Lodge Old Monkland St James, No 177

What is its purpose?

Freemasonry has been presented to us with many definitions of purpose but perhaps the best of these is "Masonry is the activity of closely united men who, employing symbolical forms borrowed principally from the Mason's trade and from architecture, work for the welfare of mankind, striving morally to ennoble themselves and others, and thereby to bring about a league of mankind." It has often been expressed as " The world's most powerful fraternity."

Who are its members?

Its ranks are composed of free men from all walks of life and of many religious backgrounds who have their own free will and accord petitioned for membership. Masonry asks no man to join - free will is a requisite - and a belief in a Supreme Being is a necessity as no atheist can be made a Mason.

To the interested non-member:

A non-member who is interested in joining with the fraternity should seek out a Mason who can vouch for his character and ask his assistance in preparing a petition for the degrees of the Symbolic Lodge, or contact the Secretary of a local Blue Lodge.

What is its origin?

Much has been written of the antiquity of the order and many of the principle legends do relate to early religious incidents. However, modern day Masonry dates from the year 1717 and was at that time, organized to enlighten mankind and teach them to be better men. The symbols used were taken from the mason's trade and from architecture, and to each was assigned a meaning to instruct the members in an elevated moral code.

Masonry and Religion:

Masonry is not a religion but it is highly religious. Meetings are opened and closed with prayer and the Book of the Law for the region concerned is open upon its Altar. It urges its members to support church activities but establishes no preference for any sectarian group. It does not endeavour to influence the right of individual freedom in the expression of religious thought. We repeat - it is not a religion neither is it an atheistic society.

Is it a Secret Society?

Those who are antagonistic to the order frequently report it to be a Secret Society. This is not. It does have secret modes of identification by which members are made known, however, no organization publicly displaying a meeting place and time can be classified secret.

What does it practice?

The principle tenets of Freemasonry are the practice of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. It supports activities that are religious, charitable, educational, and scientific and fraternal.