About-Freemasonry

Home

Norwood Lodge No. 90

Grand Lodge of Alberta

A.F & A.M.

Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth

The Grand Lodge of Alberta

Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons

Declaration of Principles

FREEMASONRY AS A SOCIETY IS:

Charitable – It is devoted to the welfare and happiness of mankind.

Benevolent – Teaches that the good of others is of primary concern.

Communal – Recognizes that society is made up of individuals, impresses upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and responsibility, enlightens them in those things which make for the good of human welfare; and inspires the feelings of charity and goodwill toward all mankind leading to practical application of those cherished principles.

Educational – Its authorized ceremonials teach a system of morality and brotherhood based upon Sacred Law.

Religious – It acknowledges a one and caring Deity. Neither secular nor theological, reverence for a Supreme Being is ever present in its ceremonials. The Volume of the Sacred Law, appropriate to its members, is open upon its Altar whenever a Lodge is in session.

Social – It encourages the meeting together of men for the purpose of its primary objects: education, fellowship and charity.

TO THESE SEVERAL ENDS

It Teaches – And stands for, the individual's worship of a Supreme Being; truth and justice; fraternity and philanthropy; enlightenment and liberty — civil, religious and intellectual.

It Charges – Each of its members to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance and to be obedient to the laws of the province in which he may reside.

It Believes – That the attainment of these objectives is best accomplished by laying a broad basis of principles upon which men of every race, country, sect and opinion may unite, rather than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those of certain races, creeds and opinions can assemble. It is expected that holding these beliefs and in the knowledge that the true Freemason will act in civil life according to his individual judgment and dictates of his conscience.

THE GRAND LODGE AFFIRMS

Its Continued Adherence – To that ancient and approved rule of Freemasonry which forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings of creeds, politics or other topics likely to excite personal animosities.

Its Dedication – To those basic Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and by their consistent practice, the lessening of the aggregate of human suffering and the promotion of the true and lasting happiness of mankind.

Its Conviction – That it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but dangerous to its unit strength, usefulness and welfare, for Masonic bodies to take action or attempt to exercise pressure or influence for or against any legislation, or in any way attempt to procure the election or appointment of government officials, or to influence them, whether or not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties.

WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

Freemasonry is a way of life. It is fraternal in organization, religious in character, based on the belief in a Supreme Being, brotherhood of man and immortality of the soul.

Freemasonry is NOT a secret society as many surmise. It is a voluntary association wherein the interested one comes of his own free will and accord.

Freemasonry is NOT a religion as many claim it to be.

Freemasonry, in its every effort and purpose, strives to do charitable work within its membership and for society. Through its teachings, seeks to make good men better men. The lessons conveyed by our ritual are based on the Golden Rule.

Freemasonry is a band of men bound together in the bonds of brotherly love and affection that extends throughout the world.

FREEMASONRY IS:

Kindness in the home —

Honesty in business

Courtesy in society —

Fairness in work

Resistance toward the wicked —

Pity and concern for the unfortunate

Help for the weak —

Trust in the strong

Forgiveness for the penitent —

and, above all,