Welcome to

No. 122

The Masonic Fraternity

1.) What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry aims to promote Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love among its members. It is, by definition, a fraternity; comprised of men from every race, religion, opinion, and background who are brought together as Brothers to develop and strengthen the bonds of friendship. With more than 3 million members, Freemasons belong to the largest and oldest fraternal organization in the world. Freemasonry proposes to �make good men better� by teaching � with metaphors from geometry and architecture � about building values based on great universal truths.

2.) Where did Freemasonry come from?

Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, researchers have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was born. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages, but certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and Masonry to the time of ancient Egypt, and some historians say that Masonry has its real roots in antiquity. The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 could mark the beginning of the Modern (or �Speculative�) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These �Accepted� Masons eventually adopted more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesmen�s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization.

3.) Is Masonry a secret society?

No. It is sometimes said that Freemasonry is a �Society with secrets, not a secret society.� In point of fact, however, any purported Masonic �secrets� were made public several centuries ago in London newspapers, and today can be found in the Library of Congress, on the Internet, and in many books on the subject. As Benjamin Franklin once said, �The great secret of Freemasonry is that there is no secret at all.�

4.) How do I become a Freemason? Ask!

Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask? Today, because of widespread interest in the Fraternity � along with the plethora of both information and misinformation found on the Internet � the following information was put together on how men can join: Most men can become a Mason by simply asking � like Washington, Franklin, Sir John A. and most every Mason from the past to the present day. Membership is open to men of every race, religion, culture, and level of income. The requirements for membership are that you be over the age of 21, believe in a Supreme Being, and can be found to be of good character. The belief in a Supreme Being is said to be a requirement that is needed to take certain oaths, otherwise �no obligation would be binding upon you.� Generally, men seek out a Lodge near their home or workplace, or ask someone they know who is a Mason to recommend a Lodge to them. Not all men can become Masons, however. Masonry does not purport to make �bad men good,� only �good men better.� Only men of good character are accepted into the Fraternity. Masonic lodges review every applicant�s moral character � and the centuries-old �blackball� system is still in place; members must be voted in by a 100% vote of Lodge members present. See our contact us page for more information and how to contact a Mason.

Freemasonry - open to all worldwide regardless of race, religion, heritage or prosperity.

WM's Message

"We are pleased to be part of the Lynn Valley community and would like to welcome anyone from anywhere interested in our fraternity to contact us for further information. We promote brotherhood and friendship across all mankind. "

Fraternally,

W. Bro Bruce Sanderson

Lynn Valley Lodge is hosting a

Masonic Memorial Service and Celebration of Life

for Worshipful Brother Robert Macaskill

Saturday June 13th at 1:00 PM.

The service will be at the Lynn Valley Lodge
(1371 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver).

Doors will open at 12:00 PM to afford
a prompt start of the Memorial Service at 1:00 PM.

The service is open to members of the public and Masons alike.