Freemasonry in the Community

         Masonry is not about getting benefits; Masonry is about what you can do for others. As brothers we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together we will support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities will be the better because of our fraternity and its principles.

         One of the many missions of Freemasons is to invest in programs and services to make life better for all Masons, their families, and their communities.  The part that interests me the most is what does the organization do in their particular communities?  In upholding their motto, “making good men better,” the Freemasons continuously donate funds to a number of community organizations, which depend on groups like the Freemasons to help build the community. With over 200 jurisdictions world-wide the Freemasons build stronger communities around the globe by helping to build better men at every aspect of life. 

         While other community based clubs post events to raise money for charity the Freemasons donate funds directly from its members without any outside solicitation to the public.  Freemasons want to assist communities by teaching valuable lessons rooted in tradition; a notion that has been dwindling in recent years. However, with their continued dedication those values remain intact in Masonry.

         Masons uphold a strong moral code and place special emphasis on family values. While the Freemasons’ constitution doesn’t allow for women to join, wives, daughters and families are frequently involved in the Lodge’s social activities. 

         Masonic charity has often been 'quiet' as compared to civic charities whose presence is flouted in order to garner additional contributions. Thus a researcher can only capture the data from formally organized and public Masonic activities and even this doesn't tell the whole story. For example, the Masonic Service Association quietly oversees a Hospital Visitation Program with a goal that every Veteran's Administration Hospital in the United States has a Masonic volunteer working with patients. How can a value be placed on the more than 500,000 hours a year spent on this work?