DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Transcription

1 UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ANTIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF ENGLAND DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF JAMAICA AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS BECOMING A FREEMASON PART 1 INFORMATION FOR THE PROSPECTIVE MASON

2 What is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is arguably the world s largest secular, fraternal and charitable society with some five million adherents worldwide. There are approximately 300,000 Freemasons with membership in over 8,000 English lodges, including approximately 20,000 members overseas. It is a non-profit organization providing gentlemen with common interests, opportunities to meet and to contribute to society morally, ethically and financially. Originating in Ancient Stone Masonry (Operative Masonry), Freemasons philosophize (speculate) on the tools of those ancient craftsmen and in the study of Natural Philosophy. Freemasonry teaches valuable moral lessons, with a focus on brotherly love, relief and truth Benevolence, Charity and Self knowledge. Freemasons commit to live by the principles of integrity, honesty, kindness and goodwill, which unify them regardless of race, colour, creed or worldly status. The first Grand Lodge, The Premier Grand Lodge, was formed in London England in 1717 through the union of four (4) Lodges. This Grand Lodge did not represent all of England s Masonic groups though, until 1813 after almost a century of conflict and discord. This, The United Grand Lodge of England (U.G.L.E.), has since 1815 been known also as The United Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of England. The Grand Lodge of Ireland was Constituted in 1725 and The Grand Lodge of Scotland in Each Grand Lodge (Constitution) is an INDEPENDENT entity, with each ruling a specific territory. Hence, in Great Britain, Irish Lodges are almost invariably found in Ireland, Scottish Lodges in Scotland and English Lodges in England. All three British 2

3 Grand Lodges occupy the same space in Jamaica, as well as in many Caribbean and other overseas territories. The U.G.L.E. is the only Constitution operating in the Cayman Islands. The English Lodges in Jamaica and The Cayman Islands, form The District Grand Lodge of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands. How Did Freemasonry become a Worldwide Organisation? From its British origins, Freemasonry initially reached France, Holland, Russia and other European countries. Through the colonial pursuits of these and other European States, Freemasonry virtually became a vast chain encircling the whole globe. Lodges were attached to armies and navies and Freemasons were also well represented as Administrators, Civil Servants and Business Executives in those outposts. The East India Company and The Transatlantic Slave Trade come readily to mind. Wherever the Flag went, Freemasonry followed as a home away from home for its members providing friendship, conviviality and support. Following the decline of the Empires, independent Grand Lodges were formed in the majority of previously colonized states. Today, there are Independent Grand Lodges all over the world. Not all Grand Lodges share the same beliefs and practices as The U.G.L.E. The United Grand Lodge of England consequently regards as regular only those Grand Lodges which share its ideals and has no relations with the others. 3

4 There is therefore no World Body uniting Freemasons; hence, the probability of a global masonic conspiracy is remote. What is The United Grand Lodge of England? The United Grand Lodge of England is the ruling body for English Freemasons and is headquartered at Great Queen Street in London. There are approximately 200,000 members in England and about 30,000 in some 33 Districts overseas. There are over 1000 English Masons in Jamaica and The Cayman Islands. What is a Lodge? At the local level, members meet in groups called Lodges. Originally, the Lodge was the living quarters and meeting room of the Stone Masons. Today, The Lodge refers to the group, the meeting place and the meetings. Each Lodge is headed by a Worshipful Master and Officers appointed by him. What is the Organization s Structure? The Grand Lodge located at Great Queen Street in London, is headed by The Grand Master often a member of the Royal household. Intermediate control is under The Metropolitan Grand Lodge for Lodges in London, while groups of Lodges elsewhere in England are governed by Provincial Grand Lodges and groups of Lodges overseas by District Grand Lodges. The Metropolitan Grand Lodge is headed by The Metropolitan Grand Master. The Provincial Grand Lodges are headed by Provincial Grand Masters and The Districts, by District Grand Masters. 4

5 In a region where only a few Lodges work, a Grand Inspector is usually appointed Whenever a Grand Master is of Royal Blood, a Pro-Grand Master may be appointed as his principal advisor and to act for him on occasion. What takes place in a Lodge Meeting? The primary activity in a Lodge is the conferring of degrees communicating its teachings through dramatization (one-act plays) involving the candidate. The work is studied and delivered by members (Brethren). There are three Degrees, The Entered Apprentice, The Fellow Craft and The Master Mason Degrees. Having acquired the three Degrees noted above, a Brother is encouraged to further expand his knowledge, by becoming a member of the Holy Royal Arch through participation in a fourth ceremony. Matters related to Lodge Administration and the delivery of The Lodge s mandate are also considered. Informative lectures are regularly presented at the meetings. Each Lodge holds a major function annually, a Gala Event, to mark the Installation of a new Worshipful Master. What else do Freemasons do? Freemasons are committed to charity and benevolence and spend much time in serving others. All Masons are obliged to contribute to the charitable programs (assistance to the outer world) of their Lodge, The District and indeed, Grand Lodge. We also make contributions for the assistance of needy Brethren and their families (Benevolence). Charity and Benevolence represent the raison d être of Freemasonry. 5

6 Are you a secret society? We are not! However, as with many other organizations, our meetings are private and we have methods of identifying each other, which we hold as secret. Our Book of Constitutions and our rituals are available for public view in both print and electronic form. Our organization, then, is transparent and Freemasons are encouraged to freely acknowledge their membership. Do Freemason s engage The Occult? CATEGORICALLY NO! Why should I take an Oath? Through our oaths, we commit to the highest ideal of Freemasonry morality. Such commitments are essential and binding and have contributed significantly to the survival of Freemasonry through changing times. It should be noted that the taking of an oath is not mandatory where it would be against the candidate s religious beliefs. In such a case, he may affirm his adherence. Will I be able to gain advantages in Civil Society by being a Freemason? While you will renew old acquaintances and establish new friendships, there is no focus on networking and Freemasonry will guarantee you no advantage at work, in the society or under the Law; and you can be assured that infringement of the law of the land will not be countenanced by Masonic Authority. Each Freemason is presented with The Book of Constitutions, a Booklet entitled Information for Guidance of Members of the Craft and The By-Laws of his Lodge at 6

7 initiation. Freemasons are expected to study these publications as its rules are strictly enforced. One important rule of which you should be aware, at this stage, is the automatic cessation of membership if a member s dues are unpaid for a period of two years. Why then should I become a Freemason? - You, believe in a Supreme Being, are a good man and a gentleman and wish to become a better person. - You enjoy volunteerism. - You wish to extend your circle of friendships through a safe and secure channel, not limited to Lodge or District, but extending globally. - In time, every mason awakens to the spiritual benefits of the order and look forward to its assemblies. Can I become a Freemason if I have a criminal record? NO! There are strictly enforced guidelines for accepting gentlemen into Freemasonry. You must be a gentleman a man of honour and impeccable character. Any unfavourable encounters with the Law, example a prison sentence or other conviction, must be revealed early in the enquiry phase. Is a belief in God a requirement for membership? A belief in a Supreme Being is an absolute requirement for membership. We recognize all faiths and by our principles, unite many. We use the generic term Supreme Being instead of God, Buddha or Mohammed etc. By this approach no one can be offended by our practices. All oaths are taken on the religious book accepted by the candidate. Many Ministers of Religion, Priests and Bishops have been faithful and distinguished Freemasons. 7

8 Why do some religions object to Freemasonry? We believe this is based on fear, envy and insecurity fed by ignorance and fossilized by History. We recall, for example, the historical resentment of the Roman Catholic Church and frequent Papal Bulls denouncing Freemasonry. We recall the slaughter of Knights Templers in France by Phillip IV in 1307, with the full support of Pope Clement as a co-conspirator. The chapter of English history, relating to the overthrow and exile of the Roman Catholic Monarch James F. Edward-Stuart (James III) and his replacement by George of Hanover as Monarch and head of the Church of England, also exacerbated the relationship between Freemasonry and the Roman Catholic Church. This was based on Freemasonry s noninvolvement with politics and its alignment with the English Monarchy and nobility. This position further exacerbated the Roman Catholic resentment of Freemasonry. This fear and mistrust is characteristic of many religions, even the Salvation Army in 1986, said that people declaring to be Freemasons may not wear the Salvation Army Uniform. The root of the mistrust of Freemasonry is the Masonic principle of secrecy, as well as our oaths. We offer no challenge to religion. The faithful practice of one s religion is enthusiastically encouraged by the Fraternity. Furthermore, we entertain no discussion of Religion at our Meetings. The divisiveness of Politics and Religion has no existence in Freemasonry. Here, all social, political and religious differences are neutralized. Very few institutions promote such harmony. What about Politics? Are you a political organization? As with religion, discussions in Lodge related to politics have been strictly forbidden by the U.G.L.E. Freemasons are free to hold political opinions and to be active politicians. 8

9 Are Freemasons involved in subversive activity? Through history, some Grand Lodges have indeed been involved in subversive activity like so many other organizations and individuals. Such activity has never been a feature of English Freemasonry. We support the Rule of Law, The Sovereign or its lawful representative and are intolerant of subversive organizations. It is primarily for this reason that English Freemasonry has survived for centuries. Kings and Princes have been Freemasons, with many occupying the office of Grand Master. The present Grand Master is His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent styled, The Most Worshipful Grand Master. Why wear Regalia? Freemasonry is steeped in tradition which we call landmarks. The regalia worn by a Brother easily identifies his office and rank. Put simply, we are proud of our regalia, which is symbolically significant as you may discover in time an Ancient Landmark, a boundary which cannot be successfully breached. Why are there no women Masons? There are women Masonic Lodges, but The United Grand Lodge of England has always been a FRATERNITY dating back to medieval society. We do not participate in their meetings or invite them to ours. Many women Masons are wives of Brethren of our order. We have a cordial relationship with female Masonic Organizations. The absence of women as members of U.G.L.E. could also be viewed as another ancient landmark of our order, a principle. Can I share my Masonic experience with my wife/spouse/family? Certainly! We expect your entire family to be a part of your Masonic experience. It is in the home that its principles must first be practiced. You may ask your wife or spouse to assist you with your Masonic studies. Indeed, if your spouse/wife is unhappy with your potential 9

10 membership, you will not be accepted for initiation. Your family is expected to participate in our social activities and to support you in your Masonic journey, just as by your membership we commit to support them when the need arises. Are Freemasons involved in the community? Absolutely! All Lodges have charitable outreach programmes, which are financed through the contributions of the brethren and their connections. Support of Jamaica s National Children s Home represents a major charitable outreach of this District. The Cayman Masonic Children s Foundation supports The Cayman charity Feed our Future. Freemasons, in general, are not boastful, but humble gentlemen; hence, our good works are not announced from the roof tops. Freemasons MUST commit to charity and benevolence the relief of human suffering. Is membership expensive? YES. A Brother is expected to pay an Initiation fee, his annual dues to his Lodge, District Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge. In addition, he is expected to pay for his meals at the Banquet which usually follows meetings of The Lodge. A Brother is also obliged to purchase Regalia as he progresses through The Degrees initiatory teachings. In addition, there are contributions to benevolence (help to distressed brethren or their families) and to charity (help to the wider society) which are core functions of The Lodge. Be sure you get a clear picture of your financial obligations from the Lodge you wish to join. In fact, if the brethren do not think you can afford membership, you will not be accepted, but encouraged to apply at a later stage in life when you may become better able to honour your financial commitments to the Lodge. 10

11 Are there financial benefits? Freemasonry offers no financial benefits to its members. Work done for Freemasonry by Freemasons is voluntary, just as with a hobby. Of course, Brethren employed on a full-time basis, e.g. Office Administrators, naturally earn a salary. What is the dress code? A strict dress code is observed. For your initiation and future participation, a plain dark suit (black) must be worn. A white collar, i.e., a white shirt or a shirt of modest colour with a white collar is required; also, black shoes and socks. Finally, a plain black tie completes the required dress. We also recommend that tight fitting pants and short sleeves should be avoided. Some Lodges, e.g., those associated with Schools, Universities, Military Brigades etc., may have a special Lodge tie or uniform, but these can only be worn within the specific Lodge and NOT when visiting other Lodges, District Grand Lodge or The Grand Lodge. Is there an age limit for membership? Gentlemen aged 21 years and older are welcome. Younger men may also be admitted by dispensation. There is also a Universities Scheme which permits the admission of young gentlemen attending Tertiary Institutions. An initiate should be free meaning free to formulate his own opinions and to exercise his own judgment. 11

12 What do you look for in a candidate for Freemasonry. You must: - be 21 years old or older. However, 18 year olds can be admitted under special circumstances. - be a free man and of sound mind. - present yourself by free will. - profess a belief in a Supreme Being. - be financially sound and able to protect and support your family. - not have a criminal record. - pass the vote of the Lodge. - be strongly motivated to perform acts of Charity. What does Freemasonry expect of me? Ø You should be a gentleman. Ø Faithful attendance and participation. Ø Prompt payments of all dues. Ø Faithful commitment to and support of The Lodge s benevolent and charitable pursuits. Ø Impeccable conduct and attention to the needs of your family. Ø Probity and integrity. Ø YOU should NEVER bring Freemasonry into disrepute. Such activity could result in you being subjected to Masonic disciplinary action, admonition, suspension or even expulsion. Ø Remember the conduct of our members in and outside The Lodge, determines the reputation of our Order a reputation which has been carefully nurtured and jealously guarded for centuries. 12

13 How do I become a Freemason? You could ask a Freemason, with whom you have been acquainted to act as your proposer. You could also contact the Office of the District Grand Secretary who would direct you. You should expect an invitation to one of the Lodges social events, as well as and an interview with members of the Lodge. Ideally, this interview should be at your home with spouse and adult members of your family in attendance. If all reports are favourable, then to complete the process, a ballot will be taken by the Brethren in a meeting of the Lodge. Then on the appointed date, you will be initiated and assigned a mentor who will guide you as your progress through the different degrees and offices. To make this process meaningful and informative, you will be presented with mentoring modules as you progress through the different degrees. How do I get more information? The website of The District Grand Lodge of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands is a treasure trove of information visit it. Website address or You could also visit the website of The United Grand Lodge of England at The world of Freemasonry is vast and to the faithful, it provides a life of ever increasing spiritual benefits through involvement, not just in Craft Masonry, but other Masonic Orders, which extend throughout the canopy of heaven. As in past centuries, Freemasonry remains relevant today and a hearty welcome awaits you. 13