About Freemasonry:
Freemasonry is the oldest, and by far, the largest fraternal order in the world. Its Lodges stretch around the globe and, like the British Empire, it might well be said that the sun never sets upon the Masonic Lodge. Fraternity means as association of brothers and that is exactly what Freemasonry is -- a society of friends and brothers. It is not a benefit society in the sense that one becomes a member of it because of the insurance benefits which he may receive or which may inure to his family at his death. It is not an eleemosynary institution, founded to collect and disburse charity or founded on the giving of alms.
It is not a secret society in that its Temples are openly marked and almost everyone in the community knows where they are located. The Grand Lodge publishes a list of the members of every Lodge in Virginia. Many of the Lodges have individual bulletins which carry the names of the officers and of members as well. Thus it is, in the strictest sense of the word, a society with secrets and these are limited to its obligation, it modes of recognition, such as pass-words and grips, etc. and certain parts of its ritual.
It is religious in character, but it is not a religion. It is founded upon the basic principle of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, and everyone who comes into its Lodges must express a belief in God. No one is asked to express a particular belief about God, for this is the privilege of each individual and is not infringed by our Fraternity. Freemasonry practices a selective charity, founded on the principle of brotherly need which is not applicable in all cases that have a surface likeness. No member has a specific claim upon the society for its charity, for there is not a right acquired by becoming a member of the society; rather, it is a privilege.
It is not a secret society in that its Temples are openly marked and almost everyone in the community knows where they are located. The Grand Lodge publishes a list of the members of every Lodge in Virginia. Many of the Lodges have individual bulletins which carry the names of the officers and of members as well. Thus it is, in the strictest sense of the word, a society with secrets and these are limited to its obligation, it modes of recognition, such as pass-words and grips, etc. and certain parts of its ritual.
It is religious in character, but it is not a religion. It is founded upon the basic principle of the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, and everyone who comes into its Lodges must express a belief in God. No one is asked to express a particular belief about God, for this is the privilege of each individual and is not infringed by our Fraternity. Freemasonry practices a selective charity, founded on the principle of brotherly need which is not applicable in all cases that have a surface likeness. No member has a specific claim upon the society for its charity, for there is not a right acquired by becoming a member of the society; rather, it is a privilege.
Keller Masonic Lodge #1084
A.F. & A.M.
424 N. Main, P.O. Box 91
Keller, Texas 76244-0091
Phone:817-431-1063
questions/comment to: webmaster
A.F. & A.M.
424 N. Main, P.O. Box 91
Keller, Texas 76244-0091
Phone:817-431-1063
questions/comment to: webmaster
