Making Good Men Better

What is Freemasonry

First, Masonry is not a secret society. Its members do not hide the fact of membership. Its Temples or Lodges are well known to the public, and most Masonic organizations take pride in the appearance of their buildings, making their identity known to all by the Square and Compass emblem on the outside. Throughout the centuries of its existence, Masonry has taken pride in proclaiming itself to the world. The ancient Masons who built the old cathedrals of Europe put their Masonic marks upon the stones of those edifices. The modern Mason proudly wears Masonic emblems, letting the world know that he is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons.

The fraternity has many great men in its membership today. Where can one turn in the pages of history and find more dedicated patriots than Douglas MacArthur and J. Edgar Hoover?

General MacArthur said: “Masonry embraces the highest moral laws and will bear the test of any system of ethics or philosophy ever promulgated for the uplift of man. Its requirements are the things that are right, and its restraints are from the things that are wrong. Inculcating doctrines of patriotism and brotherly love, enjoying sentiments of exalted benevolence, encouraging all that is good, kind, and charitable, reprobating all that is cruel and oppressive, its observance will uplift anyone under its influence.” Brother Hoover said upon receiving a distinct Masonic honor: “This is the proudest moment of my 45 years membership in the Masonic Order. This award is made all the more meaningful by the high respect which Freemasonry commands in the minds of all who have felt its wholesome influence and observed its good works.” If this booklet contained nothing else, the words of these two illustrious brethren should convey to the reader the fact that Masonry is good and great.

Morality and a way of life

Second, Masonry has many definitions, all explanatory of its nature. We shall use this: it is a system of morality and a way of life, based on the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Don’t be misled by this definition into thinking that Masonry is a religion. It is not a religion and does not offer a plan of personal salvation. Therefore, Masonry cannot take the place of the church. It never has and never will. Yet, it is true and axiomatic that if a Mason practices the lessons taught him, he will be a better man in all respects: a better church member, a better father, a better husband, a better citizen, and a better neighbor.

It is strange, and yet a commentary on human nature, that Masonry has been accused by some detractors as being atheistic; at the same time, others accuse it of being a religion. The first charge evolves from the fact that Masonry teaches religious liberty, will not give preference to any specific religious denomination, and refuses to interfere with a Mason’s religious duties. The second charge, that of being a religion, is equally ridiculous. It is true, however, that we often call our buildings “Temples” or “Masonic Temples.” It is true that all regular Lodges have altars upon which the Holy Bible is displayed. In countries where the members are not Christians or Jews, the appropriate “Book of the Law” is displayed. It is also a fact that Masonic meetings are always opened and closed with prayer. However, Masonry is not a religion, and any member who states otherwise is mistaken. The presence of the Bible in the courtroom or the offering of prayer at any public gathering does not make churches of those places. There is only one religious test for a man to become a Mason: he must believe in a Supreme Being.

Living a certain kind of life

Some critics say that the Masonic Lodge should be open to all if it is so beneficial to mankind. We reply by saying that all of the great lessons of truth and morality upon which Masonry is founded, are to be found within the pages of Holy Writ. There are actually very few secrets in Masonry, and they allude to the ritual of initiation and the modes of recognition. The mere possession of such secrets by the non-Mason would not make him a Mason or a better person, for there is no magic in Freemasonry. In order for anyone to be a true Mason, he must live as such. There are several Masonic ceremonies which are usually open to the public, and they reveal much of Freemasonry. The “Burial or Memorial Service”, and the…

“Installation of Officers” tell the non-Masons much of what the fraternity teaches. At times there are other public ceremonies, such as “Laying Foundation Stones of Public Structures”, which are impressive and instructive. So, if the non-Mason wishes to learn the principles of Masonry, let him study the eternal truths of the Holy Bible and attend those public ceremonies open to all.