Freemasonry
The Real Secret
OF
FREEMASONRY
MAKING GOOD MEN BETTER
Welcome to the James K. Polk Lodge #759 Official Website. While our Website was developed with the intent to keep our members informed of current events, it is also meant to be enjoyed by anyone who has an interest in the world of Freemasonry, whether it is out of casual curiosity or scholarly intent. Our Lodge is located at 900 Hill Street Pineville, NC 28134. If you need more information please contact us via phone or email. Directions to the Lodge.
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Worshipful Master Brent Wilson
Phone: 704 968 7594
Senior Warden John Keiter
704 759 0921
Junior Warden Dave Adams
704 813 7025
What is Freemasonry?
On this page you’ll find a short introduction to Freemasonry. This introduction is intended to get you started and peak your interest so that you can find out more about the meaning and goals of Freemasonry. Freemasonry does not solicit new members, you have to ask to be admitted and it has to be of your own free will and accord. The good starting point in your quest to understand what Freemasonry is would be to ask someone you know as a Mason. Then contact the Grand Lodge of North Carolina from the link on our website for further information about Freemasonry and about all local Lodges in North Carolina. The “Links” section of this website provides additional sources of information as well.
Freemasonry is perhaps and without a doubt one of the world’s oldest and largest Fraternities. Some trace its orgins to earliest history man. While not much is documented before eighteenth century, in its current form, Freemasonry appeared in London, England in 1717. While some claim Freemasonry to be a “secret” society full discreet ceremonies and rituals, it is actually very open society which, and just like any other organization, maintains some levels of privacy for itself and its members.
The earliest recorded history of Freemasonry is tied to the operative guild of freemasons. Those were the brethren that build Europe’s cathedrals, churches and castles. As time went by and less and less of those structures were being constructed, Freemasonry slowly evolved from its original operative form to a speculative where new brethren were attracted by the moral and ethical values and not by the operative side of the fraternity. With time, Freemasonry transformed itself completely from the operative guild of Freemasons, to a fraternity of speculative Freemasons.
Its goal and purpose is to make good men better through morality and ethics yearning to ensure that you implore these principles in your everyday interactions with all mankind. Its teachings of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived centuries of political, military, and religious strife. Freemasonry has always attracted men of high moral character who support the tenets of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice.
Some claim Freemasonry to be a religion, it is not. While it requires that you believe in a Diety, it does not intrude into your personal beliefs or how you practice your particular belief.
There are more than 2 million Freemasons in United States, and more than 4 million around the world. You will find them in every state of the union, in most counties and cities. Its membership is very diverse and includes virtually every occupation and every profession. It matters not who you are, whether a laborer or a CEO of a fortune 500 company, it is the quality of a man that masonry regards. In Freemasonry, we are all equal, we have the same voice as anybody else and no one rises above anyone in any way.
All members are taught to obey civil as well as moral laws of the society in which they live. They are men of good moral character. Their charity and good works always willing to extend a helping hand to those in need. There are many Masonic charities that you may be familiar with not even knowing that they are Masonic in their foundation and philosophy for Freemasonry always works quietly to help those in need.
We encourage you to seek additional information by your own research, speaking to a Brother Mason that you know or contacting your local Lodge. Should you choose to become a Mason, please give us a call.
Who are Freemasons?
Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington…Famous Masons. Today, more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God. Freemasonry is a home where many men from different walks of life, can meet together in peace, conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship and call each other “Brother!”
What do Freemasons do?
Freemasons are responsible citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of the government under which we live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as “the world’s greatest philanthropy!” The Freemasons of America contribute more than one and a half million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.
Masonic Belief
Members of the Masonic Fraternity practice a sincere belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.
The Masonic Lodge
The Masonic Lodge meets once or twice each month to conduct its regular business, to vote upon petitions for membership, have informative speakers, schedule special events of all types for its members, their ladies, and children. Traditionally, following Masonic meetings, refreshments are served. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.
The Masonic Degrees
A candidate attends several meetings to receive the three masonic degrees, concluding with the Third, or Master Mason’s Degree. The Degrees are a solemn, enlightening and enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principals of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
Qualifications
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of making good men better. Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Anyone seeking membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot whether or not to accept the applicant. To be accepted the ballot must be unanimous.