Spring Masonic Lodge #1174

So just what goes on in there?

Primarily, alot of socializing -- discussion of the same sorts of things any group of men might discuss: family, career, current events, hobbies, jokes, last night's game, etc. Masons are a fraternity of ordinary men, from all walks of life, and talk about the same things that anyone does. Many meetings center around an excellent meal, served by our stewards.

On the third Thursday of every month, we hold our Stated Meeting. This is where we conduct lodge business. We introduce dignitaries and visiting brethren, review our last meeting and current state of affairs, pay our bills, vote on new members, and make plans for the future. While a portion of what takes place is reserved for Master Masons only, most is held in a open meeting which Masons of any degree, their friends and family members, and prospective candidates may attend -- providing a "taste" of what goes on in the closed portion.

There are also other events from time to time, inside and outside the lodge -- including awards, housekeeping events, study sessions, degree ceremonies, family get-togethers, dinners, fund-raisers, public service, and more.

You guys are a secret organization, right?

Not at all. We are an organization with secrets -- primarily relating to details of our degree work, and modes of mutual recognition. The specifics of our secrets are actually pretty unremarkable to the layman. What the secrets symbolize is more important: that we are men of honor, who believe in the old-fashioned values of keeping our word and maintaining confidences.

Is it true that Freemasons secretly control the world?

If only! Seriously, we have neither the time, organization, nor desire -- and find the concept quite humorous. Such a goal would be difficult to orchestrate, as we have no global governing body. In the U.S., all lodges in a given state are chartered by a Grand Lodge -- each of which operates in complete autonomy from the others. As for control, we seek only to master ourselves as individuals, not others.

Is Freemasonry for me?

Only you can answer this question. Most of us agree that we came to Masonry when we were ready, and not before. You may be ready now, later, or never. Masonry is not just another club where you write a check, are handed a membership card, and hear from no one again until renewal time. While we do have membership fees, we care much more about your participation than your money. Belonging and advancing require work, dedication, and some of your time. Nothing is given, but must be earned. It is said, quite wisely, that one gets out of Masonry what he puts into it. The benefits are many -- but come as a result of what you give.

How does one become a Mason? Do you have to be invited, know the "right" people, or have alot of money?

Nothing could be further from the truth. You will never be asked or “recruited” to be a Mason. It is our tradition that one who seeks to be a member of the fraternity approach us. No man is a Mason because he’s been cajoled, pressured, or convinced to join.

To qualify, you must be a man of good character, who desires to better himself and others in the process. Though it is often the case, you need not know someone who is already a Mason. In fact, many of us have walked in the door as complete strangers. Your age, ethnicity, religion, income, looks, and job are all unimportant. The only exceptions are that you must be at least 18 years of age, and believe in a Supreme Being (the details of which are strictly your business).

To join or find out more, come visit our or any Masonic lodge, or, ask a friend or relative you know to be a Mason. You may well find out that he's been waiting for you to ask!

I keep seeing references to men. Can women be Masons, too?

Not in "regular" or "mainstream" Masonry. Modern Masonry is descended from the old operative craft guilds, where the craftsmen were involved in hard, often backbreaking labor -- quarrying, carving, and transporting heavy stones. As such, few women of the time were up to the task. Since our tradition and heritage is what defines us, we are a male-only institution. That said, ladies are quite capable of understanding and practicing modern Masonic principles. For those who are interested, there is an organization within the Masonic family called The Order Of The Eastern Star. Though it is primarily female, men and women alike may belong. Men must be Master Masons in good standing, and women must be relatives of a Master Mason by blood or marriage, or present or former members of a female Masonic youth group. In addition, there are ladies’ auxiliary groups within the concordant bodies of Masonry.

Is Masonry a religion or cult?

No. We are by our nature religious, but not a religion or substitute for one -- and certainly not a cult. Meals begin with a prayer, and all meetings open and close with one. We seek to become more in-touch with our spiritual selves, but do not proselytize or offer a path to salvation. Masonry does not try to tell you what God wants or intends, but encourages brothers to find out for themselves in their own way.

What are degrees?

We Masons are all considered true equals amongst ourselves, whatever our background or station in life. Our degree system refers only to a brother's level of Masonic education.

The first degree, known as the Entered Apprentice (or EA), is what one becomes upon initiation. This is the most difficult degree to progress through, and requires hard work and dedication to master. We all go through it, and with persistence on your part, you will make it. You'll find many of your brothers willing to offer their time and assistance to help. In fact, so long as you're trying, we will not let you fail.

The second degree, the Fellowcraft, is more instructional, but shorter in many ways. Having mastered the EA degree, you'll find it much easier.

The third and highest degree is that of the Master Mason. This is where your hard work comes to fruition. It's a bit longer and more difficult than the Fellowcraft, but not so much as the Entered Apprentice. It's a beautiful and elegant degree, and is where you become a full-fledged Mason -- able to attend stated meetings and to join concordant bodies.

OK -- how is a third degree the highest one, when I've heard of 33rd degree Masons? The Scottish Rite (a concordant body) offers its own numbered degrees from 4 to 33, which expand upon the lessons taught in the first three. Despite being numerically higher, however, they do not confer a higher rank or status. Regardless of number, the highest degree in Masonry is the 3rd -- that of a Master Mason.

Can I afford membership?

Fees vary somewhat by lodge and jurisdiction. For ours, the degree fees are:

Each degree fee is payable just before advancement. Once one becomes a Master Mason, the annual dues are $72. Endowments (or lifetime memberships) are available as an option for $700, and are accompanied by beautiful certificates of recognition -- one which will be displayed in the lodge, and one for your own use.

	EA Degree: $100
	FC Degree: $80
	MM Degree: $80