Albert Pike Lodge #714
Free and Accepted Masons
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WHAT IS MASONRY?
No doubt you are wondering what kind of an organization Freemasonry is. First, we would like
to assure you that Freemasonry is a moral institution based upon the Fatherhood of God, and
that the conferral of what we choose to call "Degrees" is a means of passing on certain basic
time-honored truths by which men can live and fulfill God's hope for us as members of His
community. The Holy Bible is always open on our altar when the Lodge is meeting and nothing
happens in the Lodge that anyone would not be proud to participate in.
It is the intention of a Masonic Lodge that its members be so impressed with the lessons taught
that their lives will be a mirror through which is reflected the beautiful lessons of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is a way of life that can be meaningful and the fulfillment of God's design for us
here on earth.
Freemasonry is not a "fly-by-night" organization. Freemasonry in its present form goes back to
the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, and there is much evidence that it existed
in some form as far back as the year 926. Its long life leaves no doubt that it is the will of God
that Masonry is here today.
During these early times, our Masonic forefathers who were engaged as workmen on the
cathedrals of Europe, not only discovered and developed their various construction skills, but
they discovered and developed basic fundamental patterns of moral conduct that not only
produced a better individual morally, but contributed tremendously to the formation of an
orderly and decent society. In Freemasonry, we apply these patterns of moral conduct and
strive to inspire our members to be better men, better husbands, and better fathers. We accept
only those who, in our opinion, meet certain qualifications, but if Freemasonry does not make a
man better, then Freemasonry has failed. You will benefit from Freemasonry according to your
participation.
Our members become part of a fellowship, that by action, has proven that when certain truths
have been instilled into the hearts of our members, they will perform in their everyday lives,
through personal or organized methods, in a manner pleasing to man and to our Maker. After a
man has learned the truths taught in the three degrees of Masonry, his integrity and honesty are
beyond question, and behavior among his fellows should be above reproach.
Freemasonry does not solicit membership. All of its members have asked to become members
by seeking out a member and asking for a petition to join. If you are considering petitioning a
local Lodge and are coming into the Lodge with the expectation that membership will provide
social or business gain, you will be disappointed. That is not its purpose, though Freemasonry
is known as a worthy organization and membership carries with it a great amount of prestige.
The charitable and benevolent activities of the Masonic Fraternity are perhaps well known to
you. Be assured that the Masons of Arkansas have been ever willing to aid the distressed, assist
children with their health and educational needs, feed the hungry and shelter the roofless. Over a
period of years, the Grand Lodge of Arkansas has contributed substantially to many worthy
causes throughout Arkansas.
There has never been an attempt to conceal the purpose, aims, and principles of Freemasonry.
It is not a secret organization, but an organization with only certain concealed methods of
recognizing each other. Masons proudly wear emblems of the craft; therefore no effort is made
to conceal membership.
The above copy was obtained from the Arkansas Grand Lodge's website.
No doubt you are wondering what kind of an organization Freemasonry is. First, we would like
to assure you that Freemasonry is a moral institution based upon the Fatherhood of God, and
that the conferral of what we choose to call "Degrees" is a means of passing on certain basic
time-honored truths by which men can live and fulfill God's hope for us as members of His
community. The Holy Bible is always open on our altar when the Lodge is meeting and nothing
happens in the Lodge that anyone would not be proud to participate in.
It is the intention of a Masonic Lodge that its members be so impressed with the lessons taught
that their lives will be a mirror through which is reflected the beautiful lessons of Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is a way of life that can be meaningful and the fulfillment of God's design for us
here on earth.
Freemasonry is not a "fly-by-night" organization. Freemasonry in its present form goes back to
the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, and there is much evidence that it existed
in some form as far back as the year 926. Its long life leaves no doubt that it is the will of God
that Masonry is here today.
During these early times, our Masonic forefathers who were engaged as workmen on the
cathedrals of Europe, not only discovered and developed their various construction skills, but
they discovered and developed basic fundamental patterns of moral conduct that not only
produced a better individual morally, but contributed tremendously to the formation of an
orderly and decent society. In Freemasonry, we apply these patterns of moral conduct and
strive to inspire our members to be better men, better husbands, and better fathers. We accept
only those who, in our opinion, meet certain qualifications, but if Freemasonry does not make a
man better, then Freemasonry has failed. You will benefit from Freemasonry according to your
participation.
Our members become part of a fellowship, that by action, has proven that when certain truths
have been instilled into the hearts of our members, they will perform in their everyday lives,
through personal or organized methods, in a manner pleasing to man and to our Maker. After a
man has learned the truths taught in the three degrees of Masonry, his integrity and honesty are
beyond question, and behavior among his fellows should be above reproach.
Freemasonry does not solicit membership. All of its members have asked to become members
by seeking out a member and asking for a petition to join. If you are considering petitioning a
local Lodge and are coming into the Lodge with the expectation that membership will provide
social or business gain, you will be disappointed. That is not its purpose, though Freemasonry
is known as a worthy organization and membership carries with it a great amount of prestige.
The charitable and benevolent activities of the Masonic Fraternity are perhaps well known to
you. Be assured that the Masons of Arkansas have been ever willing to aid the distressed, assist
children with their health and educational needs, feed the hungry and shelter the roofless. Over a
period of years, the Grand Lodge of Arkansas has contributed substantially to many worthy
causes throughout Arkansas.
There has never been an attempt to conceal the purpose, aims, and principles of Freemasonry.
It is not a secret organization, but an organization with only certain concealed methods of
recognizing each other. Masons proudly wear emblems of the craft; therefore no effort is made
to conceal membership.
The above copy was obtained from the Arkansas Grand Lodge's website.
What is Masonry?