brother’s dependants. RELIEF The Freemason is by nature a charitable man. He will cheerfully and kindly assist those less fortunate (whether a Freemason or not). He will care for and support his community - local, national and international. TRUTH The Freemason believes in truth in all things in honesty and integrity in his personal, business and public life. In fair dealings and in firm standards of decency and morality. EDUCATION As every man progresses in life by education so every Freemason is taught how he can be a better man. For a Mason this is done by a series of degrees - each degree educates him and answers some questions but leaves a door beyond. When a candidate has grasped the teaching of one degree that door is opened by his progress to the next degree. Freemasonry is believed to have begun its evolution 500 or more years ago among the bands of working, skilled builders known as “Masons” FREEMASONRY & RELIGION Freemasonry is an ancient and honourable society. Its principles are just, steady standards of life and conduct in a changing world. The practice by the Freemason of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth and other principles of the Craft will go a long way to making a good man better. A WAY OF LIFE There are about 4 million Freemasons under more than 100 “regular” Grand Lodges worldwide. Membership of the Craft is open to every respectable man who believes in his personal “Supreme Being” - usually know in Masonic terms as the Great Architect of the Universe, Grand Geometrician of the Universe or Most High. The descriptive names show the importance the Freemason places on his Supreme Being in the order of things in life. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason, approach any Mason that you know, who will be glad to help. A personal contact such as this is ideal, but if you live in or near Wigan and do not know of anyone in the Craft, contact us by email, and we will do our best to assist you.
EVER CONSIDERED JOINING?
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. Its members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Judges, Corporate CEO’s, Opera Stars, Movie Stars and probably your next door neighbour or a member of your family. And Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the Fraternity. It’s ready to welcome you if you can answer yes to a few questions. Do you believe that there is such a thing as honour and that a man has the responsibility to act with honour in everything he does? Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not founded on honour is hollow and empty - that a man who acts without honour is less than a man. Do You Believe in a Supreme Being? 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 believes in a Supreme Being. Do you believe 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 work or read or see - the world should be a better place because we have passed through it. Do you believe it is not only more blessed to give than receive, it is 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 which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on. Are you willing to give help to your Brothers when they need it? Masonry is mutual help. Not necessarily financial help, but help in sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear. Do you feel that there is something more to life than 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 on building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works on building a house. Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen? Masons believe that a country is strong as 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. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government and oppose every influence which would divide it into a degrading manner. Do you believe that 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 towards 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 to see their potential for deep goodness and virtue. IF YOU ANSWERED YES YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON Freemasonry offers much to its members - the opportunity to grow, 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” to these questions. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason, approach any Mason that you know, who will be glad to help. A personal contact such as this is ideal, but if you live in or near Wigan and do not know of anyone in the Craft, contact us by email, and we will do our best to assist you.
Address
Pemberton Masonic Hall
Chapel Street
Pemberton
Wigan
WN5 8JP
01942 211316
Membership@PembertonMasonicHall.com
Pemberton Masonic Hall