About Freemasonry
Information about Freemasonry
Freemasonry is an organized society of men, symbolically applying the principals of operative masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building.” The aim is to build a better world by building better men to work in their own communities.
Freemasons are men from every race, religion, and political belief. They come from all professions and walks of life, but are drawn together to support each other in the journey of self improvement.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is he world’s largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through the participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays.
For many years, Freemasons have followed three great principals:
-
Brotherly Love – Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
-
Relief – Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
-
Truth – Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
What is the purpose of Freemasonry?
Simply put, the overall purpose of Freemasonry is to provide a way to help each member become a better person. The fraternity place emphasis on the individual by:
-
Strengthening his character
-
Improving his moral and spiritual outlook
-
Broadening his mental horizons
Finding Out More
The internet can be a great resource for discovering information about Freemasonry, but beware that many websites seek to spread incorrect information and rumors. If you are interested in learning more about our fraternity, we recommend the following sites. Of course, you are always welcome to contact us directly with any questions or for more information.
Recommended Websites:
Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry
Anti-Masonry Points of View
A Page about Freemasonry
Recommended Books:
Freemasonry for Dummies by Christopher L. Hodapp
Freemasonry: A Journey through Ritual and Symbol by Kirk MacNulty
Freemasonry by Jasper Ridley
The Craft and its Symbols by Allen E. Roberts
Images
Many people inquire about our organisation and ask “What do you do?”
Most of our functions remain private and we often only invite trusted friends to others. The above photo was taken after “Installation”. This is a fancy ceremony we do to install our Office Bearers into their stations.
This photo contains regalia signifying officer status in Lodge Han Yang. The Apron is embroidered with a Square and compass and two rosettes. We only permit master masons of the lodge to wear. The tartan is one selected by our fraternity. Also displayed is a sash and jewel.
Picture taken in the Keystone lounge while visiting Lodge Harry S. Truman in Pyungtaek.
One nice thing about our lodge is the connection back to an earlier era of gentlemen and simpler times.
Our infatuation with kilts and admiration of various tartans demonstrates our roots in Scottish tradition.
Along with the Scots, Our Aussie brethren have shared their cultural practices and brought lively events to life. Case in point, the meat auction!
Black and white photos are that much more classier when the composition includes fine attire and harmony.
It is customary to sing auld lang syne.
We often welcome old friends from Hong Kong, Scotland, USA, and other far away lands.
Formal attire is required for our suppers but much leeway is given when it comes down to selection of style.
Of course after soldiering through the formal meetings with pomp and circumstance we are able to unwind and enjoy some fellowship with old friends.
We are very respectful of our elder members but continue to practice the Mason custom of treating one another on the level.
Picnics were a little stiff back then. We still honour that tradition but most of us prefer wearing shorts and a more relaxed casual look most times.
We meet as masons free and true, and when our work is done,
The merry song and social glass is not unduly won.
And only at our farewell pledge is pleasure mixed with pain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
Amidst our mirth we drink to all poor masons o’er the Earth,
On every shore our flag of love is gloriously unfurled.
We prize each Brother, fair or dark, who bears no moral stain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
Amidst our mirth we drink to all poor masons o’er the Earth,
On every shore our flag of love is gloriously unfurled.
We prize each Brother, fair or dark, who bears no moral stain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
We Masons prize that noble truth, the Scottish peasant told,
That rank is but a guinea stamp: The man himself the gold.
We meet the rich and poor alike, the equal rights maintain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
And surely ye’ll be your pint stowp!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.
And there’s a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.
Here’s to the sons of the widow
Whenever, wherever they roam
A speedy relief to their afflictions
And if they desire,
a speedy return to their home.