SINGING RIVER MASONIC LODGE No. 633
Information About Freemasonry
So, just exactly what is Freemasonry? Well, for every member, you may get a different answer. Anyone who looked into Freemasonry to any extent has come across the statement: "A system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." Well, that's real pretty, but never satisfied my curiosity. In its present form, Freemasonry has been one of the oldest known fraternities; almost 300 years. There is some evidence to believe that it has existed in some kind of organization since the 1200's. In his book Freemasons for Dummies, WBro. Christopher Hodapp said "Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that simply seeks to improve men so that they may, in turn, improve society around them." Now, that makes more sense to me. What follows is an attempt to clarify just a little bit more what WBro. Hodapp penned.
Pure and simple, Freemasonry is a fraternity. It's a place
where a man can go and be strengthened by other men and learn certain moral
lessons about life that are common to most religions and beliefs.
Freemasonry is not a religion and should never be a substitute for a
religion. It teaches religious principles that are acceptable to all men
that believe in the existence of a God, the immortality of the soul, and the
resurrection of the body. That being said, there are men from many different
religious backgrounds: Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindis and many
more. Freemasonry is a supplement to your morality, not a substitute for
your beliefs.
There are many rumors and falsehoods that are spread about this dear fraternity. Chances are, if you are reading this, you've run across many of the falsehoods. Please know that 95 percent of what you find out there is false. You will never truly know the truth about Freemasonry until you are moved in your soul to ask a Brother for a petition to join. You'll never be asked to join the Fraternity. Freemasonry is a journey of self improvement and moral clarification that you must take upon yourself to embark upon. The lessons of Freemasonry are not secret, but they cannot be given to you. You must experience the lessons within yourself. Once you begin to learn these lessons, you realize how much falsehood there is out there about Freemasonry.
So, now that all your perceptions of the World's largest and oldest fraternity are dashed, let's talk about some requirements a man must have to join. We've already covered the religious requirements and that you must approach Freemasonry of your own free will and accord.
In the State of Mississippi, you must be 18 years of
age. You must have a good reputation and be well recommended. Freemason
requires that come to it with function of all you body parts and be of sound
mind. This requirement in modern times ensures that you are fully able
participate in the ritual teaching and uphold the requirements of our
institution. You must be a resident of the jurisdiction of the lodge you
petition for a minimum of six months. Your petition must be signed by you
yourself and two members who can make recommendations of your reputation.