The Petition For Membership

SYMBOLICAL MASONRY – THE PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP
H. L. Haywood

The first step toward seeking admission into the membership of a Masonic lodge is to file with the Worshipful Master of the lodge nearest one’s residence a petition, which is a printed form fundamentally the same in all jurisdictions; this form sets forth the petitioner’s answers to the usual constitutional questions and solemnly asserts that he has not been “improperly solicited,” but that he has sought the portals of the Fraternity of his own free will and accord. Before this petition can be presented to the lodge, which is usually done at the next regular monthly communication, or business meeting, it must bear the signatures of at least two Masons by way of recommendation; and then, after an interval, usually of one month, is put to the ballot. If the prayer for membership is then granted the petitioner is instructed to present himself for initiation: if the prayer is denied the fee, which has accompanied the petition, is returned, and the petitioner is notified of his rejection. In a majority of American jurisdictions (by “jurisdiction” is meant the territory over which a Grand Lodge holds sway: in the United States it is almost always coincident with the political boundaries of a state) the man is permitted to enter another petition after a certain fixed interval, after which second application the procedure is substantially the same as outlined above. Read more

THE BALLOT

THE BALLOT
By H. L. Haywood 

Freemasonry is a social and moral institution that undertakes to build a symbolic Temple of which its members are the living stones; inasmuch as the stability of the structure depends upon the materials of which it is composed it is obvious that the Craft must exercise every precaution lest unfit men weaken its walls. To guard against this it makes use of the secret ballot as an instrument of selection. Because of this most important use the ballot-box may well be described, as one writer has phrased it, “a bulwark of the Order. It is no exaggeration to say that ninety per cent of the trouble and lack of harmony in our lodges arises from the improper use of the ballot.” I believe that this statement is an exaggeration, for I have observed that many troubles have their origin elsewhere, but for all that there is much sense in it. The ballot is to the Order what the sentinel is to an army, what the tyler is to a lodge. Read more

Canton Viaduct Masonic Memorial and Milestone

Background:
The Canton Viaduct is the longest and oldest stone viaduct in the Western Hemisphere. The foundation stone was laid in 1834, and it was completed in 1835 by operative stone masons, many of whom were also Freemasons from area towns and Lodges. To commemorate the viaduct’s 175th anniversary and the Freemasons who were involved in the construction of this historic structure, it is being proposed that a granite stone obelisk be erected in or near the Canton Viaduct Park next to the waterfall on the west side of the structure near the Neponset Street opening. It is very likely that many of the Towns in the area had Freemasons from various Lodges that existed at the time who worked on the viaduct. This summer or fall, a multitown celebration commemorating the 175th anniversary of this National Historic Monument is expected to be held in Canton at the site of the structure. It is anticipated that numerous dignitaries will be there (It would be nice to get Officers from all the Lodges in the area there as well as other Grand Lodge dignitaries at this event as well) Read more

Lost Symbols in the House of the Temple

Released September 15, 2009, The Lost Symbol, novelist Dan Brown’s sequel to The Da Vinci Code, is a puzzle-packed fantasy. But its settings are real, and rife with history, science, and yes, symbols—right from the prologue, set in Washington, D.C.’s House of the Temple, headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry’s Southern Jurisdiction. Read more

George Washington and the Lost Symbol

Yes, George Washington was a Freemason. Yes, we know you are reading Dan Brown’s recently released “The Lost Symbol” and are now looking for hidden Masonic symbols. We, hate to disappoint but you won’t find them here. But here are some historical facts about George Washington and freemasonry: Read more

Is the Seal of the United States a Masonic Symbol?

The all seeing eye and pyramid are not the “Lost Symbol”. Details of The Eye of Providence and the All Seeing Eye of Masonry are there for anyone who’s willing to rely on historical fact, rather than hysterical fiction. Read more

Masonic Square and Compasses Symbol

The square and compasses are not the Lost Symbol. Masonic Symbols and Meanings: Masonic symbols provide a visual means of attaining the beginnings of Masonic Education. These Masonic images are used to teach morals and lessons…much as we use “visuals”, today, to import meaning to an embodiment of picture images and data within a specific school of thought. The statement “A picture is worth a thousand words.” as the best way to learn, is just as true, today, as it was 5,000 years ago. Read more

The Secrets of Masonic Washington by James Wasserman

The book provides a well researched walking tour of the Masonic sites and symbols of the city and explores the critical role of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States.

Crown of Serpents – A Mystery Thriller by Michael Karpovage

A novel based on well researched historical facts. The intricate plot cover Indian sovereignty in New York State, the famed Seneca Army Depot and white deer herd, military history of the 1779 Sullivan Campaign, and a true Masonic battlefield incident outside of Genesee.

Exceptional discovery: a lost copy of the Francken Manuscript found in Lahore

PS Review of Freemasonry has found a lost copy of the Francken Manuscript in Lahore, Pakistan. The manuscript is autographed. This is the major masonic discovery of the 21th century. View video, imagines and read more.

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