What is Freemasonry?

We are the oldest, largest and most prestigious fraternity in the world.  We're kind of like a civic club, charitable institution, and a fraternity all rolled into one.

We are like a civic club in that we do a lot of community projects.  We are involved in our local business community and are currently working with the schools to encourage reading by students during the summer.  We are like a major charity in that we give back to the community by donating to schools, foodbanks, and through our appendant bodies, we sponsor the Scottish Rite Language Clinics, the York Rite Eye Clinics, the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and many other charities.  The Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Shriners are separate organization but require a membership in Masonry to belong.  But, most importantly, we are a fraternity for men doing good things for each other, and trying to bring men of good morals and ethics together in our community.

 What do Masons Do.

The most important thing we do is take care of each other and our families.  We are a fraternity.  No matter where a man is located, he can be assured of friends he has not met yet by a simple call to a Masonic Lodge.  Our fraternity is world wide and allows men of diverse cultures to have a common bond in which to find friendship.  

Freemansonry also builds leaders.  Our teachings provide opportunities for a member to build their leadership skills while leading an ethics based life.  We promote good relationships and strong family values.  We try to do something to strengthen the family unit every day.

 What Do I Get Out of It?

A lot of pride, and a sense of belonging to an organization that exists all over the world.  Being part of a great heritage.  Sharing an identity with the greatest men of the past and of today.

Sharing a special bond with men from all walks of life - creating life-long friendships with them.  Just being a member of an organization that belives in toleration - that lets each man think for himself and express his own opinions, without worrying about being wrong.

You will get a lot more out of it than you put into it.

 What Does my Family Get Out of It?

Masonry works to make good men better.  It provides them a moral and ethical teaching that will be reflected in his actions with his family and the community.  Time commitments are usually one or two nights a month, but the amount of activity of each Mason is a personal and family decision.  

Masonry also provides opportunities for family members to join and share in Masonic Family organizations.  It is a chance to share some of the friendships and life lessons as a family.  Our youth organizations provide chaperoned, drug and alcohol-free events for youth as well as leadership opportunities.  And we have mixed Masonic organizations in which husband and wife can both participate.

 Great!  How do I join?

Freemasonry is the only organization which will never ask you to join.

Freemasons do not solicit membership.  It is part of our teachings that for a man to become a Mason, he must do so of his own accord, not under pressure from any outside influence.  You may see a man whom you know to be a Mason and ask him questions all day long and he will not ask you to be a Mason.  It is only when you ask to become one that you will be given that opportunity.

So if you are ready to take this important step, please email to info@eastgate155.com with your Name, Address, phone number and the best time to contact you, and a future friend will be in contact with you to discuss your request.