POLITICS & RELIGION
Freemasonry is not a political organisation; in fact politics and religion are not permitted to be spoken of in any lodge meeting.
The fact that men from both these backgrounds are attracted to masonry reflects the considered communal qualities of both rather than an opportunity to further their vocation.
It is certainly true that many famous politically motivated men and builders of a good community future have joined Masonic lodges, wherein relinquishing title for brotherhood.
Freemasonry has no bars to any personal religious beliefs as long as a member does believe in a ‘Supreme Being’.
Many representative leaders of different religious followings were and are masons, many with offices of responsibility. Freemasonry has no theology of its own, it teaches no routes to salvation, but does have some prayer and other moral teachings as part of Masonic ceremonies.
The ceremonies basically use allegorical stories and examples to illustrate and teach moral and philosophical messages to Lodge members.
SECRECY
Secrecy amongst masons is a public misunderstanding.
Like other organisations and associations our meetings are conducted in private and are for the benefit of members.
So much has been written publicly (much of it uninformed) about Freemasonry over the years that little is truly private among masons.
As masons we are precluded from using our membership for their personal gain or advancement; many Freemasons from times past felt more comfortable not to discuss their membership at all.
Nowadays, more are prepared to discuss the subject constructively when approached, although to find someone to talk to is still difficult, but a contact is available through this website.
You are able to phone or visit The Grand Lodge of Western Australia Centre at 137 Burswood Road, Burswood, Perth for information, and we certainly encourage you to contact us The Armadale Lodge.
We always welcome the opportunity to discuss Freemasonry with you.
All Masonic meeting halls are in visual suburban evidence; they can be found in the phone books and through Local Government offices.
WHY MEMBERSHIP?
Due to a lack of easily available information about its purposes and values, some men have deliberated for many years about joining the Craft. Help is available through this and other websites and resources in overcoming the difficulty.
On the other hand many join as a direct result of their own family connections (e.g. Grandfather - Father - Son), through introduction by a friend and many simply through a considered curiosity.
Members remain for many reasons, the majority for their ongoing life. Time demands are small and Masonry readily becomes part of their personal way of life.
The lessons learned through involvement and dramatic practice lead to self growth and social understanding.
A member's enjoyment is heightened by their quality fellowship with lodge brothers. Their progresses through degrees of ceremony provide opportunities to develop through challenge and responsibility.
Here at The Armadale Lodge, we enjoy our meetings and ceremonial work in the Lodge, we appreciate the chance to relate with others from similar backgrounds, the chance to socialise at the supper table after each meeting, and on occasions combine with our ladies in our social and charitable activities.
Our appreciation of freemasonry is also strengthened by the opportunities to visit other Lodges to build and renew acquaintances with other Masonic friends.
It is similarly not unusual for a man to be a member of several lodges for that fellowship.
Lodges exist around the world, like military or other single interest or vocational backgrounds, and they add to their member's depth of fellowship.
DINNER SUITS
Oh, and the dinner suits?
Freemasonry treats all members equally; a lab assistant and a Professor side by side are measured by their true qualities, not the way they are seen, for they are both the same in black and white.
They are both fraternal brothers, are identically initiated and progressed through the ceremonies, and have equal chances to pursue further learning and rank.
The suits show respect for our ceremonies, the Craft and our ancient history. They are not compulsory however, for traditionally those lodges that meet in daylight when normally lounge suits are worn.
Dress in the tropics on the other hand, whilst still black and white, naturally does not have to include the black jacket.
The small cases carried by masons into their lodge buildings simply carry their valued ceremonial regalia, with rankings, as a method of member identification.
CONCLUSION
Freemasonry is multi-racial, multi-cultural, and is open to men of all faiths who are law abiding, of good character, and profess a belief in a ‘Supreme Being’.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact either our Lodge Secretary, an Armadale Lodge member, or The Grand Lodge of Western Australia for further information.
