Opening the Doors to Freemasonry
TO BE A MASON, ASK A FRIEND
Welcome to "opening the doors of Freemasonry", the largest and most respected Fraternal Order in the World. We hope that after reading this exciting message, you will be much more familiar with our organization - who we are, where we came from, what we're doing now to make this place a better and brighter world.
Thank you for expressing your interest in Freemasonry by actively seeking out this information. To become a Mason you must first meet the qualifications, and be accepted by a Lodge.
FREEMASONRY
1882 IN ARIZONA CURRENTFreemasonry is the world's oldest largest Fraternity. Its history and traditions date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions that are based on the belief in one God.
WHO FREEMASONS ARE
Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as 13 signers of the Constitution and 14 Presidents of the
including George Washington. United States Today, the more than three million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. The come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
One of the many fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been how so many men from so many different walks of life can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother".
QUALIFICATIONS
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted in the Fraternity). Twenty-two words establish the most important prerequisite to becoming a Mason. ". . . We receive none, knowingly, into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world . . ."
THOSE WHO SEEK MEMBERSHIP
Will you be asked to join? No! Anyone seeking membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a petition stating his age, occupation, and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.
WHAT FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN
All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other. Freemasonry is NOT a religion. Religion can best teach a man faith, hope and charity. Freemasonry only endeavors to reinforce these teachings. Masonry is not a religion - nor is it a substitute for or a rival of any doctrine. The Fraternity is essentially an institution providing moral instruction and the rules of right conduct a member must follow are acceptable to all religions.
WHAT FREEMASONS DO
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to confirm to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as "the world's greatest philanthropy."
THE MASONIC LODGE
The Masonic Lodge meets one evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote on petitions for membership. Here, the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened. Epes Randolph Lodge meets on the second Wednesday of each month. A dinner is served preceding the meeting where our ladies join us. A program is usually offered to entertain the ladies while the men conduct their regular business.
THE MASONIC DEGREES
The candidate for Freemasonry receives three Masonic Degrees concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening and enjoyable with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.
MORE ABOUT FREEMASONRY
This briefly explains what Freemasonry is, who Freemasons are, what they believe in, and what they do. It is important for you to know that those who desire membership must seek it on their own. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many qualified men have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership and fellowship in Freemasonry.
If after reading this you would like to have a representative of the Fraternity contact you, please contact us. If you are not interested in Arizona Masonic membership, but have any questions or a desire to know more about Freemasonry. please contact us at one of the addresses listed below. You are absolutely under no obligation of any kind. We have additional brochures and pamphlets which we would be more than happy to share with those seeking additional information regarding the world's largest and oldest Fraternity for men 18 years of age or older.Epes Randolph Lodge No. 32 Dispensation:
June 22, 1922
Free and Accepted Masons Chartered:February 14, 1923
Meeting Address: 3959 E. Mabel Street
Tucson, AZ 85712-3831Lodge Mailing Address: P.O. Box 652
Tucson, AZ 85702-0652Secretary's Address: Donald E. White, PM
P.O. Box 652
Tucson, AZ 85702-0652
Tele: (520) 731-8688
E-mail: dew1934@ultrasw.comBEYOND LODGE MEMBERSHIP
Lodge members may join Masonic-related organizations outside of the Lodge. These groups include the York Rite (Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar), Grotto, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine, just to name a few.
SUGGESTED READING
An excellent book, available from your public library and written by a non-Mason, is suggested for your reading. "Born in Blood" by John Robinson. Another book that is an excellent book, easy reading, is Freemasons for Dummies (available through Barnes & Noble).
Last Updated December 16, 2007
