"Being part of a social group and network is undoubtedly beneficial to your health."
Louise Samways, (1997), The 12 Secrets of Happiness and Health, Penguin, p308
"Being part of a social group and network is undoubtedly beneficial to your health."
Louise Samways, (1997), The 12 Secrets of Happiness and Health, Penguin, p308
In Victoria Australia, the following points compose the aim of Freemasonry:
practice universal charityprovide opportunities for self developmentbuild friendshipsfoster moral standardsseek excellence in all pursuitsMy interpretation of these points is presented in the following table:
| Practice Universal Charity | Freemasons are given the opportunity to understand the duty of all people living in any community to help those less fortunate than themselves. This charity extends beyond the bounds of Masonic membership. Rather, Masonic charity is extended to all people regardless of their connection with Freemasonry. This occurs formally through grand Lodges and private Lodges, as well as through the actions of individual Freemasons. Contrary to the message promulgated by some clergymen, Freemasons do not expect to achieve salvation through their performance of charity. To suggest that is a misinterpretation of Masonic ritual and customs. |
| Provide Opportunities for Self Development | When a man joins a Lodge, he is led through several processes in which he learns the basis of the Masonic philosophy. At a certain stage in his Masonic progress, he is presented with an opportunity to lead other Freemasons, who have less experience, through the same process. This experience constitutes community based learning. It follows modern adult learning principles, that suggest the best way to develop skills is to be involved in the process. Freemasonry offers continuity from well before the 17th Century to modern times. There is no certain beginning of Freemasonry. Rather, it derives its present form from many influences. Primarily, Freemasonry is a self development system, where men pass on secrets for a successful and happy life. For each Freemason, there is a gradual progression from candidate through to guide, director, master and mentor. This progression takes many years. |
| Build Friendships | The basic component of Freemasonry is the private Lodge. When a man joins a Lodge, he joins a community. Through the various Lodge functions and social activities, members become good friends. Furthermore, through visiting different Lodges, Freemasons build friendships with many diverse people in many diverse lands. These friendships lead Freemasons to be tolerant on those who have different opinions. As the world becomes a smaller place, and people become faced with more and more challenging contrasts, this aspect of Freemasonry should be considered to be a significant contribution to peace. |
| Foster Moral Standards | Freemasonry is by definition a system of morality. Freemasons are presented with opportunities to consider what moral standards are and to understand how to behave. Freemasonry permits personal interpretation based on one’s own belif system and religion. In fact, Freemasonry is not a religion as some people think; there are no Masonic dogmas or theology. It is a verhicle for deriving a moral code to live by; it does not work without the religion in which each Freemason personally places his faith. Contemporary Freemasonry is a 17th Century development. At that time, there were religious overtones in every activity from waking in the morning to resting at night. Certainly, Freemasonry contains religious overtones; when contemporary Masonic ritual was comprised, it reflected the then contemporary belief and behaviour. |
| Seek Excellence in all Pursuits |
Freemasons are encouraged to apply themselves in such a way that they perform at their best in everything they do. This extends to supporting other people so that they do their best too. Consistent performance is a measure of a man’s ability. Freemasons memorize and present lessons to new candidates. This is done in front of the members in open Lodge. So, a man has the opportunity to develop and demonstrate his abilities to others. Consistent performance of one’s best ability is respected by all Freemasons.
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Where Freemasonry is declining in some places, it is fourishing in others. In fact, in many parts of the world, people of great position and influence meet for leisure in Masonic Lodges. Travellers who are Freemasons are always welcome, regardless of which country they hail from or which country they visit, providing their Lodge in in a recognised Constitution of Freemasonry. A recognised Constitution is one which is part of the world-wide netowrk of Regular Freemasonry.
Regular Freemasonry is derived from English, Irish and Scottish Freemasonry. Each of these have their own Grand Lodges, which have chartered lodges throughout the world. From this foundation, many
The United Grand Lodge of Victoria (Freemasonry Victoria), in Melbourne, Australia, is a Regular Constitution, which is recognised by the world-wide network of Regular Freemasonry.
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