If this is your first step in discovering more about Freemasonry and the Masonic Lodges here on the Eastside of Seattle, then I thank you for visiting. Much has been written in recent years about our Ancient Fraternity, with allusions to us in Dan Brown’s books, Hollywood movies such as “National Treasure” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”, and even expose documentaries like “Secrets of The Freemasons” on The History Channel.
However, no matter what has been written about us, either positive or negative, the reality is that Masonry is based upon a series of progressive degrees of obligation that an individual man takes on in order to discover more about himself and his place in the community around him. Thus our Fraternity is not so much a Secret Society as a Society which teaches the value of a Secret. We do this in much the same way you might—after all, how would you feel if someone wanted to view your private finances? Or if your spouse revealed something to others that you had said to him/her in confidence?
We teach men—sometimes for the first time in their life—the basic tenets of Trust, Brotherly Love, and Obligation. While we grant that these Principles should have been taught earlier on in a person’s life—we also know for a certainty that that is not always the case. Our Fraternity specializes in working with Men to help them build Character.
The Basic Unit of Masonry is your local Masonic Lodge—there are 8 here on the Eastside. Each Lodge is comprised of a unique group of Men who have taken on the same set of Obligations—thus they have become Brothers. At our Monthly Meetings we discuss a wide range of topics ranging from issues pertaining to their city, to Education, Conservation, or even the latest movie or book about Masonry!! Refreshments follow!!
We do have some requirements that a Man MUST possess before he can Petition a Lodge for Membership. He must believe in God and an Afterlife. This means that we are open to men of good character regardless of their specific religion or spiritual belief. Masons here on the Eastside comprise the faiths of Christian, Judaism, Islam, Buddhist, Hindi and more. That said, Masonry is NOT a religion or a religious based organization.
We are also not a Service Club—but we are still active in our Community. Several Lodges give out Scholarships. One Lodge was active in Katrina relief. Others are active in our CHIPs program—ChildHood Identification Program—a program which we provide at street fairs and schools. It entails fingerprinting the kids, a dental imprint, DNA/Saliva swab, and a 3-5 minute DVD of the child. It is free of charge and the package goes home with the parents. Another activity is the Bikes For Books Program where the Lodge works with a local Elementary School to help them enhance their reading program.
And please feel free to either
contact me or the Lodge nearest you. Have a cup of java with a Mason and determine for yourself if exploring Masonry is something for you.
Fraternally,