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Freemasonry is a great, yet commonly misunderstood, society of friends and brothers. In order to further
understand us, you need to know what we are and what we are not.
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What Freemasonry is...
Freemasonry is the oldest Fraternal organization in existence. Written records about the Order date back to
1390, and the traditions of Masonry are even older. The Grand Lodge of Virginia is the oldest independent body in the United
States. A roster of Masonic membership during the early years of our country reads like a study in American history. It is
led by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Chief Justice John Marshall, Edmund Randolph, and a host of signers of the Declaration
of Independence and the United States Constitution. Since those early years of our country's history, Masonic membership has
continued to include many famous Americans, including United States Presidents, Congressmen, State Governors and other well
known men in leadership positions. The Masonic Fraternity includes men from all walks of life; professionals, tradesmen and
laborers.
Freemasonry is a charitable organization. Masonic organizations in North America collectively contribute well
over two million dollars every day to charities throughout North America.
Freemasonry is open to all men, regardless of race or religion.
What Freemasonry is Not...
Freemasonry is not a religion. It does not promise salvation. But, while not a religion, Freemasonry is religious in the
sense that Masons revere God, and urge every man to attend the Church or Synagogue of his choice. We learn that our strength
is to be found in our God, no matter how we may view Him.
Freemasonry is not a secret society as some would accuse. Masons proudly wear the ancient insignia of Freemasonry, the
Square and Compass, publicly. The location of our Masonic Lodges is known and our membership rosters are printed. We do keep
secret our modes of recognition and the ceremonies of initiation to prevent imposition by impostors.
In sum, Freemasonry teaches the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, marvelling at the Divine order
of the universe. It brings together men of all creeds and teaches the many aspects of the Great and Golden Rule common to
all Faiths.
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 Contents of this site, unless otherwise noted, are
Copyright © 2007 Wor. Bro. Barry
Light, webmaster. Contact the webmaster at pleasantslodge@earthlink.net.
This is the official Web site of Pleasants Lodge #63 of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. While this website does provide
information about our lodge and strive to keep it accurate and current, we are not responsible for other sites to which this
site may link or for any organization claiming affiliation with this Lodge that may be found in other locations. This information
is provided as a public service only and should not be used for commercial purposes. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the
materials on the website are provided "as is", without warranty of any kind. All express or implied conditions, representations
and warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement,
are disclaimed. No representations, warranties, guaranties as to the quality, suitability, truth, accuracy or completeness
of any of the materials contained on this Website are made.
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