 SEEKER INFORMATION
(Extracted from the Mentorship Program)
Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry! The purpose of this website
is to tell you some more about our organization and to try to satisfy
your curiosity.
Included are some papers for you to read. We hope you will have the
chance to read them, and that they will answer most of your questions.
We want to deal with any further questions you may have, so feel free
to ask questions at any time. We believe that becoming a Mason is a
significant occasion in your life, and we want you to feel confident
and comfortable with what is involved.
Masonry has a different meaning for each of us, but for all of us, it
includes the practice of morality. It is often said that the basic
principles of Freemasonry include brotherly love, relief, and truth.
That is to say, we strive to be friendly, kind, and sincere in our
dealings with others. Masonry also recognizes each individual's right
to his own beliefs and practices. For this reason, we are not allowed
to discuss matters of religious or political controversy in the context
of the Lodge. This love and tolerance for all men, so fundamental in
Masonry, leads to mutual respect and honor.
In Masonry, you will find men of good will and high ideals; men who
believe in a Supreme Being and who try to live in a spirit of universal
brotherhood. In general terms, a Masonic Lodge is a place where all can
work together with a rare unanimity, looking towards a brighter
tomorrow.
Freemasonry recognizes that you have obligations to your family, your
work, your religious beliefs, your community, and yourself. These must
take priority, and Freemasonry does not interfere with your ability to
meet these obligations. It simply attempts to share brotherly love and
fellowship, and to offer a helping hand. Although it is a fraternity,
it is neither a service club nor a benevolent society. It does
participate in and support many charitable activities. One of our first
lessons is our responsibility to care for others.
As a member of the fraternity, you will have rights and corresponding
duties. You will be expected to maintain the regulations of the
fraternity; in general terms, to be obedient to your Worshipful Master
and his officers, when acting in the discharge of their duties; to pay
the dues that you may owe promptly; and to attend meetings when
requested. These basic duties are common to every Lodge; others will be
explained as you advance through the degrees.
The privileges that accompany these duties are equally important. They
include the right to attend all meetings of the Lodge when qualified;
the right to participate in voting on Lodge affairs; and the privilege
of visiting other Lodges on appropriate occasions, when you are
properly qualified.
Your regular attendance at our meetings will give you a chance to learn
more about Masonry, as you listen to our age-old ceremonies and discuss
them with your brethren. You will also be able to enjoy fraternal
fellowship and develop new friendships.
We encourage you to share your feelings about becoming a Mason with
your wife and family, and to discuss Masonry and its objectives with
them.
There is much more that might be said; this website has barely
scratched the surface. For now, however, let us conclude by saying that
we look forward to having you in our midst. All of us recall our
admission into Masonry with a mixture of nostalgia and joy. You may be
sure that an interesting set of experiences lies before you; they will
be dignified, instructive, and sometimes even inspiring. In addition,
once you are a part of Freemasonry, you will have many opportunities to
do, to learn, to seek fulfillment, and to help others. Go forward with
confidence and joyful anticipation!
You should expect certain costs. A one-time initiation
cost ranges from $300.00 to $500.00. Annual dues are approximately
$110.00 - $275.00.
At this point we suggest that you contact one of the Lodges in the
Victoria area by visiting their web pages (click here) or send an email
that will be sent to all lodges that will initiate dialogue between
them and yourself.
FREEMASONRY
ENJOY IT! - BE A PART OF IT!
- ASK QUESTIONS!
OTHER PAPERS OF INTEREST TO THE SEEKER
 Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth Change to - Freemasonry Defined
The Formation
of the First Grand Lodge Change to - The Landmarks of
Freemasonry
Freemasonry and Religion
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