Learn about Masonry so that you may be equipped to commit to the brotherhood of your own free will.
Meet and speak with a Mason so that he may both inform you of some of your obligations and vouch for your character to the brotherhood
Petition St.Petersburg Lodge No. 139 to become a Mason. Download St. Pete 139 Petition and deliver it to the Secretary of St.Petersburg 139 by e-mail at secretary@stpete139.org or contact him directly by phone at 727-418-3356
Reproduced from the Grand Lodge of Florida
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity in the world. Its members have included Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your next door neighbor.
Masonry is always ready to welcome good men into the Fraternity.
It’s ready to welcome YOU, if in your heart you can answer “yes” to a few questions.
Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not founded on honor is hollow and empty — that a man who acts without honor is less than a man.
No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual faith is — that is a question between you and your God — but we do require that a that a man believe in a Supreme Being.
Masonry insists on toleration — on the right of each person to think for himself in religious, social and political matters.
Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but to others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, or helping children to work or read or see — the world should be a better place because we have passed through it.
Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we know it gives each of us a good feeling — unlike any other — to help. Much of our help is given anonymously. We’re not after gratitude, we’re more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go on.
Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that’s there, too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving support, lending a sympathetic ear.
Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works on building a house.
Masons believe that a country is strong as long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.
Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.
Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together — a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony is his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest forces for good in the world.
Freemasonry offers much to its members — the opportunity to grow, the chance to make a difference, to build a better world for our children. It offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the same values and ideals — men who have answered “YES” to these questions.
It’s easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Masonry. You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you’ve seen the Square and Compasses like the one on this page or on a pin or tie tack or bumper sticker.
Russell Wurr – Petition Committee Chairman
Phone: (727) 804-7645
Email: rwurr@tampabay.rr.com