Curious About Masonry

1
Curious About Masonry?
For those who want to learn more about Masonry...
But dont know what to ask.
2
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

3
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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What is Freemasonry?

• Worlds oldest Fraternity.
• Members are commonly known as Masons.
• Masons are from a broad spectrum of religions,
  political beliefs, and races.
• Mission is to help make good men better through
  friendship, compassion, and brotherly love.
• Reinforces personal and moral development.
• Teaches lessons in three separate degrees.
• Meet in Lodges for the degree work and to plan
  charitable and community involvement.

5
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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Some Common Myths

• Freemasonry is dying out
• In the U.S., membership grew after WW ll and hit
  a peak in late 1950s.
• U.S. Membership fell off starting in the late
  1960s.
• Now, in the U.S., membership has stabilized and
  is beginning to expand into the new generation.
• Internationally, Freemasonry has continued to
  grow since WW ll.

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Some Common Myths

• Freemasonry is a secret society
• No, Secret Societies dont have public functions
  like this one.
• Secret societies are unknown to the public they
  often deny their existence (i.e., The Mafia).
• Freemasonry displays itself. Buildings are
  clearly marked, listed in phone books, and are
  community assets.
• Masons often wear rings or pins and all are proud
  to be recognized as Masons.

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Some Common Myths

• Freemasonry is a religion or cult
• No, we do encourage members to participate in the
  religion of their choice. We open and close
  meetings with prayer, but we never tell a man how
  he should pray, to whom he prays, or what he
  should pray for.
• In all Masonic Lodges you will find the Bible or
  the Koran or the Torah, depending on membership.
• The titles of our officers are colorful and come
  from ancient tradition but carry no more
  overtones than does calling an American Legion
  head officer the Commander.

We consider our involvement with the world
religious, much like a college
or hospital with a religious affiliation.
9
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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What do Freemasons do?

• Make good men better through the bonds of
  friendship, compassion, and brotherly love.
• Shriners Hospitals for Children
• Learning Centers for Dyslexic Children
• Eye Foundation
• In U.K. Swedenhospital care for needy
• In Germanyhomes and education for orphans
• In JapanBraille library, toys for handicapped
• In WisconsinKIDS ID Kit, Care Bears, provide
  defibulators, youth scholarships, cleaning
  highways, ringing bells, assist communities and
  other charities.
• In total, over 2,500,000 per day

11
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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What Does Freemasonry Teach?

• No stonework
• We use the tools of stonemasons as symbols to
  more effectively teach important life lessons.
• For example

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What does Freemasonry teach?

• The principle symbol of Freemasonry is the
  Square, Compasses and letter G.

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What does Freemasonry teach?

• The Square reminds us morality and virtue should
  guide us in our interactions with others. Give
  everyone a square deal.
• Through the Compasses we teach that by drawing
  boundaries around our actions we keep our
  passions within due bounds.
• The letter G stands for Geometry and for God,
  the Supreme Architect of the Universe.

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What does Freemasonry teach?

• The Level is used to make sure that one part of
  the structure is not higher than another.
• Freemasons use the Level to symbolize the
  equality of all men in the sight of God and that
  all Masons are equal regardless of social status,
  personal wealth, or office in the Lodge.

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What does Freemasonry teach?

• The Plumb is used to make sure that columns and
  walls are standing straight.
• Freemasons use the Plumb to symbolize the
  importance of living an upright and righteous
  life.

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What does Freemasonry teach?

• The Lambskin or White Leathern Apron is worn by
  all Freemasons.
• The Lambskin symbolizes innocence, purity, and
  honor, here we discuss the importance of living
  life consistent with this lesson.

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What does Freemasonry teach?

• These symbols have been used to teach personal
  and moral development for a very long time.
• When a very old bridge in Ireland was being
  restored in 1830, brass square was found
  inscribed with
• I will strive to live with love and care
  upon the level, by the square.
• The date on the brass square was 1517.

19
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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What kind of men belong?

• Men who want to improve their lives, the lives of
  their families, and the lives of others.
• Good men both ordinary and famous.
• Within Freemasonry, all men are treated as
  equals. However, outside the Fraternity, many
  have distinguished themselves.
• For example

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What kind of men belong?

• Presidents 14 including-George Washington,
  Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford
• Founding America Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin,
  John Hancock,
• Military Leaders David Crockett, William Travis,
  Jimmie Doolittle, Douglas McArthur, Horatio
  Nelson
• Political Leaders Winston Churchill, George
  McGovern, Booker T Washington, Leland Stanford
• Musicians Mozart, Beethoven, Francis Scott Key,
  Sousa
• Writers Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Rudyard
  Kipling, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ernest
  Hemmingway
• Entertainers Houdini, Clark Gable, Red Skelton,
  John Wayne, Irving Berlin, Peter Sellers, Burl
  Ives
• Explorers Lewis Clark, Charles Lindberg, John
  Glenn, Robert Peary, Sebulon Pike, Buffalo Bill
  Cody
• Medicine Doctors Mayo, Father and sons (founded
  St Marys Hospital and the Mayo Clinic), Dr.
  Alexander Fleming, Dr. Edward Jenner
• Business and Labor Henry Ford, Samuel Gompers
  (AFL), Walter P. Chrystler
• Sports Harry Carey, Arnold Palmer, Bart Starr,
  Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, Vince Lombardi

Famous or not, all Masons strive to be good men
and are equals as Brothers
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Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

23
What is the history of Freemasonry?

• Legends go back to Biblical times.
• Records date from the mid-1300s in Europe.
• In mid-1300s, stonemason guilds formed.
• In 14th-15th centuries, Freemasonry grew due to
  demand for large and ornate church building.
• In 16th century, decline in church construction
  resulted in decline in Freemasonry membership.
• In 17th century, started admitting
  non-stonemasons, sharing Freemasonrys symbolism.
• In 1716, Freemason rituals standardized.

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What is the history of Freemasonry?

• In 1700s, traveling English merchants and
  military established Lodges throughout Europe.
• In late 1600s and 1700, Freemasons were
  immigrants to the New World and established
  Lodges. (36 Lodges in 1776)
• As the U.S. expanded Westward so did
  Freemasonry.
• Freemasonry started in Wisconsin in 1823.
• Our Lodge

25
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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What is in it for my family?

• You become a better person, a better husband, and
  a better father.
• There are activities in Freemasonry for you and
  your spouse/significant other.
• There are activities in Freemasonry for your
  children and for other members of your family.
• Your time with Masons and their families makes
  your lives and theirs broader and more rewarding.

27
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

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What are the membership requirements?

• Members must be
• Male,
• At least 18 years old,
• Profess a belief in a Supreme Being, and
• Be of good character and well recommended.
• Fill out a petition.
• Meet with some members so we can learn a bit more
  about you and make sure that all of your
  questions are answered.
• Be voted for membership by the Lodge.
• Pay the initiation fees and membership dues.

29
Learning about Freemasonry

• What is Freemasonry?
• Some myths about Freemasonry
• What do Freemasons do?
• What does Freemasonry teach?
• What kind of men belong?
• What is the history of Freemasonry?
• What is in it for my family?
• What are the membership requirements?

30
Curious About Masonry?
For those who want to learn more about Masonry...
Do you have any questions or items you would
care to discuss?