Delta Lodge #425

What is Freemasonry?

 

Freemasonry is the oldest fraternity in the world.  Its members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, ministers, plumbers, electricians, and all other noble professions, and probably your next-door neighbor.

 

What is a Mason?

 Simple answer: a man who belongs to the Fraternity of Freemasonry; the largest and oldest organization for men in the world, outside of religious organizations. But there is much more.

 

A Mason is a member of a Lodge, or local group of Freemasons. He may also belong to other Masonic organizations, but to be a Mason he must belong and continue to belong to a local Lodge or Blue Lodge (two names for the same thing).

 

To become a member, he has been through at least one of three stages of initiation. To be a full Master Mason, he must have been through all three.

 

The Degrees, or stages of membership are Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft {Fellow of the Craft} and Master Mason. Each Degree is based on ancient traditions and ceremonies which have the purpose of transforming the person into a thinking, autonomous, adult male—in control of himself and aware of his abilities and limitations.

 

This growth and development is the primary purpose of Freemasonry. Charity is not a purpose. The many charities which care for children with disabilities; fund research into eye disease, diabetes, mental health, and Altzheimer’s disease; care for the elderly; support education and much more are an effect of that growth and development. Mutual benefit is not a purpose. It is an effect of men who share a common goal and understanding, and have agreed that a Brother is entitled to any help they can reasonably give.

 

Essentially, a Mason is a man that understands that he is not a “finished product.”

 

He understands that he has a responsibility to continue to grow, to develop, and to become more thoughtful, more compassionate, more in touch with his own spiritual nature and with the world around him. And he chooses to use Freemasonry as a path toward that growth.

 

Is Masonry for Me?

 

The question that has been asked for centuries. “Is Masonry for me” The answer to that is not a simple yes or no. There are other questions one must explore when asking himself if Masonry is for him. If you are looking to better yourself, find a common cause amongst other good men, and truly look to better the world around you, then Masonry might be for you.

 

However, there is an opposite side as well. If you are looking to gain better influence or networks, whether personally or professionally. If you are seeking to join just to learn the “secrets”. Then Masonry may not be for you. You will find disappointment instead. 

 

How Do I Become a Mason?

 

We have a saying “Ask One to Be One”. Simply put, if you are interested in becoming a Mason you must first enquire. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have a direct tie to Masonry to join. Masons are all around you.  You may also go to the Oklahoma Grand Lodge website to express your interest in finding an Oklahoma lodge.  But you must take the first step.  Masonry asks no man to join, it must be of your own free will and accord.

 

If you do not know a Mason,we encourage you to visit us at Delta Lodge #425.

 

There you will find men who will be glad to answer your questions about Freemasonry. However, there are several basic requirements that you will need to meet before asking to join: 

Basic requirements to become a Mason in Oklahoma.

 

• Must be born a male

• Must be 18 years of age to join a lodge in Oklahoma.  (Other states may have different age requirements.)

• Must believe in a Higher Power (not an Atheist)

• Must be a just and upright man. (Must not be a felon)

• You should be someone who does or wants to learn to enjoy the company of other men from all different social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races, countries, etc.  Masonry is universal in its ideals

• If you are a family man, Masonry considers your family obligations to come FIRST, so you must be sure that you have the time to participate (usually 2 or 4 nights a month). You must be able to afford the fees and annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.

• Must come to Masonry of your own free will and accord.  

• Must want to learn to improve yourself and enjoy the company of other good people, NOT because you think it will help you get ahead in business.

 

Please also be aware your background will be thoroughly investigated should you petition to join. This includes searches of public records and calls to family and friends.  This is done to protect our Fraternity's reputation and protect members of other Masonic organizations that rely on us.