| Secretary R. W. Bro. George McCowan |
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DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MASONRY? It has been often repeated to become a Mason is simply to know a Mason and express your intention or curiosity. Your Masonic friend will be more than willing to answer your questions, and perhaps invite you to explore further. Now if you don’t know a Mason among the 65,000 or so members in Ontario, then write to our lodge or call our secretary. A friend awaits to assist you. It is valuable to note that Masonry does not actively solicit members to their company. It must be the candidates free choice, freely made of his own will and accord. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT MASONRY FIRST? Masonry is one of the most written about subjects known to our educational system. Every library has books about Masonry and somewhere it has been suggested that there are over 50,000 titles that have been written over time. Most libraries in Ontario will be pleased to help you with their catalogue of books. In addition one of the largest Masonic Libraries in North America is located at Brock University here in Ontario. DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE MASONRY ON THE WEB? Certainly, feel free to do so. There are many lodges around the world that have now posted Web Sites to introduce their lodge to the world and shine the light of Masonry brighter around to communities throughout the world. There is within the world wide web some misinformation, and sources which are less than knowledgeable about the craft. We ask that you simply use your judgment. Do feel free to explore our entire Georgina Site, read our newsletters and meet our members. YOU WANT TO PROCEED FURTHER, THEN HOW DO YOU?
Your Masonic friend or interviewer will send you an application form. Two
current members of the lodge you have selected will endorse or “sponsor”
your application. It has simple questions to let the lodge members know a
bit more about you and identify who wants you to join. You will be invited to come to a friends to friends dinner or an upcoming dinner at our lodge where the company is warm and the food pretty tasty. Meeting our members should help answer any remaining questions you may have. Eventually with your sponsors you are formally introduced to our lodge in what we call a Committee of General Purposes. You are asked some key questions as to being old enough (21 years) and as to your intention to join, your belief in a Supreme Being, and availability to join us for our Lodge Meeting Nights. CAN PERSONS FROM DIFFERENT RELIGIONS BECOME MEMBERS? Certainly! This is one of the shining lights upon which Masonry is founded. All members have a common belief in a Supreme Being, but may come from a wide variety of faiths or religious backgrounds. Georgina prides itself on having members from many faiths and respects every individuals faith. WHAT IF I WANT TO JOIN MASONRY BUT GEORGINA IS NOT MY FIRST CHOICE? Masonic Lodges meet regularly on every night of the week throughout the month and at various locations around Toronto and Ontario. Georgina will be pleased to assist you, or you may contact Grand Lodge for a Lodge that is most convenient to you. IS MEMBERSHIP AUTOMATIC? No it is not. Masonry is a fraternity and as such members get a chance to vote on new applications. You will know that the members must all want you to join Georgina and explore Masonry. Both the lodge and the applicant must be comfortable. DO YOU HAVE TO BE WEALTHY TO JOIN? Absolutely not. Masons come from all walks of life, all races, religions and occupations. We ask for an initiation fee which essentially covers the material costs for your initiation. Your annual membership fees cover the costs of maintaining the lodge. The by-laws of the lodge stipulate the amount members are to pay which are voted on by the membership. WHAT HAPPENS THEN? You will be scheduled for a degree night. It is educational and many members of your future lodge work very hard to make this a very special night for the candidate. It is enjoyable and you will be embarking on the first steps in your Masonic journey. |