What is a Freemason?

For centuries, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion throughout the world have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life? The nature of God and man?

Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols. Not a religion but religious in character, it is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization.

They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the universe. Yet Freemasonry can never conflict with a man's relationship to God or fellow man. Sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited.

Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life, and none is turned away for financial need. The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness", invoking greater understanding of the inward life and a spirit of fellowship in which every Mason can also lead a better outward life.

Freemasonry is a fraternity --- the world's oldest fraternal organization -- that encourages its members to practice the faith of their personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world.

Freemasonry, if studied and taken seriously, can change your life. In this ever increasing time of people living in isolation, communicating with cell phone, text messages and email, meals eaten in cars and on the go, it is a wonderful thing to sit down with like-minded men, talk, share a meal and strive to be better citizens, parents and caretakers of our communities.

To some Freemasonry may seem outdated. They might remember their grandfather was a Freemason, but that was way back when. Why do we need Freemasons now? We need Freemasons to continue to breed good citizens, honest businessmen and ethical community partners. All one need do is pick up a newspaper and read the headlines of the day and the need for this type of individual and group screams back at you.

What does it take to be a Freemason?

What is the typical life of a Mason?

It’s a question we get a lot from men who are deciding if they’d like to join the craft. The real answer is: There is no “typical” life of a Mason. Masons come from all walks of life — from Corporate CEOs to city bus drivers, from commodities brokers to auto mechanics. What unifies Masons is not where we come from or what we do for a living, but rather what we aspire to be.  

QUALITIES OF A MASONIC MAN

The essential qualities Masons share in their diverse lives are a belief in a Supreme Being and a desire to strive for: fellowship with other Masons: high moral standards; kindness in the home; courtesy in society; honesty in business; fairness in all dealings.

BEING A MASON

Being a Mason is about a father helping his son make better decisions; a business leader striving to bring morality to the workplace; a thoughtful man learning to work through tough issues in his life FELLOWSHIP, FRIENDSHIP AND

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Throughout a Mason’s life, fellowship and friendship is a key component, as well as community service. The typical Mason wants to continue to grow as a man and to benefit society.

IN ALL SERIOUSNESS

Fides Lodge #246 is a great lodge to belong to. It is involved in the communities of Sanborn, Lamberton, Springfield and Jeffers. Our members come from these communities and we work hard behind the scene to make sure that these communities are great places to live and the people who need help in the area get the help they need.

GIVE US A CALL

If you want to learn more about what Freemasonry is, or you'd like information on how to join, please call Stuart Juhnke at 507-648-3633. He or another Brother will be glad to sit down with you and discuss what it takes to become a Freemason, what is expected of you once you are a Freemason and how Freemasonry can improve your life.