this is a pamphlet called Freemasonry - A Way of Life.... (1971)
The fraternity of free and accepted masons is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. Volumes have been written about it. Yet, to many, freemasonry remains a mystery. This folder is an attempt to relate a few facts that will be informative to all and to correct a few misconceptions.
Some historians trace Freemasonry to the tenth century, B.C., during the building of King Solomon's Temple. Records reveal that Freemasonry was introduced into England in 674 A.D. Freemasonry is directly descended from associations of operative Masons, the cathedral builders of the middle ages, who traveled though Europe employing the secrets and skills of their crafts. In the 17th century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds of stone-masons, known as "Operative masons" or "Free masons", started to accept as members those who were not members of the masons craft, calling them "Speculative masons" or "Accepted masons". It was from these groups, comprised mostly of "adopted or accepted masons", that Symbolic masonry or Freemasonry, as we know it today, had its beginning.
In 1717, four lodges of Freemasons meeting in London, England formed the first Grand Lodge. This first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including the United States. Today there are more than 150 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with a membership of more than 6,000,000. The Grand Lodge is the administrative authority in its territory, known as jurisdiction. In the United States there are 49 Grand Lodges. They include 48 states and the District of Columbia. Hawaii is under the Grand Lodge of California, and Alaska, the Grand Lodge of Washington. There are approximately 4,000,000 Freemasons in the 49 jurisdictions of the United States - nearly two-thirds of the worlds total.
The basic unit of all Grand Lodges is the Symbolic Lodge, or "Blue Lodge", as its commonly known. It is the Symbolic Lodge that issues petitions for membership, acts on petitions and confers the three Symbolic Degrees, known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees. There are 670 Symbolic Lodges in the Jurisdiction of Ohio, with a membership of approximately 266,000.
Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation. A man becomes a Freemason though his own volition. No one is asked to join its ranks. When a man seeks admission to a Symbolic Lodge, it is of his own free will and accord. The choice is his. One of the customs of Freemasonry is not to solicit members. One seeking admission must have desire and must request a petition from one whom he believes a Mason. The petitioner must be recommended by two members of a Masonic Lodge and pass a unanimous ballot. The petitioner must be 21 years of age, mentally and physically competent, of good moral character, and believe in the existence of a supreme being.
Contrary to what many believe, Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does not hide its existence or its membership. There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonry. It is a organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Its constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations are open for inspection. It is true that we have modes of recognition, rites, and ceremonies with which the world is not acquainted. In this regard, all human groups and institutions have private affairs. For instance, families have discussions on subjects which do not, and should not, concern their neighbors.
FREEMASONS AND RELIGION
Freemasonry is not a religion even though it is religious in character. It does not pretend to take the place of religion nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions, An essential belief in the existence of a supreme being.
WHAT IS FREEMASONRY
Freemasonry is not a insurance or beneficial society. It is not organized for profit. However, the charity and services rendered are beyond measure. It teaches monotheism. It teaches the Golden Rule. It seeks to make good men better though its firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Botherhood of Man and the immortally of the soul.
TENETS OF FREEMASONRY
The tenets of Freemasonry are ethical principles that are acceptable to all good men. It teaches tolerance toward all mankind. It is known throughout the world, even behind the iron curtain where Masonry cannot exist. Freemasonry proudly proclaims that its consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection. It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular. It seeks no advantage for its members though business or politics. Freemasonry is not a forum for discussions on partisan affairs.
A WAY OF LIFE
Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another, and, above all, reverence and love for God.
Freemasonry is many things, but, most of all:
FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE.
http://www.4truth.net/site/c.hiKXLbPNLr ... _Chart.htm
The legend of Hiram Abif, the master architect and engineer at the building of King Solomon's Temple, who according to tradition, assisted Solomon in founding the Masonic Order.
When the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, that prince of riches and glory, who had an appreciative eye for women, as well as architecture, fell victim to the seductive charms of his visitor, and sought her hand in marriage. After consideration she accepted the proposal. Later when repeated requests had secured the presentation to her of Hiram Abif, Whose work on the Temple was a revelation to her of extraordinary ability, the son of the tribe of Naphthali cast a look into her eyes which drew her heart to hom. Solomon, wise in the ways of women, instantly became aware of the impression made on the Queen by his great architect, and was stirred by jealousy. Chagrined, he set out to destroy his friend. The Queen met Hiram in a grove near Jerusalem when none but her maids were present.
He was silent and thoughtful, but soon declared his love. She thew herself into his arms, their lips met, and she rapturously responded to his words of affection. Relizing that Solomon would not approve their mating, they planed to leave Jerusalem at different times, and meet in Arabia. Meanwhile Solomon hinted to certain work-men that Hiram's death would be pleasing to him, and gave them an excuse for quarreling with him. As a consequence Hiram was slain while seeking exit from the Temple.
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