Masonry offers the opportunity to make each man better through its teachings, Masonic associations and a philosophy that has served the social needs of men for centuries, by promoting:
When you become a Mason, you become part of ancient tradition that spans centuries. From the original stonemasons who produced some of the most majestic architectural wonders of Europe to modern day Masons who participate in numerous charitable foundations, you’ll feel connected to a vital, growing and spiritually uplifting organization of moral men;
Learning portions of the Ritual and participating in the degree stimulates the mind and, coupled with committee work and lodge management, presents the opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, build self-discipline through commitment, poise and self-confidence, and strengthen presentation and public speaking proficiencies;
Participating in lodge projects, be they charitable or social in nature, provides the opportunity to contribute, work with others and enjoy the success of effort well expended;
The modern work environment has reduced or eliminated social association with co-workers; joining with lodge members in a fraternal atmosphere can substitute for that former workplace fellowship lost;
Masonry brings together in lodge men of diverse backgrounds, where the daily pressures of a career can be left outside the door and where fellowship is the common theme.
In every lodge, we find a rough stone (a rough ashlar) and a polished stone (a perfect ashlar). The rough ashlar symbolizes the layman before his initiation. The perfect ashlar represents the Mason’s work of self-improvement and the improvement of humanity through the quest for perfection.
Everyone has his own reasons for becoming a Mason, but the primary motivation is the same for all: to become a better person. The Mason finds in lodge a place of interiority and a time for reflection, a sacred space where calling another man “my brother” has real meaning. Ritual encourages the Mason to practise virtues that might at first glance appear obsolete, but that are in reality so fundamental virtues such as tolerance, fraternity, righteousness, rectitude, equality, temperance, courage, and justice!
Freemasonry provides an environment for ritual, discussion, symbolism, history, and charitable work that helps members become better individuals for themselves and for others. It is this which the Mason brings to the world for the betterment of others. Each Mason invests the amount of time he wishes and participates at lodge communications to the best of his abilities. He may also visit other lodges.
According to a Masonic saying, we only get out of Masonry what we put into it. So it is to our advantage to put a lot into it, and for a long time!
These attributes are summarized in the tenets, or fundamental principles of Ancient Freemasonry:
Brotherly Love; Relief; and Truth.
If these values address your needs,
Masonry welcomes you.
La franc-maçonnerie représente la bonté à la maison, l’honnêteté dans les affaires, la courtoisie et la politesse en société, la loyauté au travail, la pitié et la compassion pour les malheureux, la résistance aux méchants, l’assistance aux faibles, l’indulgence envers les pénitents et l’amitié envers les autres.
© Copyright 2022 – Grand Lodge of Quebec
