To the Lady & Family of a Mason

A man in your family is now a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

This will undoubtedly raise some questions in your mind, and we hope the following will be helpful in answering those questions.

You are now a Mason's Lady, and we take this opportunity to extend our first greeting to you. While you personally have not joined our organization, there are certain things that may be helpful for you to know in the future. At the same time, there are matters of general interest about your Mason and his new organization.

WHEN & WHERE DID IT BEGIN?

The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest and most widely-known fraternal organization in the world. It has its roots in antiquity, and is directly descended from the association of "operative masons," the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages who traveled through Europe employing the secrets and skills of their crafts. The organization, as we know it today, began in 1717 in England when cathedral building was on the decline and the "operative masons" or "free masons," as the known, started to accept as members those who were not members of the masons' craft, calling them "speculative masons" or "accepted masons".

Freemasonry was brought to the United States by the early settlers, and Benjamin Franklin, in an early newspaper published by him, referred to a Lodge of Freemasons being in existence in Philadelphia in 1730.

Throughout the world, there are approximately 5 million Masons.

Masonry is not, contrary to common belief, a "secret society," but rather a "society with secrets." If it were a secret society, Masons would not wear Masonic jewelry of publicly mark their many Halls. Masonry does have many traditions and customs which, of course, are known only to its members.

WHAT DOES FREEMASONRY MEAN TO A MEMBER?

It would be difficult to summarize in a brief space all that a Mason learns through his membership. But briefly, Freemasonry encourages a member to apply to his daily living the broad, general principles of morality. Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.

Freemasonry does not, and will never wish to, interfere with duties that a man owes to God, his country, his neighbor, his family, or himself; but rather, by learning to understand, to live by and practice the fundamental precepts of the organization, he has an opportunity for self-improvement. It helps a good man become a better man, a better father, husband, brother or son.

THE APRON

During the ceremonies of his initiation, each Mason is presented with an apron. It is, to him, an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. It has, in all ages, been cherished by the rich, the poor, the high and the low. It is his for life. He will never receive another one and has, therefore, been cautioned to take it home and instructed in its care. While

It is to be placed upon his coffin or casket at his death if his nearest living relative so chooses. Its moral application is explained to a Mason during its presentation. Its physical usage is now revealed to you.

LET US KNOW

Contacting the Lodge is not a difficult matter. The Lodge Secretary's name and contact details appear on all summonses sent to a Mason and can be found on any letters from the lodge as well as on the lodge website.

ILLNESS

In the event our member becomes ill, we want to know. Again, the same method of notifying us can be used as explained above.

In the past, members have fallen ill without our knowing it and their loved ones have been displeased with us for a seeming act of disregard, when in fact we have been unaware of the problem.

Your Mason has joined an organization who wants to assist him when in need, and we need your help to do it.

MEETINGS

Lodges meet in regular monthly sessions and on such other days as are necessary to conduct its business and ritualistic work.

While every Mason's attendance is solicited, it is not intended that a Lodge should interfere with one's regular vocation or duty to family, God or country.

Your Mason has invested time and money in joining our order and for years to come will be paying annual dues. He can best receive all that is his by frequently participating in

deliberations and events. We hope that you will approve and encourage him to attend regularly, and we hope that you, will join us whenever possible.

TITLE

In the years to come, it is reasonable to assume that at some time while you are accompanying your Mason, someone will address him as "Brother." Brother is neither a sentimental nor familiar form of address, but is a title, a distinction and an honor, indicating that he has been recognized by another Mason.

Brother is a title dating back to ancient times and is used in place of Mister or a similar title to which one is entitled by virtue of his station in life. In Masonry, all men are equal, as no man is regarded for his worldly wealth or honor, and all distinctions are cast away.

CONCLUSION

We hope you have found this information helpful, and that it will assist you in better understanding your Mason's role in life. We urge you to save it as a reference whenever questions arise.

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