| Findlay Masonic Bodies |
what Is freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world. Founded in London, England in 1717, its current worldwide membership totals 3.6 million members, 1.6 million of which are in North America. With 120,000 Masons and 530 local Lodges, Ohio has one of the largest Masonic memberships of any state in the country.
The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King Solomon's Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. For example, Masons are reminded at Lodge to "meet upon the level of equality, act by the plumb of uprightness, and part upon the square of virtue."
Like most organizations, one will get out of Freemasonry what he is able to put into it. However, membership in Freemasonry is not meant in any way to interfere with an individual's commitment to his faith, family, or occupation. Freemasonry is not and never can be a replacement for these important institutions, but rather it is a positive environment that reminds every Mason of his duty to God, his community, his family and himself.
Freemasonry provides opportunities for sincere, honest, forthright men who believe in God and desire to contribute to the improvement of their communities and themselves. Through our Masonic Fraternalism, we reaffirm our dedication and unity to become involved citizens who have a strong desire to preserve the values that have made and continue to make America great. We take good men and make them better.
The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King Solomon's Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. For example, Masons are reminded at Lodge to "meet upon the level of equality, act by the plumb of uprightness, and part upon the square of virtue."
Like most organizations, one will get out of Freemasonry what he is able to put into it. However, membership in Freemasonry is not meant in any way to interfere with an individual's commitment to his faith, family, or occupation. Freemasonry is not and never can be a replacement for these important institutions, but rather it is a positive environment that reminds every Mason of his duty to God, his community, his family and himself.
Freemasonry provides opportunities for sincere, honest, forthright men who believe in God and desire to contribute to the improvement of their communities and themselves. Through our Masonic Fraternalism, we reaffirm our dedication and unity to become involved citizens who have a strong desire to preserve the values that have made and continue to make America great. We take good men and make them better.
What are Ceremonies
The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic Lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages that Masons call "degrees." These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval craftsmen. Symbolically the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and age.
The first degree of Freemasonry is the Entered Apprentice degree. It is a candidate's first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity and like all Masonic ceremonies is a solemn and meaningful event. Though new to Freemasonry, an Entered Apprentice enjoys the title of "Brother."
The Fellow Craft degree is the second ceremony and exposes a Brother to more of the symbolism and philosophy of the fraternity. For skilled craftsmen this degree would have marked one's progress from an apprentice to a journeyman.
The Master Mason degree is the last of the Lodge ceremonies and with it a candidate becomes a full member, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership. Once a brother reaches the status of Master Mason is equal to all other Master Masons.
During all three ceremonies a candidate is treated with complete respect. At no time is he ever made to feel uncomfortable or harassed in anyway. Masonic ceremonies are a wonderful tradition shared by men such as George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Dave Thomas, and other men of integrity. These ceremonies are always conferred in such a way as to bring pride to the candidate and the members of the Lodge.
The first degree of Freemasonry is the Entered Apprentice degree. It is a candidate's first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity and like all Masonic ceremonies is a solemn and meaningful event. Though new to Freemasonry, an Entered Apprentice enjoys the title of "Brother."
The Fellow Craft degree is the second ceremony and exposes a Brother to more of the symbolism and philosophy of the fraternity. For skilled craftsmen this degree would have marked one's progress from an apprentice to a journeyman.
The Master Mason degree is the last of the Lodge ceremonies and with it a candidate becomes a full member, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership. Once a brother reaches the status of Master Mason is equal to all other Master Masons.
During all three ceremonies a candidate is treated with complete respect. At no time is he ever made to feel uncomfortable or harassed in anyway. Masonic ceremonies are a wonderful tradition shared by men such as George Washington, Harry S. Truman, Dave Thomas, and other men of integrity. These ceremonies are always conferred in such a way as to bring pride to the candidate and the members of the Lodge.
Qualifications for Membership
Application for membership is open to men who:
At Findlay Lodge #227, the application fee is $150 ($125 for veterans), and the Lodge's annual dues are currently a little under $50 (they can fluctuate a little bit based on how much we have to pay the Grand Lodge of Ohio that year). The Masonic term for a membership application is a "petition." If you wish to join, simply ask a Mason for a petition. The most important thing is that you ASK! A Mason cannot solicit new brothers, we can only provide men with Masonic information and let them come to us requesting membership if and when they are ready. The choice is yours.
- Have been an Ohio resident for at least six months
- Are at least 19 years old
- Have a belief in a Supreme Being
- Live a good moral and social life
- Do not advocate the overthrow of the government
- Can read and write English
- Are recommended by two members of the Lodge they wish to join. If you do not know two members of our Lodge that's okay too, we'd still love to meet you! Simply contact us by phone or email and express an interest in meeting with a Mason to learn more, or drop by the Lodge on the first Saturday of the month for our monthly breakfasts from 7-9.
At Findlay Lodge #227, the application fee is $150 ($125 for veterans), and the Lodge's annual dues are currently a little under $50 (they can fluctuate a little bit based on how much we have to pay the Grand Lodge of Ohio that year). The Masonic term for a membership application is a "petition." If you wish to join, simply ask a Mason for a petition. The most important thing is that you ASK! A Mason cannot solicit new brothers, we can only provide men with Masonic information and let them come to us requesting membership if and when they are ready. The choice is yours.
What happens after joining?
Well, that completely depends on you. A masonic journey is one of individualism, but with the support of your masonic family. When you become a Master Mason you can join in on a great number of events involving Blue Lodge. Here you can attend our meetings twice a month (which always end in food and brotherly fellowship), attend degree work where you can to watch other candidates pass through the same journey you have, join the officer line, volunteer at many of our fundraising events, and view or play a part in many special meetings and events we host. As a nonprofit philanthropic organization, we are always raising funds to give back to the community and charitable organizations.
You can become as active as you want in Blue Lodge (or craft lodge, the name given to the type of lodge that all masons belong), and if you wish to continue your masonic journey there are many appendant bodies you can join after becoming a mason. Findlay has the honor of being a York Rite temple, meaning the 3 bodies of the York Rite meet at our facility. York Rite consists of Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal & Select Masters, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. Each body has 3-4 degrees that will take you far on your masonic journey and enrich your mind and heart. Findlay also has an active Shrine Club. The Shriners are known for their parades, circuses, and world renowned hospitals for children. Their philosophy is to have fun while helping children. Wish to learn more masonic history and observe more ritual work? Then the Scottish Rite might be the thing for you, with 29 degrees to enjoy. Of course, there are numerous other bodies you can join as well. Feel overwhelming? It often is, but no need to be dissuaded. Once you become a mason you'll have the rest of your life to learn about ways to be involved.
You can become as active as you want in Blue Lodge (or craft lodge, the name given to the type of lodge that all masons belong), and if you wish to continue your masonic journey there are many appendant bodies you can join after becoming a mason. Findlay has the honor of being a York Rite temple, meaning the 3 bodies of the York Rite meet at our facility. York Rite consists of Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal & Select Masters, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. Each body has 3-4 degrees that will take you far on your masonic journey and enrich your mind and heart. Findlay also has an active Shrine Club. The Shriners are known for their parades, circuses, and world renowned hospitals for children. Their philosophy is to have fun while helping children. Wish to learn more masonic history and observe more ritual work? Then the Scottish Rite might be the thing for you, with 29 degrees to enjoy. Of course, there are numerous other bodies you can join as well. Feel overwhelming? It often is, but no need to be dissuaded. Once you become a mason you'll have the rest of your life to learn about ways to be involved.