What is Freemasonry?                                             


         Freemasonry is the oldest and largest world-
 
        wide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood
 
        of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme
 
        Being.  Although of a religious nature, Free-
 
        masonry is not a religion.  It urges its members,
 
        therefore, to be faithful and devoted to their
 
        own religious beliefs.  The organization of
 
        Freemasonry is based on a network system of
 
        Grand Lodges, each sovereign within its own
 
        territory.  There is no central authority
 
        governing all Grand Lodges; however, to be
 
        acknowledged by others, acceptable traditions,
 
        standards, and practices must be maintained.  
 
        In our jurisdiction the governing body is called
 
        the Grand Lodge of Texas.   It is under the
         Leadership of a Grand Master who presides over an estimated 102,307 Masons who
         belong to one or more of the 882 lodges in the Great State of Texas.   Each of these
 
        lodges is under the direction of a Worshipful Master and his Officers.

             What does Freemasonry do?

         As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men to meet and enjoy  
 
        friendly companionship. In the spirit of helpfulness and brotherly love and guided
 
        by strict moral principles, it encourages goodwill toward all mankind, but more
 
        especially, a brother Mason.  Freemasonry is of a personal nature in its private  
 
        ceremonies.  Its rituals dramatize a philosophy of life based on morality.  It promotes
 
        confidence through self improvement, and leadership in the church, community, home
 
        life, and in the workplace, or in whatever the Mason is involved.  The tools of
 
        Operative Masons are used to symbolize and teach the basic principles of brotherly
 
        love, charity, and truth, which Masons are encouraged to practice in their daily lives.
 
        Charity is a tangible way in which Masons help those whose circumstances in life
 
        fairly warrant it.  

        " Freemasonry is in one's heart."  One either has it or he has it not.  It is a way of life.
 
        It is a philosophy that teaches "Integration of Faith and Learning."  It promotes
 
        to its members the study of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences.  Among which
 
        Geometry is deemed principally essential to Masonry.  Through the application of
 
        symbolism and allegories, Freemasonry teaches its lessons of morality to the craft.





                 




                                                                  
Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
Website Last Updated On April 21, 2007

© 2006-2007 Tannehill Lodge No. 52   All Rights Reserved.
Tannehill Lodge No. 52

Texas Masonry Since 1849
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