Freemasonry is a community effort and yet a very personal decision.
Not everyone joins Freemasonry for the same reason .
Furthermore, the purpose one joins may not be the same as why one stays in Freemasonry.
The following are sharings from some of our members about why they are Freemasons in the
International Order of Freemasonry, for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, American Federation™.
By Brother Pierre of Atlantis Lodge #2158
By Sister Julie of St. Germain Lodge #1737
By Sister Mary Ann of Radiance Lodge #2159
I was searching for something to balance my demanding work life. In
Freemasonry, I found a structure that would encourage me to expand my knowledge and a place to hear and discuss new ideas and be inspired. But that is not why I am still a Freemason. I found a system that supports the development of one’s mind, heart and spirit in a way that respects each person’s preferences, needs, abilities and readiness and does not demand that I have to believe or think a certain way. Freemasonry provides real life skills: tools that are useful in the challenges of everyday life, tools that help me know and be aware of myself, tools to listen, understand and communicate better with others no matter how different they are from me. Freemasonry is so beautiful: the symbolism, rituals and ceremonies are poignant and powerful experiences that both inspire and ground me and they lead me to a more meaningful way of living my life. In Le Droit Humain, I found a community of harmonious, like-intentioned and like-hearted men and women who promise to love, respect and help each other, even if we do not always agree with each other, where we can agree to disagree. I found a community where all are working together to become better people, not just for ourselves but to make the whole world a better place. |
By Sister Mary Jo of Sepharial Lodge #555
Looking back on my years in the Craft (as Masonry is sometimes called), I see that it has helped me focus on what is most important in life; the unimportant has gradually fallen away.
The ritual also has made me more aware of my shortcomings and character flaws and given me tools to work on them. It has provided me with hope and inspiration in times of difficulty, and resolved inner conflict so that I can express Masonic ideals more easily. On a more mundane level, I’ve learned to work more effectively in a group, organize my day-to-day life, budget time, and study regularly. By Sister Sofi of Harmony Lodge #1760
I dreamed growing up to fly as Perseus into a different space and find a place where every human being could find dignity without discrimination, find acceptance by the celebration of difference, and magnanimity. My dream was answered years later when I came in contact with Freemasons who opened me up to new ways of effecting fundamental change in the world by working first on oneself and by awakening the mind to spiritual universal values.
By joining the Order, I became a link in an universal Masonic chain which connects us to the past through an ancient Tradition, and leads to the future of an inclusive understanding of the nature of Mankind, the Universe and Life. Freemasonry’s beautiful system of morality veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols has allowed me to grow personally within a group of people where words like truth, morality, duty, honor, integrity, friendship, character have meaning and where no one is regarded for their station in life but by their actions and words. By Brother Roger of Lodestar TriangleI have had many people ask, “What do you get from being a Mason?” This may highlight an interest of that enquirer but is very different from “Why am I a Mason?” Each Mason will find different values that they have gained through Masonry; however, Masonry does not give you anything except an opportunity to grow and learn. I have found that Masonry helps me think in such a way that allows me to find answers for many of my “big questions.” It also affords me a supportive and fraternal place to work and share and that enhances my ability to use and build upon the answers that I find.
Each Mason will have differing personal answers for this big question of “Why are you a Mason.” This is a portion of that answer. Freemasonry gives us a foundation, a superstructure to build upon, and lessons and allegories to prompt us to think. It, therefore, becomes our effort, our work, our ideas that allow us to become builders or “Masons.” |