399 Franklin Ave.
Amherst, Ohio
44001
E-mail
crhennes1@windstream.net
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What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and
most widely recognized fraternal organization in the World. Founded in
London, England in 1717, its current worldwide membership totals 3.6
million members, 1.6 million of which are in North America. With 120,000
Masons and 530 local Lodges, Ohio has one of the largest Masonic
memberships of any state in the country.
As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character
who, though of different religious, ethnic, or social backgrounds, share
a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.
The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King
Solomon's Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of
the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. For example,
Masons are reminded at Lodge to "meet upon the level of equality, act by
the plumb of uprightness, and part upon the square of virtue."
Like most organizations, one will get out of Freemasonry what he is able
to put into it. However, membership in Freemasonry is not meant in any
way to interfere with an individual's commitment to his faith, family,
or occupation. Freemasonry is not and never can be a replacement for
these important institutions, but rather it is a positive environment
that reminds every Mason of his duty to God, his community, his family
and himself.
Freemasonry provides opportunities for sincere, honest, forthright men
who believe in God and desire to contribute to the improvement of their
communities and themselves. Through our Masonic Fraternalism, we
reaffirm our dedication and unity to become involved citizens who have a
strong desire to preserve the values that have made and continue to make
America great.
WELCOME!
What are the Ceremonies?
The experience of becoming a member of a
Masonic Lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages that Masons call
"degrees." These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman
system, which was used to educate Medieval craftsmen. Symbolically the
degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood,
and age.
The first degree of Freemasonry is the Entered Apprentice degree. It is
a candidate's first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity and
like all Masonic ceremonies is a solemn and meaningful event. Though new
to Freemasonry, an Entered Apprentice enjoys the title of "Brother."
The Fellow Craft degree is the second ceremony and exposes a Brother to
more of the symbolism and philosophy of the fraternity. For skilled
craftsmen this degree would have marked one's progress from an
apprentice to a journeyman.
The Master Mason degree is the last of the Lodge ceremonies and with it
a candidate becomes a full member, enjoying both the rights and
responsibilities of membership.
During all three ceremonies, a candidate is treated with complete
respect. At no time, is he ever made to feel uncomfortable or harassed
in anyway. Masonic ceremonies are a wonderful tradition shared by men
such as George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Dave Thomas, and other men
of integrity. These ceremonies are always conferred in such a way as to
bring pride to the candidate and the members of the Lodge.
Joining a Masonic Lodge
and Becoming a Master Mason
Joining a Masonic Lodge is an opportunity
for qualified men to become members of the world's oldest, largest, and
best known fraternal organization. The process of becoming a member is
divided into stages marked by three separate ceremonies, the symbolism
of which is intended to strengthen a man's commitment to his Faith, his
family, and his community.
Master Masons are men from a variety of ethnic, religious, and economic
backgrounds who share a belief in the brotherhood of man and the
fatherhood of God, work to improve themselves and their communities, and
are an asset to all who know them. Membership in a Masonic Lodge is an
honor that says a great deal about the character and personal integrity
of a man.
Qualifications for
Membership
Application for membership is open to men
who:
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Have been an Ohio resident for at
least one year
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Are at least 19 years old
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Have a belief in a Supreme Being
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Live a good moral and social life
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Do not advocate the overthrow of
the government
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Can read and write English
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Are recommended by two
members of the Lodge they wish to join. (If you do
not know two members of a Lodge, the secretary of
the Lodge to which you are applying can arrange a
meeting with two members of the Lodge for you .)
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General Instructions for
Joining
Is it your
desire to join the ranks of men, both great and small, who are proud to
share in the Masonic tradition of excellence?
If you do desire to join Stonington Lodge and share in the fraternal
fellowship that abounds here,
contact us
for information regarding the fees for application, and meet with two
members of the Lodge who would recommend you for membership in the
Lodge.
Application for Membership
The Masonic
term for a membership application is a "petition." Click
here to print out a
petition.
Information Hotline
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If you meet the qualifications for membership
(above), and have any questions regarding membership, you can:
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Copyright © 2007 ,
Stonington Lodge #503
All Rights Reserved.
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