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CalmPassions · 31-35, M
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MrSimons · 41-45, M
@basilfawlty89 What do you mean by "connecting?"
MrSimons · 41-45, M
The people on here have already provided some insightful answers about what Freemasonry is about and the aims we have but the question was what we do.
Well, it is going to differ somewhat depending on which part of the world you are from but craft Masonry has three main ceremonies relating to the three degrees. First Degree or Ceremony of Initiation where one is made an Entered Apprentice, Second Degree, known as the Ceremony of Passing where a Mason advances to the rank of a Fellowcraft and the Third Degree, known as the Ceremony of Raising where someone is made a Master Mason. The stories we tell are taken from the Bible and are based on the building of King Solomon's Temple.
In each ceremony, we are taught various moral lessons. In the first degree, we are taught about the importance of charity and taking care of those less fortunate. In the second degree, we are taught about the importance of education and improving ourselves intellectually. I am currently a Fellowcraft and have not been through my Third-degree ceremony yet, but I am told the emphasis is on making the best of one's life. We are to aim to live respected and die regretted.
In each degree, we are entrusted with certain secrets (the modes of recognition) consisting of a grip (what people often call a handshake but isn't really), a sign, and a password which we promise never to reveal to non-Masons. It's a test of honour. If we can't be trusted to keep those things confidential, then how can we be relied upon to keep a confidence in more important circumstances?
In English lodges, we usually follow the meeting in the lodge room with a meal, which we call the festive board. This usually consists of a two, three or four-course meal, depending on the lodge. It's a time to relax, eat, drink, have fun and enjoy each other's company. The Worshipful Master usually "takes wine" with various people he wants to acknowledge (they stand up with him and raise their glasses to each other). At the end of the evening, we have the formal toasts to various important people e.g. The Queen and the Craft, our Grand Master His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, and various others. We often hold a raffle to raise money for charity in addition to taking a collection in the lodge room. It's really good. Sometimes we even sing!
We are encouraged to be very open about our Freemasonry so please feel free to ask whatever you like.
Well, it is going to differ somewhat depending on which part of the world you are from but craft Masonry has three main ceremonies relating to the three degrees. First Degree or Ceremony of Initiation where one is made an Entered Apprentice, Second Degree, known as the Ceremony of Passing where a Mason advances to the rank of a Fellowcraft and the Third Degree, known as the Ceremony of Raising where someone is made a Master Mason. The stories we tell are taken from the Bible and are based on the building of King Solomon's Temple.
In each ceremony, we are taught various moral lessons. In the first degree, we are taught about the importance of charity and taking care of those less fortunate. In the second degree, we are taught about the importance of education and improving ourselves intellectually. I am currently a Fellowcraft and have not been through my Third-degree ceremony yet, but I am told the emphasis is on making the best of one's life. We are to aim to live respected and die regretted.
In each degree, we are entrusted with certain secrets (the modes of recognition) consisting of a grip (what people often call a handshake but isn't really), a sign, and a password which we promise never to reveal to non-Masons. It's a test of honour. If we can't be trusted to keep those things confidential, then how can we be relied upon to keep a confidence in more important circumstances?
In English lodges, we usually follow the meeting in the lodge room with a meal, which we call the festive board. This usually consists of a two, three or four-course meal, depending on the lodge. It's a time to relax, eat, drink, have fun and enjoy each other's company. The Worshipful Master usually "takes wine" with various people he wants to acknowledge (they stand up with him and raise their glasses to each other). At the end of the evening, we have the formal toasts to various important people e.g. The Queen and the Craft, our Grand Master His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, and various others. We often hold a raffle to raise money for charity in addition to taking a collection in the lodge room. It's really good. Sometimes we even sing!
We are encouraged to be very open about our Freemasonry so please feel free to ask whatever you like.
