Freemasonry is
Kindness in the home
honesty in business
courtesy in society
fairness in work
pity and concern for the unfortunate
resistance towards the evil
help fo the weak
forgiveness for the penitent
love for one another
and above all
reverance and love for god What can you say about Freemasonry?Freemasonry is a
Voluntary association of men
System of moral conduct
Way of life
Fraternal Society Freemasonry is
Universally applicable througout the world.
Religious in its character Based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man and the Immortality of the Soul. The tenents of Freemasonry are ethical principles such as are acceptable to all good men Not an insurance of beneficial type society
Neither a religion nor a creed
Not organised for profit
Not a forum for discussion on partisan affairs Freemasonry Teaches
Monotheism
The Golden Rule
Morality through symbolism
Tolerance towards the belief of others and charity towards all mankind IT TEACHES
Lovd and kidness in the home
Honesty and fairness in business or occupation
Courtesy in social contacts
Help for the weak and unfortuante
Resistance to wickedness
Trust and confidence in good men
Forgiveness towards the penitent
Love towards one another, and above all
Reverence for teh Supreme Being Freemasonry seeks
to make good men better
No advantages for its members through business or politics Freemasonry uses Ritual and Ceremonies to instruct its members Freemasonry produly proclaims that it consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection. Freemasonry does not
Solicit members
Conceal its existance. It is not a secret society Freemasonry dictates to no man as to his bveleifs, either religious or secular Do you know that 800 Freemasons appear on postage stamps all over the world The Collection of stamps has been a popular pastime for many. It was on 6th May 1840, that the first postage stamp of the world, �The Penny Black� was issued in Great Britain. This was printed by Jacob Perkins, the American Freemason and an engraver. Sooner other countries followed suit. Within a decade the first stamp collectors appeared on the scene. Today about 30 crore people are estimated to be engaged in the hobby. Over the years another increased interest arose, that was to collect postal stamps associated with a particular theme, and an interest in those associated in some way with Freemasonry has been around for many years. The objective of Masonic Philately was the furtherance of Masonic Research via the media of postage stamps, the dissemination of knowledge gained and the quiet enjoyment of this interesting hobby. The area of study later extended to Special Covers, Postcards and postal seals. A worldwide survey reveals that over 800 Freemasons appear on postage stamps. According to W.Bro. K.P Achar, a retired Superintendent of Post Offices who is also our brother and doing a Philatelic Research, in almost all cases the stamps were issued not because they are Freemasons, but for other different reasons. It is possible that the number may be much more than what is stated, because for lack of correct Masonic details. Some of the well known Freemasons who appeared on postage stamps include Dadabhoy Naoroji (a noted Parliamentarian), Fakruddin Ali Ahmed (former President of India), W.C. Banerjee (the first President of Indian National Congress), Swami Vivekananda (a great social reformer, religious teacher), Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (Founder of Aligarh Muslim University), J.R.D Tata (Father of Civil Aviation in India) and many others. How well Freemasons are known by society? Freemasons must maintain relationship with their surroundings and as Freemasons are part of the society. IN the late 1800s a miller discovered tha the square and the compasses was not protected by a trademark, and he decided to use it as a logo for this own brand of flour. The Masons of that state brought Suit to stop him. Since there was no clear precedence to guide him, the judge in the case ordered a survey be made of a sample of the population to determine if the square and compasses were so well known to be associated with Masonry that the Craft had a claim on the symbol in equity. As a result of that survey, it was determined that more than 80% of the non-Masons in that state knew the symbol and knew that it stood of Masonry. The miller was not allowed to use the symbol. It was a wonderful testimony of the public�s recognitions image of Masonry. And yet, today less than 10% of the non-Masonic public can identify the symbol. It didn�t happen because society changed, or our culture suddenly went awry. It happened because we changed how we practice Masonry. Little by little, we withdraw into our tiled recesses- like a snail into its shell. We stopped being social with the outside world. We abrogated our charitable works to others. We stopped practicing Masonry outside our lodges. Perhaps we thought it no longer mattered. Many of the traditional ways in which we had been visible, in which we had earned the respect of the community, were no longer available. We decided it was enough that we only confer degrees. That was tragic decision for Masonry; to become almost �invisible� on the outside. Today, many communities don�t know anything about us at all except perhaps that we appear cultish and secretive, and are inwardly focused to the point that they have little reason to respect us as an organisation. Of course, it doesn�t have to be that way. We can change. May be it is time we brothers make our lodges known and understood. If the public is to know us and respect us, we must give them a reason to give us that respect. To do that, we must frequently invite them to our lodges and tell our story; and Most importantly, greet them on their own turf--out in the community where we all live, and make a difference in the world. If we do, we will recapture the respect we once had--in the same way we got it in the first place--by EARNING IT! �By their works yes shall know them,�, is a ture today as it was two thousand years ago. It is time that we begin that work. Masonry and Secrecy Secrecy, in masonry is considered by many masons as the most difficult question to answer. Any organzation which has secrets is generally considered to be an evil one. But, in the case of masonry, it is not the case. Freemasonry developed from the closed door meetings of operative masons. The operative masons held their meetings behind closed doors in order to protect their skills in designing the buildings, so that outsiders without proper understanding and practice, do not bring discredit to the profession of masonry, when they are engaged by ignorant clients, by imperfect buildings. In course of time, after masonry lost its patronization, speculative masonry developed. In those days, it was not possible for persons of enquiring minds to discuss with like minded persons and understand the natural phenomena, due to ignorance and superstitious nature of a majority of the population. Hence, they formed the Masonic Lodges, with their practice of holding their meetings behind closed doors, ideal places for their purpose. Thus speculative masonry developed with all the practices of functioning of the Lodges adopted from those of operative masons. They then developed symbolism with the help of the tools used by operative masons. As it is evident from above, that the institution of operative masonry was basically of brotherhood, speculative masons also adopted same concept of brotherhood, either by necessity or because of their association with the brotherhood of operative masonry. It foolows that brotherhood requires means of recognition between brothers from different areas. Consequently, some signs, code words, etc., were adopted by operative masons to prevent anyone who was not a member of their profession, to participate in their technical or organizational discussion. In the same way, speculative masons continued the system of having signs and words, either the same or some variant of them, for identification of Accepted or Speculative Masons. These are the secrets which are guarded by freemasons worldwide. Since this ancient insitution, like most other ancient institutions, is mainly carried on by traditions, hence, it is the tradition which is responsible for perpetuating the secrecy in the functioning of Masonic Lodges.
Goshamahal, the Oldest Masonic Building in the world Goshamahal Baradari meeting place for Masons in Hyderabad is the oldest building used as a Masonic Temple in India. It built in 1682 by Sultan Abul Hassan Tanasha. It was in 1933, Nizam gave away the building to Masons. The world�s oldest Masonic Building is said to be �Masons Hall� in Rechmond, Virginia, which was contructed in 1785. The Masonic Temple in Vijayawada of Lodge Burroughs Strange No. 87 was Consecreted and Constitution of the Lodge took place on January 27, 1912. From 1920, the Lodge was located in its own building constructed at a csot of Rs 15,000 by funds raised by donations and debentures. In 1892, the tallest building in the world was the Masonic Temple at Randolph and state Streets, Chicago, IL The largest Master�s chair is in Ophir Lodge # 33, CA. It is 15 feet long and can seat the Master, living Past Masters and visiting dignitaries. In Fascist Spain under Franco, it was a crime to be a freemason. Masons convicted had to serve prison terms equal in years to the number of Masonic degrees possessed. Master Mason = 3 D i.e 3years. In 1801, Czar Alexander I of Russian banned the craft. In 1803 he rescinded the order and became a Freemason. But, in 1822 he again ordered Freemasonry banned in Russia. On June 7, 1921, Mystic Lodge #21 of Red Bank, NJ conferred half of the MM degree on brother Lyman C. Van when the power went out. He didn�t receive the rest of the degree for several weeks, making him for a time, a �two and half degree� mason. On his famous solo flight across the Atlantic, Charles Lindbergh wore a square and compasses on his jacket as a good luck piece. He was a mason. At one time, Golden Lodge # 5, Stanstead, Canada occupied a lodge room, which straddled the boundary between Canada and the United States. There were entrances on both sides of the border. Do you that there were �Travelling� or �Moveable� Lodges. They were attached to many regiments in the British Army; the earliest warrant creating such a Lodge having been issued in 1732 by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Buzz Aldrin
July 20, 1969 was the historic day for world space science and technology. On this day astronaut Neil Armstrong did something no one had ever done before. On that day, away from four lakh miles, he set foot on the moon. People around the world watched and listened as Neil slowly climbed down the ladder of the lunar lander. Then, he stepped on the moon's surface where he could look up and see Earth far above him. There he said these well-known words, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Neil Armstrong was the first astronaut to step on the moon. He was soon joined by Buzz Aldrin. The two astronauts spent 21 hours on the moon. They did experiments and took pictures. They also brought back 46 pounds of moon rocks. Image to left: While on the moon Neil and Buzz planted a United States flag and left a sign that read, "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind." But, one thing Freemasons to be proud about. He created a Masonic History by carrying a banner bearing Masonic emblem in his pocket when he walked on the moon, and planted a Masonic Flag on the moon. This packet was to remain there for all times to come. The Pilchers: Four Generations Masons Generatinos of Masons
Unlike many organisations, Masons have a unique distinciton of being the only organisation to have generations of family members as Masons. One such family is The Pilchers. Adarsheer Rattanjee Saklatwala was a priest in Bombay Parsee Anjuman Agiari. He came in search of fortunes to Hyderabad. He joined St. John�s Lodge in 1875. Lodge Mayo was started in November 1881. Bro. Adarsheer joined Lodge Mayo in September 1882. He saved Lodge Mayo from extinction when St. John�s Lodge threatened and refused permission to hold their meetings in St. John�s Hall. His Son Bro. Nadirshah Adarsheer Pilcher was also joined Freemasonry. His son Rattanshah also joined Masonry and served as a dedicated mason. He was initiated in Lodge Morland on 11th July, 1927. He served Artillery in the First World War. He was an excellent gun-repairer. His grandson Bro. Minoo R. Pilcher also joined Freemasonry and occupied Eastern Chair in Lodge May in the year 1968. Bro. Minee has served as Tyler in English, Scottish and Indian Lodges. All the Pilchers have never thought it derogatory to serve as Tyler to various Lodges meeing at Hyderabad and Secunderabad. This is the story of the Pilchers, who for four generations have been very dedicated masons. The Statue of Liberty was a Freemasons Gift to Americans The Statue of Liberty in New York harbour was presented in 1884 as a gift from the French Grand Orient Temple Masons to the Masons of America. It was a gift from the French people to the United States as a token of mutual friendship. Its designer, a Freemason, was Brother Frederic A. Bartholdi, 31 years old (1834-1904) who conceived its design while on a visit to America. As his ship sailed into New York, Bartholdi had a vision of a woman standing on a pedestal, holding a torch and welcoming immigrants to a new life in a free land. Along with Brother Bartholdi, Brother Gustave Eiffel was also responsible for the statue. Brother Eiffel designed and built the frame work which holds the copper sheeting in place. Frederic Bartholdi was one of the early members of Lodge Alsace-Lorraine, Paris (Oct. 14, 1875) which was composed of prominent intellectuals, writers and government representatives. When his famous statue "Liberty Enlightening the World" was achieved, Bartholdi convened his Lodge to review it, even before the statue was shown to the U.S. committee. On June 19, 1884, the Lodge, as if it were a pilgrimage, went in a body to review his masterpiece. On July 4th, 1884 the finished statue was presented to the American Ambassador in Paris, Levi Morton. On August 5th, 1884, the then Grand Master of Masons in New York, William A. Brodie laid the cornerstone of the pedestal of the statue of "Liberty Enlightening the World" with full Masonic ceremony. On November 13, 1884 Bartholdi delivered a lecture and gave the Lodge a report on the history and various methods used in the execution of the statue. Again the Lodge witnessed his emotion when he came back from his visit to the United States in 1887, and he told them of the ardent welcome he had received and of the wide enthusiasm created by his work. Masons everywhere can take special pride in the part our great Fraternity played in the crea- tion and erection, nearly 100 years ago, of the most unique symbol of freedom and oppor- tunity, the Statue of Liberty. Together, American and French citizens contributed some $500,000 to the pro- ject. On Washington�s birthday in 1877, Con- gress accepted the statue, in the name of the United States, as a gift from the French people. Freemasonry and Indira Gandhi
It is Freemasony, perceived by many as world�s most secretive movement. They are said to be such a secretive that once during Emergency, Mrs. Indira Gandhi decided to ban. But, later, when she knew their ideals, she was so impressed and went on saying �if all Indians were like them, the members of the Freemasonry, there would be peace all around�. Freemasonry and Atheists
What they do inside the temple is not revealed outside for historical reasons. To know that some countries have even sent spies , but, those spies became disciplined members later. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Jyoti Basu were denied membership as they were atheists.
NUMBER THREE IMPORTANCE
Our order stand on three grand principles: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth
There are three degrees, each with respective signs, tokens and words Three are three regular steps to mark the three degrees There are three principal officers occupy the three different quarters of the globe The three disntinguishing characteristics of a good Freemason are Virtue, Honour and Mercy There are three main lines of duty: to God, to our neighbour and ourselves Three sacred dicates: of Truth, of Honour and of Virtue Three formost excellences of character: secrecy, fidelity and obedience Three staves in the mystic ladder: Faith, Hope and Charity There are three most celebrated orders of architecture: the Ionic, the Doric and the Corinthian. There are a different set ofi three tools for each of the three classes of workmen. The interior of a Free Mason�s lodge is composed of �ornaments, furniture and jewels. The ornaments are three in number viz. the Mosaic Pavement, the Blazing Star, and the Indented or Tasselated Border. The furniture, too, comprises three articles, which are the VSL, the Square and the Cs. The jewels are three movable, and three immovable the M.M�s lodge is said to be distinguished by three ornaments: the porch, the Dormer, and the Square Pavement. The Emblems of Morality are three: the coffin, the skull and the cross-bones. There are three pillars supporting the Lodge: Wisdom, Strength and Beauty There are three greater lights and three lesser ones. The Chapters of the Pillars were enriched with three varieties of ornaments, viz. network, lilywork and pomergranates. These are said to symbolize Unity, Peace and Plenty. The E.A�s employed received a weekly allowance of corn, wine, and oil. There were but three men who possessed the secrets of the M.M There were three Grand Masters who bore sway at the building of the first temple at Jerusalem. The secrets could only be imparted with the consent and joint action of three The trusty F.C�s divided themselves into three lodges and departed from the three entrances. Our M., H.A was slain with three blows, struck by three different men, on three parts of the body, with three different tools, at three points of exit of KST situated on three different sides of the building. On the opening of lodge, we pray for three things: Order, Peace and Harmony. The L. opens and closes with three KKK and every candidates gains admission by three KKK given differently in each degree. The Entered Apprentice candidate seeks the privileges by the help of God, being free and of good report. The Fellow Craft seeks the priveleges by the help of God, the assistance of the s.... and the benefit of the password. The Master Mason seeks the privileges by the help of God, the united aid of the s.... and c..... as welll as the benefit of the password. Every initiate strikes the J and S.W with three KKK The candidate is made to advance to the Altar by three steps He answers three searching questions of the W.M He is told of the three dangers. He is told of the three reasons for soliciting his charity. Address is made to the three aspects of his character which are: as a citizen of the world, an individual and as a F.M A day of 24 hours is divided in a three fold way. In the second degree, the sign is three fold. Three methods are tried to raise the candidate to the sublime degree. Thus, it must be fo some significance that we Masons touch our hearts not once, not twice, but three times when closing the Lodge with Fidelity.
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