What is Masonry?

What does it mean to be a Mason?

These are questions for which there are many answers that have filled volumes on the subject. They are questions that have been asked, realistically, since the inception of modern Freemasonry in the 17th century. To offer a simplistic answer would be to shortchange the values of an institution that has attracted innumerable prominent and influential men throughout this modern era; values which have been embraced by men of every station, every race and creed, every calling and occupation. These values are shared by men of many different religious faiths, the world over.

But, as a starting point for those who are seeking an answer to these questions, Masonry presents itself as an opportunity to embark upon a spiritual journey in life.

• An opportunity, because it presents a choice to freely associate with or dismiss a philosophy founded on brotherly love, relief and truth.
• An opportunity, because Masonry offers itself as an open door to those men who believe in a higher power and would seek insight to life?s most profound revelations.
• An opportunity, because it requires the personal commitment to embrace a social institution within which one may find continuing fulfillment and growth.

Why then, should I want to be a Mason?

Several reasons come to mind, of which the following are by no means exclusive:
• To be a part of a men’s fellowship which ascribes to a highly moral and ethical way of life.
• To grow in one’s understanding of his relationship to God, his country and his neighbors.
• To improve one’s self with lessons that promote personal integrity, brotherly love and charitable relief.
• To embark upon a journey that will enrich my family, my friends and myself through an evolving enlightenment of life’s spiritual values and rewards.

Masonry is many different things to many different people. But, in its essence, it regards the value of each individual as a common denominator among all. In the words of E. Dean Osborn, “Freemasonry teaches the universal principle of unselfish friendship and promotes those moral precepts which are in keeping with all great faiths”.

What are lodges? What is their purpose?

Lodges are groups of Masons, holding a charter to meet regularly, to practice and promote the principles of the Masonic institution and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded men. Historically, lodges have been formed to serve given communities, either small towns or urban neighborhoods. Today, with the advent of readily available transportation, big city lodges draw their members from widespread areas based upon individual friendships or awareness of particular programs. Some lodges have retained strong community recognition and continue to draw members from the community as well as provide programs that are planned to meet local needs.

Montgomery Lodge is an urban lodge, meeting at the St. Paul Masonic Center, 7PM on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. (In July and August there is only 1 meeting each month.) Our members are mostly from the eastside of St. Paul where the lodge had owned and occupied a building on Payne Avenue. Today, men from various parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan are joining Montgomery.

What goes on in lodges? What are Masons up to?

Briefly, lodges are organizations that have business agendas pertaining to the various activities in which they participate and programs they promote. They also spend time attending to their Masonic education: explanation and discussion of Masonic values, lessons, meanings of various symbols, and rituals. Lodges have an educational officer whose responsibility it is to present programs and maintain awareness among the brethren (members), of the Masonic imperative to grow mentally and spiritually in our understanding of ourselves, our relationship with fellow human beings, our relationship with God, and the God-given gifts we possess.

At Montgomery Lodge we do all of the above. Besides lodge meetings, we enjoy an annual family picnic, a fishing trip, exchange visits with a lodge in Winnipeg, and other social events. Our programs include a children’s Christmas party, a gun safety course (under the auspices of the Minnesota DNR), scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and a children’s ID program. The lodge education officer (LEO) presents educational lectures at our regular meetings, and plans occasional special educational programs.

How are lodges organized and governed?

Lodges are constituent members of a Grand Lodge, but are governed by their own members, independently. There is a progressive line of officers with various functional responsibilities. Each year, a Master is elected to preside over the lodge, provide leadership and give direction to the other officers. A Senior Warden and a Junior Warden, who share administrative responsibilities, assist him.

What else?

Lodges are great places to enjoy the fellowship of like-minded men; men who are respectful, fun and family loving, caring, industrious and temperate. Masons support our country and our government, at all levels, and are dedicated to the betterment of society.

How may I become a Mason?

It used to be that no one would ever ask you to become a Mason? That has changed somewhat. Someone now may ask you if you have an interest in Masonry or if you would like to become a Mason. However, Masons are admonished never to pressure a man into joining. Masonry believes that a man should apply voluntarily, based upon his opinion of men he knows to be Masons and upon his perception of their good works.

If you have an interest in becoming a Mason, or if you would like to learn more about Masonry or Montgomery Lodge, please contact us.