Who are the Freemasons?
A Freemason is a man who cares about the future as well as the past, and does what he can to make the future better for everyone. A Freemason is a respectable citizen and is taught to conform to the moral laws of society and abide by the laws of the government under which he lives. He is a man of charity and good works.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the oldest and one of the largest fraternities in the world, and although it encourages good citizenship and political expression, it is not a political or religious organization. Although its charitable activities are manifold, it is not a welfare or benefit organization.
Freemasonry teaches each of us that we have a responsibility to make things better in the world. It is unlikely that any one will find a cure for cancer, or eliminate poverty, or help create world peace, yet every man, woman, and child is capable of doing something to help others, or to make things a little better.
Freemasonry is deeply involved with helping people as it contributes millions of dollars every day, just to make life a little easier. Although it is not made public, the great majority of that help goes to people who are not Masons. Some of the Masonic charities are vast projects, such as the Children’s Hospitals and Burn Institutes built by the Shriners. Some charities are less noticeable, such as helping a widow pay her electric bill or buying school lunches for disadvantaged children. Masons and their Lodges try to help make the world a better place in which to live.
What is a Lodge?
Lodges are the basic, and the oldest, organizations in Freemasonry. The term “Lodge” comes from the structures, which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, Masons lived in these Lodges and worked at carving stone. Today, a Lodge is a local organization of Masons. It is a group of Masons in one area that meet together, and it is also the physical building, or a room in which they meet.
What takes place in our lodges is partly the formal business that any association conducts. There is the consideration of minutes of previous meetings, dealings with petitions for membership, reviewing accounts of general and charitable funds, subscriptions, donations, and planning for new activities and endeavours.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Despite historical claims, Freemasonry is not a secret society. Why are the rituals and ceremonies secret? Tradition, more than anything — there have been times and places where promoting equality, freedom of thought or liberty of conscience was dangerous. Also, a lesson that must be earned may have a greater impact. The lessons are not secret, but the presentation is kept private to promote a clearer understanding in good time.
How do I join?
Union-Solomon Lodge offers a high-quality Masonic experience for its candidates and members, and is always welcoming new applicants and affiliates. You DO NOT need to have a family connection to pursue membership in the Order.
If you are interested in joining Freemasonry in Metro Vancouver, and Union-Solomon Lodge in particular, then you are advised to contact our Secretary via our Contact page and we would be happy to assist you.
For information on the process of joining in this Grand Jurisdiction of BC and Yukon, please read: “Becoming a Freemason” on our Grand Lodge website.
For more information regarding Freemasonry, its aims and principles, please direct your attention to this brief primer offering an outline of Freemasonry as practiced here in British Columbia: “A Masonic Overview”.
