Plymouth Lodge A.F. & A.M.

 What is Freemasonry

 A Masonic Lodge is a local gathering place where men, known as Freemasons, meet to participate in ritual ceremonies, learn moral lessons based on the symbolism of stone masonry, and foster a sense of brotherhood, all centered around the core principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth; essentially, it's a community of men dedicated to self-improvement and charitable work, with meetings that incorporate symbolic rituals often referencing the building of King Solomon's Temple.

Key points about a Masonic lodge:

• Membership: Open to men who believe in a Supreme Being and are of good character.

• Rituals and ceremonies: Structured around three degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason), with symbolic tools and allegory representing moral lessons.

• Focus on self-improvement: Members are encouraged to develop their character and contribute to society through charitable work.

• Symbolism: Uses tools like the square, level, and plumb to represent moral concepts.

• Secrecy: Certain aspects of the lodge are kept private, including handshakes, passwords, and ritual details.

BROTHERHOOD:

In today’s world, it is difficult for men to come together in a way that enables them to develop true and lasting connections. Increasing demands from our careers and family makes camaraderie difficult to establish and maintain. Masons develop a connection built on shared beliefs and experiences. This creates a profound bond that transcends ordinary kinship. Brothers support and challenge one another, share knowledge and wisdom, and provide light and hope in times of darkness. As a Masonic brother, you will always have a network of peers who care about you, no matter the hardships you may face.

“That’s the essence of friendship – making sure the person you’re talking to feels valued.” – Raphael Awuku

RELIEF:

In this world of plenty, no one should be in need. Freemasons believe that the desire to help others is a natural by-product of our own personal growth and development. When good men come together, this desire (and our ability to put it into action) grows exponentially. From the earliest days of Freemasonry, providing care and resources for others has been one of our most vital activities. In fact, we give over 2 million dollars to national and local charities every single day. More importantly than financial support, however, is that all Masons give generously of both their time and talents.

“I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for the Masons.” – Jon Rizzo

TRUTH:

As Freemasons, we continually seek to better ourselves and the world around us through the pursuit of knowledge. At its core, Freemasonry is about the nature of truth. Together, we pursue wisdom through a system of values. We use symbols and allegory because they are the surest way in which our shared truth may be taught. Through these symbols and our shared traditions, each Mason defines and discovers his own unique path.

Leadership skills are developed by Freemasons in their search for truth. As we learn and grow, we become mentors to others. Freemasons share their knowledge and skills with other Masons and with the community as a whole. Within Freemasonry, there are ample opportunities to learn the leadership skills that you may have never recognized you possessed. This includes leadership positions available at the lodge, District, and Grand Lodge level.

Striving for personal growth is a core tenet of Freemasonry. As Masons progress through the Craft, they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills they may never have recognized they had. The opportunities for betterment are immeasurable, whether it’s through helping a brother in need or supporting the community through acts of charity.

As Freemasons, we cherish the pursuit of wisdom. We strive for enlightenment through the pursuit of the knowledge found in our symbols, rituals and allegory. By striving to live with virtue and compassion and by maintaining an ongoing curiosity about our world, we continue to embody the spirit of enlightenment