About Freemasonry
What is Freemasonry?
We are the world’s largest and oldest fraternal organization, with two main goals: Turning good men into the best version of themselves and making the world a better place through charity and relief. It’s pretty much that simple. And yet there is so much more.
The Best You Can Be
The ceremonies… We have a system of allegories based on the principles the original masons used to construct elaborate stone buildings. We use those principles to conduct ourselves in a way that best helps our community, makes the most of our potential, and lets us be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
The secrets… Much like other tradesmen of the time, the original masons kept their tradecraft skills to themselves. For example, the best baker in town didn’t want his recipes to get out. The secrecy in Masonry comes from that concept. If you want to learn more about and unlock those secrets get in touch with us.
Giving to Charity
We deeply believe in helping others. There are many Masonic organizations devoted to charity. Ever hear of the Shriners and their free hospitals for children? In order to join the Shriners you first have to become a Mason.
On a more local level, we here at Ionic No. 101 choose a different 501(c)(3) charitable organization that’s dear to our hearts on an annual basis, and raise money for a donation. Pictured here is the charity box we have in our lodge room, shaped like a trowel. Why a trowel? To spread relief across to those in need.
Masonry in Everyday Life
Have you ever heard the phrase, “give ‘em the third degree”? That comes from the third degree of becoming a Master Mason. There are many other phrases and metaphors that come from Freemasonry including, “on the level” and “cornerstone.” Masonry can be a part of your everyday and enrich your life. If you want to know why:
What if I’m Not a Man?
We have good news!
There are Masonic bodies for just about anyone. The Order of the Eastern Star is a way for women to benefit from the same principles a man would from becoming a Master Mason.
Is that a pentagram?
Yes, technically speaking, it’s a five pointed star. And yes, it’s orientation is upside-down from a traditional star. So what does that mean? Nothing. It’s a common symbol used in many applications, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. Which is given to members of the US Armed Forces for personal acts of bravery and self-sacrifice. And we think that’s pretty cool.
What if I’m Not 18?
We have more good news!
The DeMoley and the Rainbow Girls are a great way to introduce children and teenagers to self improvement. These are Masonic bodies for boys (DeMolay) and girls (Rainbow Girls) to get a head start on life and learn about character, morals, and charity.
FAQs
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No. Although our members can belong to whatever religion they chose. Masonry is not a religion. All we ask is that our members believe in a higher power of their own choosing.
Here in the Southern U.S. Christianity is popular. So in our Lodge, and many others, our meetings are held with an open bible in the center of the room. But, any holy book such as the Torah, Qur’an, or Vedas can sit in it’s place.
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Many men in modern and historical times are Masons. People like, George Washington, Nat King Cole, Benjamin Franklin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Buzz Aldrin, John Wayne, Steve Wozniak, Mark Twain, Jesse Jackson, John Elway, Harry Houdini, and many more!
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The popular symbol of an eye with beams of light (called the eye of province) is not exclusively Masonic. We, along with many other organizations have adopted it to fit our teachings.
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Yes.
