Who Are Freemasons?
Freemasons are men who voluntarily seek admission to a lodge, accepted because they were tested and found to be of good character, who believe in a divine presence and uphold high moral, personal, and ethical standards.
They participate and desire to participate with like minded men in learning what Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth mean, practicing these tenants within and without lodge in their various social and professional communities.
There are no secrets in Freemasonry, except for the initiatory rituals and even those are not secret in their activity, but rather in their deeper meanings.
The lessons learned in Freemasonry are openly shared with wives, friends, co-workers and to anyone who desires to understand their meaning. The most profound secret is the depth of fraternal association that comes with BEING a Freemason.
Freemasons are not typically boastful or indolent about its virtues and seldom squander the opportunity to impart the wisdom of the fraternity whenever possible. Practical duties of charity are planned for and carried out, personally and within a lodge. Most importantly, the bonds of fidelity and brotherly love are practiced within the lodge and without towards all brothers and non brothers alike, but with special consideration to brother master masons, where ever they may be.
Freemasonry is about building meaningful relationships with like minded individuals who have a spiritual connection without a religious dogma. In most instances, those bonds last a lifetime in person, at a distance, both on-line and on the street.
What is the Order of the Eastern Star? The simple answer is that the Order of the Eastern Star is one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world to which both women and men can belong. The Order has over one million members belonging to over 7,500 chapters worldwide. Eastern Star provides an organization where women and men with high moral character, a desire to work for the betterment of others and a drive to make the world a better place can contribute their time, energy and wisdom to our Order for the good of all mankind throughout the world. Eastern Star provides us with an avenue of compassion and concern, not only for our Sisters and Brothers in the Order of the Eastern Star, but to ourselves, our country, and our faith. In addition, it enters us into a way of life that all of us want for our families and ourselves. Each of us has an inner need to do something for others, and sometimes it is difficult to determine just how to begin. The Order of the Eastern Star offers that guidance and provides an outlet, as well as serving as a resource center and support group. Both women and men join a Fraternal Order to make friends and enjoy the fellowship. Members and their families can enjoy interacting with others who share their beliefs. Most importantly, the Order of the Eastern Star takes good citizens and makes them even better. We continue to be central in the development of the American promise of human opportunity and personal fulfillment.
