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 CONTACTS page for more information or about how to contact a Mason to discuss further.

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

WM's Message

"I want to welcome all our Brethren to Lynn Valley Lodge and encourage anyone interested in Freemasonry to contact us about joining. We are looking forward to an eventful and exciting 2008 / 2009."

Fraternally,

W. Bro. Roy Friis

NEWS:

To our neighbours around our lodge hall..

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any concerns or items you would like to discuss (604-656-6440).

District of North Vancouver Taxes...

We have had our property taxes increase almost triple in the last 4 years courtesy of the District of North Vancouver. As we are a registered non profit charitable organization this has had a crippling effect on our ability to assist different charities. We have made several attempts to try and remedy the situation, and only the assessment authority has been any help. If anyone has any ideas we would surely welcome them.