Minnesota Chapter #1

Royal Arch Masons

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OK! Congratulations, you've found the right place.  First let us tell you a bit about what it is to be a Mason.  

Many people ask "what does it mean to be a Mason?"  A very good answer to that question is reprinted here

with permission of it's author so that you might gain some small bit of insight about being a Freemason in the Masonic fraternity.

What does it mean to be a Mason?

Membership in the brotherhood of Masons means many things.

It means being part of an unbroken tradition that stretches back over 500 years to a time when guilds of freemasons

traveled throughout Europe laying the stones of the great Gothic cathedrals.

It means sharing the values of our nation's founding fathers; men who believe in the brotherhood of man are firmly rooted

in the Constitution of the United States. It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for

others. It means forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well

as those of geography.

But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing for

others without asking, or expecting, anything in return.

Sharing the Traditions of Our Founding Fathers

In its early years, Masonry numbered among its members some of the nation's most influential citizens among them

George Washington, Henry Knox, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and Paul Revere.

The values that were important then - loyalty, patriotism, liberty, courage and faith are just as important to Masons today.

The principles upon which this country was founded are deeply embedded in Masonic tradition.

Improving Yourself and Those around You

Basic to most of the world's great religions is the belief in what some might call the "old fashioned" values of honesty,

fair play and unselfishness in dealing with others.

Freemasonry shares many of the same beliefs; and, through its traditions and teachings, attempts to instill in its members

both the desire and the means to improve themselves and the lives of others.

However, while it may adhere to many of the same values associated with a religious faith, Masonry is not a religion. It is

a brotherhood of men from every country, sect and opinion, joined in a common effort to make themselves better people

to ease the suffering of others, and to make the world a better place.  To achieve these goals, Masonry does not promote

itself or its individual members. Instead, it teaches by example. New members are not recruited; they are attracted by the

example of good men performing good works and living good lives.

No one is asked to join the Brotherhood. To become a Mason, one must ask.

Having Friends Wherever you Go

Who becomes a Mason: anyone and everyone, accountants, businessmen, teachers, contractors, professional men and

laborers. Masons come from all walks of life and all levels of income. They represent every race, creed and culture.

In Masonry, it doesn't matter whether a man is a bricklayer or physician, a waiter or the mayor of the city. All are on equal

footing in the Lodge room.

The ceremonies and practices of the Masons have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. No matter where a Lodge

is located, its members share the common bond of having passed through the same degree work, rites and rituals.

Because of this, members can find brother Masons wherever they go.  Across the country and around the world there are

Lodges in virtually every city and most smaller communities.

It is a good feeling to know that wherever a man's travels may take him, he has friends that he can depend on and trust.

Committing Yourself to a Code of Moral Ethics

Freemasonry is built upon three basic tenants - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Brotherly Love is the practice of the

Golden Rule. Relief embodies charity for all mankind. Truth is honesty, fair play and adherence to the cardinal virtues.

These moral lessons are taught during three ceremonies, or "degrees" through allegory and symbolism using the traditional

stonemasons tools.

Masons are not a secret organization. However, because Masonry values confidentiality and trust, many of its rites and

rituals are secret except to the membership.

If you believe you are this kind of man, the next step is easy.  We need to know how to contact you. Click on the email link above and it will

transfer you to your email service with an address and subject already filled in.  Provide us with you name and how we may contact you.  

You will be contacted within one or two days from the time you send the email.