A Bit Of Freemasonry History

Freemasonry is the largest and oldest fraternity and is truly worldwide. In Alberta alone there are more than 8000 Masons. The "craft" has been in existance for many years and was originally founded in the stonemasons of history who built the cathedrals, castles, abbeys and edifaces so well know today. Although "operative" stonemason lodges have been in existance for thousands of years, there is a document in the British Museum that many experts have varified as the first "accepted or speculative" masonic manuscript known and is dated 1390. Most Masonic scholars however refer to a documented meeting in London in 1717 as the recognized beginning of modern freemasonry.

Freemasonry is a fraternity that has been discribed as an brotherhood that "makes good men better". It has also been discribed as "a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illistrated by symbols". Freemasonry strives and encourages its members to improve themselves and thereby improve the world. 

King Hiram Lodge itself was instituted on April 6 1906 and has been meeting in Didsbury, Alberta every second Tuesday of the month, a proud heritage we hope to continue.

 

 

 

Freemansonry and Life Today

 

Freemasonry is Not a religion or cult and is not a replacement for religion. We ask that our members believe in a "Supreme Being". but do not designate who or what that must be. All men of any religious background are welcome to join. You will never be asked to compromise your own religous beliefs in any way but religous or expressions of individual worship preferances are not allowed or discussed in lodge. 

Freemasonry is not to be seen as a "step up" for business connections or monetary gain and those who join with this in mind will be saddly disappointed. 

As proud members of society we encourage civil, religious and moral convictions congruant with the laws and beliefs of our country, we will never ask any member to violate the moral or civil laws of the land, however political discussions are not allowed in lodge.

 

 

While Freemasonry is not a charity organization we are proud of our contributions to the good of society. For example Masons in Alberta are second only to the provincial government in education bursery endowments and as a world wide group contribute more than one million dollars per day to various charities.

 

Freemasons and Secrecy

 

Much has been said of Freemasonry and "secrets". Most importantly it must be stated, Freemasonry is not a secret society. Lodge meeting locations and times are openly posted for all to see. Web sites are becoming more and more popular and Masons are endevouring to be more accessable than ever before. Masons do not hide the fact that they are Masons but are proud of their membership and contribution to society. We do however, choose to keep certain rituals and presentations known to Masons only. It has been explained by a Mason thus;

 "Nothing that we teach, no part of Masonic philosophy is secret. It is only the symbols and dramatic presentations of our moral lessons that are secret. The reason for that is so each mason will find the lessons fresh and inspiring. If the lessons and symbols we use were common currency known to all the world, they would not be fresh and dramatic as each new Mason hears them. They would have become trivial, and lose their impact. But I emphasize again, it is not the lesson that is secret but simply the dramatic means by which it is presented".

 

 

Becoming a Freemason

 

Becoming a Freemason is not difficult but you will have to meet certain criteria. Firstly, you will not be asked to become a Mason, it is up to you to ask to be a Mason. You must have a favourable opinion of Freemasonry and a desire to be a member. 

You must be a male and be at least 21 years of age and believe in a "supreme being". You must be of good moral character and reputation.  Masons believe in being as honest, moral, sincere, charitable and ethical a man as possible. No man is perfect but we strive for our best. 

You must be willing to commit to a moderate financial committment. There will be a one time initial fee and a yearly dues. You may chose, only if you wish, to contribute to any of the many charitable fund raisers.

Freemasonry requires a time commitment. You will be expected to attend your lodge meetings on a regular basis, normally one night per month. All consideration is given to members, we know family and work comes first, but do not join if you will not participate.

There is some memory work required but it is not overwhelming. Remember every Mason has gone through exactly what will be asked of you. We are always here to assist you.

If you don't know a Mason to ask about joining, any of the brothers listed on the contact page will be happy to meet with you to answer any questions you may have.