In order that your impressions of Freemasonry may be soundly based, you are urged to view this website carefully. Should you then make an application to become a Freemason you may enter the Craft intelligently and not in ignorance of the basic principles of Masonry.
In becoming a Freemason you will pass through a ceremony which has existed for hundreds of years and through the like of which every Freemason throughout the world has passed.
More information will be made available as you advance in Masonry. That is part of the appeal of the Craft.
What is Freemasonry
Masonry is a voluntary association of men, at least eighteen (18) years of age, and of good repute. If one becomes a Mason, it must be of his own free will and accord.
The desire to become must come from within. Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men who share a firm belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.
Freemasonry is a focus for a union of men of good principles and character, resulting in strong bonds of friendship between men of the same nature who might otherwise have remained strangers; it regards all men as equals and recognises no distinctions of rank or class.
It is a serious fraternity which conducts its formal ceremonies in the Lodge rooms with high dignity, and without frivolity. At other times it encourages debate and discussions, except on matters of religion, politics, or other topics likely to excite personal animosities or disharmony among the members.
Freemasonry is NOT a religion. It has a philosophy of its own which is compatible with the teachings of religious institutions. The teachings of Freemasonry transcend all denominational and sectarian divisions. In the field of human conduct it is complementary to religion, but as has been said religious topics may not be discussed.
Freemasonry is not connected in any way with politics . A Freemason’s political views are his own and a lodge may well have members belonging to many different political parties. For that reason, no discussion of political matters is permitted in lodge. A Brother may not seek to persuade his Brethren in lodge to adopt this or that view in matters of Government - local, national or international.
A Member is expected to be true and loyal to the Government of his country and to be law-abiding.
Freemasonry is NOT a secret society. It does not conceal its existence or activities. Masons are proud of their affiliation and publicly proclaim it. True, it has secrets of its own, such as its methods of recognition of brother Masons and symbolic instruction in its principles.
It is a charitable, benevolent and educational society.
It is charitable in that it is devoted to the promotion of the welfare and happiness of mankind and not to the profit of any individual or individuals.
Throughout Tasmania charity is expressed in a practical way with the establishment and maintenance of a number of homes for the elderly and Masonic Nursing Homes, and a Masonic Centenary Medical Research Foundation to assist in the field of increased research in the degenerative diseases and disorders of the aged.
It also provides relief as need arises to persons in adversity and educational grants to students of both sexes.
It is benevolent in that it teaches ethical principles acceptable to all men. Principles such as kindness and faithfulness in the home, honesty and fairness in business and occupation, courtesy in social contacts, help for the weak and unfortunate, forgiveness of the penitent, respect for one another and, above all, reverence towards a Supreme Being.
It is Educational in that it teaches morality and lawfulness, develops self-discipline in thought and action and confidence in communicating and dealing with one’s fellows. It also encourages research into its origins and trains the memory.
Who May Become a Freemason
From the foregoing you will understand that to become a Freemason you must believe in a Supreme Being, be of good moral character and be loyal and law abiding.
You must also be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
You should be in such financial circumstances as to be able to meet your monetary obligations as a member of your lodge without detriment to your family or yourself. The obligation include lodge subscriptions, the cost of regalia, etc, the extent of which at any time can be easily ascertained.
You must be recommended by two (2) brethren, who will have to vouch for your character and sincerity of motive. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that you should not enter Freemasonry in the hope of material gain or advancement. If you do so you will be bitterly disappointed. Admission must not be sought from mercenary or other unworthy motives.
If married, your wife should be made aware of the likely claims on your time and efforts, and fully support your application.
What Freemasonry expects of you
A Mason is expected to treat every man as his brother, to practice charity, temperance and justice and to respect the chastity of others. His mode of life should be such as to earn the respect and trust of those with whom he comes in contact.
He should recognise that humility, patience, charity and gentleness should be among the characteristics of a true Mason.
He must never propose for membership any man whom he knows to be an atheist or is otherwise unworthy to become a Freemason.
Masonic Obligation
On your admission into the Craft, you will be required to make a solemn promise to fulfil your obligations to Freemasonry.