Freemasonry

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world.  It has its roots in the operative stonemasons’ guilds of the medieval period who built the ancient cathedrals of Europe. 

Modern Masonry (York Rite) was founded in England in 1717 when four Lodges in London joined to form the first Grand Lodge of England. From Britain, Masonry spread over much of the world and today there are over three million Masons and some 150 Grand Lodges. There are over 2000 Freemasons in NL.

Masons are spiritual and moral men who choose to associate with groups of like-minded individuals for mutual benefit. What they find in Freemasonry is a disciplined and systematic course of self-improvement based on the Golden Rule: always do to others what you would like them to do to you. 

Masonry stresses the principles of kindness and consideration at home, honesty in business, courtesy towards others, dependability in one’s work, compassion for the less fortunate and being a good citizen of the world. Masonry recognizes that each man has obligations to his family, his work, his religious beliefs, his community and himself - these must take priority and Masonry does not interfere with his ability to meet these obligations. 

Masons are recognizable by certain signs and symbols, the most common of which is the Square and Compasses. 

Any man who is over the age of 21, holds himself to a high moral standard, is of sound mind, and who has a belief in a supreme being, is a potential candidate to become a Freemason.  

Freemasonry does not discriminate based on race, creed, or religion.  We do, however, take great care in the admission of new candidates, to make certain that they are worthy of membership in our fraternity. 

Freemasonry offers the opportunity to make each man better through its teachings, his Masonic associations and a philosophy that has served the social needs of men for centuries, by promoting:

Tradition: when you become a Mason, you become part of ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons that produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing, and spiritually uplifting organization of moral men;

Self Improvement: learning Ritual and participating in Degree work stimulates the mind and, coupled with committee work and Lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies;

Sense of Accomplishment: participating in Lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others, and enjoy the success of effort well expended;

Fellowship - Belonging to a Like-minded Group: the modern work environment has reduced or eliminated social association with co-workers; joining with Lodge members in a fraternal atmosphere can substitute for the absence that former workplace fellowship.

Freemasonry is not a service club, social club, or a religion.  However, it has elements of all of these.  Each of our members are charged with the responsibility of being as charitable as possible and our organization often engages in public charitable works, the most visible of which being the Shriners’ Hospitals (all Shriners are Freemasons).  Our three fundamental principles are Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.  Each Brother is on a personal journey of self-improvement and he walks this path with the support of all Masons everywhere.  Thus, our motto is “Making Good Men Better”. 

CanAm Freemasons meet once per month (Mondays) in Lodge -- the name given to our gatherings. It is also a word that references the building where we hold our meetings. These Masonic gatherings are rife with ritual activities that are quite formal and which have not changed since their inception over 300 years ago.

Freemasonry is not a secret society… most members readily identify themselves publicly; we have a civic address, we are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and pretty much all information about our organization can be found in any good bookstore or with a quick Google search.  

The so-called Masonic “Secrets” are confined to modes of recognition by which a visitor can prove himself to be a Mason and thereby become eligible to enter a Lodge in which he was otherwise not known.

The short answer is “to be one, ask one”. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason, you must complete an application form (you can get one of these from any Mason).  All applications require a Proposer and a Seconder.  These are usually Masons who know you and can vouch for you.  If you do not know any members of the Lodge, you will need to undergo a ‘get to know you’ period before your application will be considered.  

Once your application is entered, you will be contacted by a Committee of Inquiry; this committee will meet with you to discuss your interest in the fraternity and report back to the Lodge members in a formal meeting.  Members will be asked to vote on your application.  If approved, you will be invited to be “entered” as an Apprentice Freemason, thus beginning your Masonic journey.  

If you’ve met a Mason, you might have heard him refer to other Masons as “Brother”.  This is a title granted to all men who are initiated into our Fraternity -- becoming a Freemason means joining a Brotherhood of like-minded men.  A Freemason will greet any other Mason as a Brother and treat him accordingly.