Brethren:

In the spreading of Mason Light, I found an interesting item from the Public Relations Committee of the Grand Lodge of New Mexico. I states what Masonry is and what Masonry is not. Please think about the following as you read the statements.

What Masonry Is:

It is a voluntary association of men.
It is a system of moral conduct.
It is a way of life.
It is a fraternal society.
It is religious in character.
It teaches the Golden Rule.
It seeks to make good men better men.
It teaches morality through symbolism.
It uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members.
It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man and the Immorality of the soul.

What Masonry Is Not:

It does not openly solicit members.
It is not an insurance or benefit society.
It is neither a religion nor a creed nor a religious order.
It is not a charity organization, but makes charity a duty.
It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.
It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics.
It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics o other partisan affairs.
It is not a secret society, as it does not conceal its existence or purposes.

While these statements are not all that can be said for what Masonry "Is" and "Is Not," it does give us a good starting point. We do have religious character in all that we do but we are not a religion. We do not solicit members but we try to make good men better men. I am sure that you could add to the statements.

I think we are a strong group that works through gentleness and that we gain our strength from the gentle ways in which we work. We make things happen through our deeds and kind manners. Peace and love are key words.

I hope to see you at lodge to add to our strength and our gentleness.

Fraternally,


John Lacki Jr
Worshipful Master