Written by the Grand Lodge of New York
A man in your family has received his First degree in the Masonic
Fraternity. He is now an Entered Apprentice and you are now a Mason's Lady. We take this
opportunity to extend our first greeting to you. While you personally have not joined our
organization, there are certain things that may be helpful for you to know in the future.
At the same time, there are matters of general interest about your Mason and his new
Fraternity that we think you would like to know.
WHEN AND WHERE
DID IT BEGIN ?
The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons (F.&A.M.) is the
oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. It has its
roots in antiquity and is directly descended from the association of "operative
masons," the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe
employing the skills of their craft. The organization, as we know it today, began in 1717
in England when cathederal building was on the decline and the "operative
masons," or "free masons" as they were known, started to accept members who
were not members of the mason's craft, calling them "speculative masons" or
"accepted masons."
Freemasonry was brought to the United States by our early settlers. Today, there are over
700 Masonic Lodges in New York with membership totaling nearly 90,000. Through out the
world, there are approximately five million Masons, with nearly three million of them in
the United States.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FREEMASONRY ?
The basic purpose is to make "better men out of good men";
better fathers, better husbands, better brothers, and sons. We try to place emphasis on
the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual
outlook and broadening his mental horizons. We try to build a better world . . . by
building better men to work in their own communities.
Membership is limited to adult males who can meet recognized qualifications and standards
of character and reputation.
IS FREEMASONRY A
SECRET ORGANIZATION
OR A RELIGION ?
The answer is NO. A secret organization is one which conceals its
membership, has secret meeting places and which the public has little knowledge regarding
its organization or its principles. This does not fit the Masonic Fraternity at all. Our
secrets a very few in number and deal with methods of personal recognition, some details
of our degrees and privacy of each member's ballot.
Freemasonry is not a religion, although it is religious in character. Every applicant for
Masonry must express a belief and a trust in God. Masonry does not take the place of
religion, but stresses the personal commitment and involvement in the individual faith of
each member.
WHAT ARE THE DEGREES ?
Lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages in our
Masonic Lodges. The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft
(second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). Each blends Masonic moral philosophy in
a unique lesson which is intended to have a serious impact and influence on the man who
receives the degree.
WHAT ARE MASONIC
APRONS?
The symbolic apron was worn by operative masons to protect
themselves from rough stones and tools. Presently, it is a badge of fraternal distinction.
It represents the white lambskin, a symbol of innoncence. Some decorations may appear on
Masonic Aprons and often designate an officer or special recognition. All are, however, a
proud display of membership in this world-wide Fraternity.
WHAT DO MASONIC
SYMBOLS MEAN ?
The most widely recognized symbol of the Fraternity is the Square
and Compasses with the letter "G" in the center.
Members wear it to remind themselves of their obligation to the
lessons learned in their Lodges, and to identify their membership to other Masons and all
people. Masonic symbols have wide meanings, some directly related to the tools used by
actual operative masons and some, represent the need for order and direction in life. The
letter "G" represents God, the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
WHEN ARE MEETINGS
HELD ?
Lodges meet in regular monthly sessions and on such other days as
are necessary to conduct its business and ritualistic work. While every Mason's attendance
is earnestly solicited, yet it is not intended that a Lodge should interfere with one's
regular vocation or duty to family, God, or country.
Your Mason has invested time and money in joining our Fraternity. He can best receive all
that he should by frequently participating in its deliberations and events. We hope that
you will approve and encourage him to attend regularly, and we hope also, that you, too,
will join us whenever possible for the guest activities held by the Lodge.
SHOULD I CONTACT ANYONE
WHEN MY MASON IS
ILL OR HOSPITALIZED ?
In the event our member becomes ill, we would appreciate knowing.
You may call the Master or Secretary of his Lodge. Your Mason has joined an organization
which wants to assist him and you when in need, and we need your help to do it.
WHAT CAN YOUR
INVOLVEMENT BE ?
Countless opportunities abound through active participation and
membership in any of the numerous Masonic-related ladies' organizations. You are
encouraged to share in many social activities, parties, dinners, dances, tours, civic
events, and charitable efforts of the Lodge. Many full family activities are regularly
scheduled. Non-Masonic friends and families may also take part in many Masonically
supported programs.
We hope you will be proud that your husband has chosen to become a member of the world's
oldest and best fraternity. We welcome you as a "Mason's Lady."