ABOUT MASONRY
WHAT IS MASONRY?
Freemasonry is kindness in the home; honesty in business; courtesy toward others; dependability in one's work; compassion for the unfortunate; resistance to evil; help for the weak; concern for good government; support for public education; and above all, a life-practicing reverence for God and love of fellow man.
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It encourages good citizenship and political expression but is not a political organization. Its charitable activities are manifold, yet, it is not a welfare or benefit organization.
Many years ago, a prominent Freemason referred to our Gentle Craft as "an organized association of men, symbolically applying the principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building." That observance was just as true in 1937 as it is today.
For the most relevant definition of our Fraternity, it is suggested that you consider the personal attributes of your Masonic friend who has made himself available to you.
WHERE DIDÂ IT START?
The background of today's Masonry is found deep in the time when men built the cathedrals, abbeys, and castles of medieval Europe. The stonemasons who created these awe-inspiring Gothic structures formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their building trade and to pass on their knowledge to worthy and deserving apprentices.
By the time the need for this type of "Operative" Mason declined in the Seventeenth Century, the practices and customs of the operative craft had left such an impression that men who had no inclination of being operative builders sought membership. These speculative builders were learned and well-thinking men, men of integrity and good will. With their admission, "Speculative Masonry" evolved. This speculative Fraternity of Freemasons used the symbols (tools) which the operative Masons used in Cathedral building as symbols in character building.
The two principal tools were the Square and Compass - which together form the most familiar Masonic "trademark" in the world to this day. The letter "G", in the very center of this emblem, reflects the true Masonic belief that God is the very center of ALL life.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?
Twenty-two words establish the most important prerequisite to becoming a Mason.
"We receive none, knowingly, into our ranks who are not moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world.”
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To be eligible for membership in a South Carolina Masonic Lodge, a petitioner must:
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1) Be a resident of South Carolina for the preceding 12 months; six months if active military.
2) Be male, at least 18 years of age.
3) Be a believer in the existence of a Supreme Being.
4) Be a voluntary candidate for membership.
5) Be motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit.
6) Be prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry.
7) Be desirous of knowledge.
8) Be willing to conform to the Ancient Usages and Customs of the Fraternity.
9) Be willing to submit to a background check, and personally meet with a representative of our fraternity.
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better."
Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Candidates with pending criminal charges and/or extensive criminal records will not be considered for membership.
Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being
(Atheists are not accepted in the Fraternity).
LOOKING TO JOIN US?
Click on the picture below to learn more about how to become a Mason,
or fill out the Contact Form below.
CONTACT
BOYLESTON LODGE
Get in touch with Boyleston Lodge to learn more about us, and how you can join.
Please fill out the Contact Form to get connected with us.