WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of
adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income,
education, and opinion, who believe in a Supreme Being. Its body of knowledge and
system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve
himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Freemasonry (often simplified to “Masonry”) enhances and strengthens the character
of the individual man by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, education,
and leadership based on the three ancient Masonic tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief
and Truth. The Mississippi Grand Lodge is a crowning legacy of this venerable
heritage as we strive to “make good men better.”
By attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow Masons, you’ll
strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together
with like-minded men who
share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. You’ll enjoy the friendship
of other Masons in the community, and you’ll be welcomed as a “brother” by Masons
everywhere in the world. Freemasonry also promises that should you ever be overtaken
by misfortune, sickness, or adversity through no fault of your own, the hands of
our great fraternity will be stretched forth to aid and assist you.
From its earliest days, charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons
have always been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children, the sick and the
elderly. In fact, Masons in North America give away approximately $3 million to
national and local charities each day, of which more than 70% is directed toward
the general public. Masons are also actively involved in a great deal of community volunteer work.
The Grand Lodge of Mississippi has advocated the education of its members since
its earliest years. Its ceremonies provide instruction to all members, supplemented
by various other activities such as seminars, lectures, workshops, and reading.
Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not
generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees
to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if
the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft
ritual as "a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by
symbols."
Freemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge, District,
and Grand Lodge level. As Freemasons progress through the Craft, they discover different
aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills that even they might not have
known they possessed. By developing leadership techniques that fit their personality,
Masons unlock the door to their full potential.