About Freemasonry
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being.
Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry IS NOT a religion. It urges it's members, however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs.
The organization of Freemasonry is based on a system of Grand Lodges, each sovereign within it's own territory. There is no central authority governing all Grand Lodges. However, to be acknowledged by others, acceptable standards and practices must be maintained.
In our Province, the governing body is called the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon. It is under the leadership of a Grand Master. He presides over 8,000+ Masons who belong to one or more of the 140+ lodges in our jurisdiction. Each of these lodges is under the direction of a Master.
What it Does
As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men to meet and enjoy friendly companionship. In the spirit of helpfulness and brotherly love and guided by strict moral principles, it encourages goodwill towards all mankind.
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Freemasonry is of a personal nature in it's private ceremonies. It uses it's ritual, commonly referred to as the three degrees, to dramatize a philosophy of life based on morality. It promotes self improvement. The tools of operative masons are used to symbolize and teach the basic principles of brotherly love, charity and truth which Masons are
encouraged to practice in their daily lives. Charity is a tangible way in which Masons help those in life whose circumstances fairly warrant it.
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The fraternity does not conceal its existence, purposes, aims or principles. Masonic Halls bearing the lodge name and emblem are familiar sites in towns and cities throughout British Columbia.
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We are both proud and privileged to be Freemasons, and many
members display Masonic insignia on rings, pins and clothing.
Membership
One of Freemasonry's customs is not to solicit members. However, anyone should feel free to approach any Mason to seek further information about our Craft.
Membership is for men, 21 years of age or older, who meet the qualifications and standards of character and reputation, who are of good moral character and who believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.
A man who wants to join a lodge must be recommended by two members of that lodge. He must understand that his character will be investigated. After approval by the members of that lodge, he will be accepted as an applicant for membership in Freemasonry
The doors of Freemasonry are open to men who seek harmony with their fellow man, feel the need for self improvement and wish to participate in making this world a better place in which to live.
Any man who becomes a Mason is taught a pattern for living - reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability and compassion. He must be prepared to honour his country, uphold it's laws and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honourable relations with others and be willing to share in Masonic activities.