Sandwell Lodge No. 4673

West Bromwich

WHAT A CANDIDATE SHOULD KNOW

 

Masonry consists of a body of men banded together to preserve the secrets, customs and ceremonials handed down to them and for the purpose of mutual, intellectual, social and moral improvement. Its members endeavour to cultivate and exhibit brotherly love, relief and truth, not only to one another, but to the World at large.

 

A basic condition of admission into, and membership of the Order is a belief in the Supreme Being. This is essential and admits of no compromise.

 

It recognises no distinctions of religion and while inculcating in each of its members the duties of loyalty and citizenship, it does not permit any of its members, either in Lodge or in their capacity as Freemasons, to discuss theological or political questions.

 

It offers no pecuniary advantages binding one Mason to deal with another, or to support him in any way in the ordinary business relations of life.

 

It has certain Charities, but is not in any sense whatever a benefit society, nor is it based upon any calculations which would render this possible. The Charities are solely for those who, having been in good circumstances, have been overtaken by misfortune or adversity. Neither a Mason, his wife, nor his children have any claim upon them.

 

Masonry teaches that a man's first duty is to himself, his wife, his family and his connections. No-one should join the Order who cannot well afford to pay the Initiation fees and subscription to his Lodge as well as to the Masonic Charities, and this without detriment to the comfort and well-being of those who have any claim on his support.

 

Therefore everyone, before offering himself as a candidate, should be well assured in his own mind:

 

(a)   That he sincerely desires the intellectual and moral improvement of himself and his fellow creatures.

(b)   That he is willing to devote part of his time, his means and his effort in the promotion of brotherly love, relief and truth.

(c)   That he seeks no commercial, social or pecuniary advantages.

(d)   That he is able to afford the necessary expenditure without injury to himself or his connections.