New Pilgrim #5 of Baltimore Maryland International Free & Accepted Masons

Making Good Men Better
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International Free&Accepted Masons of Maryland
New Pilgrim #5
 
 

WHEN AND WHERE DID IT BEGIN?

The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons (F.& A.M.) is the oldest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. It has its roots in antiquity and is directly descended from the association of "Operative Masons," the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe employing the skills of the craft. The first Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was organized in England in 1717. Long before this, when cathedral building was on a decline and the "Operative Masons," or "Free Masons" as they were known, started to accept members who were not associated with the building trade, calling them "Speculative Masons" or "Accepted Masons."

Freemasonry was brought to the United States by our early settlers. Today there are over 700 Masonic Lodges in New York State with a membership totaling nearly 100,000. Throughout the world, there are approximately five million Masons, with nearly three million of them in the United States.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FREEMASONRY?

The basic purpose is to "make good men better," better fathers, better husbands, better brothers and sons. We try to place emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiri­tual outlook and broadening his mental horizons. We try to build a better world ... by building better men to work in their own communities.

Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of charac­ter and reputation.



Want to learn more?
 
 
 
 
Origin of the word Freemasons.
The first-known use of the word Freemasons - in the form Free Masons - occurs in City of London Letter-book H of 9 August 1376, though the word is in fact deleted in favour of Mason. Masons and Freemasons were interchangeable during the 15th and 16th centuries and Freemasons were generally meant to denote hewers or setters of freestone, Masons being used to embrace all stoneworkers. Ashmole in his diary wrote that he was made a Free Mason and referred in 1686 to the "Fellowship of Free Masons". James Anderson when writing his 1723 Constitutions did not use the single word - Freemasons - once. Whatever the reasons, the 1723 Constitutions contain approximately 126 references to Masons, 12 to Free Masons, 10 to Free and Accepted Masons, 9 to Free-Masons, one to Accepted Free Masons and none to Freemasons. And such is the tenacity of tradition that to this day the most of the Constitutions are addressed to Free and Accepted Masons and not to Accepted Freemasons. The earliest-known anti-masonic leaflet, of 1698, warns the public against "those called Free Masons" - almost certainly what we now know as speculative Freemasons.

TO BE ONE ASK ONE

Keep in mind, Masons do not solicit for members, the decision to become a Mason is your own.

If you are seeking Membership YOU MUST ASK a Mason or a Masonic Lodge for an application.

You must be a man at least 21 (18 in some jurisdictions) years of age.

You must be of good moral character.

You must have a personal belief in a Supreme Being (the definition of a Supreme Being is up to you)

You must be a Resident of your state for 12 months (in most cases).

You must decide to become a Mason of "your own free will and accord"

You will need to express your personal interest in joining the Fraternity.

You must be loyal to your country.

You must be dedicated to providing for your family

You must have a sincere determination to conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others and possess a desire to help others through community service and universal benevolence.

You must be willing to sign a Petition, stating your age, occupation and place of residence.

There are NO religious, political or racial restrictions for membership other than the aforementioned belief in a Supreme Being, as any discussion of religion or politics is strictly forbidden in a Masonic Lodge.

Admission is decided by ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

 Once you have selected a lodge (or several) reach out and make contact. This is particularly important if you do not know a member of that lodge. Reach out and contact the lodge secretary who would be happy to speak to you about upcoming activities and/or open houses.