ABOUT THE IMAGE
The cover of this brochure depicts Prince Hall and King Solomon and some of the most famous Prince Hall Freemasons of all time: Brother Booker T. Washington, Brother W.E.B. Dubois, Brother Nat King Cole, Brother C.R. Richardson, Brother Richard Pryor, Brother Ossie Davis, Brother and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Brother Duke Ellington, Brother Mathew Henson, and Brother Scottie Pippen. Copy and Design: Kevin L. Handley Sr. (Paul Quinn Lodge #28, Richmond, IN)
Brother to Brother
WHY YOU WERE ASKED TO READ THIS
The person that asked you to read this is proud of Freemasonry and the fine character of its members. You demonstrate many characteristics of current members and you deserve the opportunity to know more about it. This brochure will explain what Freemasonry is, who Freemasons are, what they believe in and what they do. It is important for you to know that, in some Masonic Jurisdictions, those who desire membership must seek it on their own. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many qualified men have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership and fellowship in Freemasonry. If, after reading this brochure, you have any questions, or desire to know more about Freemasonry, your friend will be pleased to answer your questions or to obtain the answers for you. Whether or not you decide to seek membership in Freemasonry, you can be certain that you have a special friend within the Masonic Fraternity who thinks very highly of you. Please consider it the highest compliment that he has shared this information with you. It is a message of kindness... from FRIEND TO FRIEND!
WHAT FREEMASONRY IS
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries.
WHO PRINCE HALL FREEMASONS ARE
Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington. Today, the more than six million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, avoid political and religious divisions, and conduct their affairs in harmony, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!"
Famous Prince Hall Masons?
Athletics
- Ralph H. Metcalfe, Olympic champion
- Scottie Pippen, No. 33, Chicago Bulls/Forward
- Sugar Ray Robinson, mid/light heavy boxing champion
Civics
- Julian Bond, NAACP National Chairman
- Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago, Illinois
- Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore, Maryland. President and CEO, NAACP
- Rev. Al Sharpton, Jurisdiction of New York, civil rights leader
Education
- W.E.B. DuBois, educator/author/historian
- Booker T. Washington, educator/founder Tuskegee Institute
Entertainment
- Egbert Austin "Bert" Williams, actor/ comedian
Exploration
- Matthew Henson, explorer
Journalism
- Timothy Thomas Fortune, journalist
- John H. Johnson, publisher EBONY and Jet magazine
Law
- Thurgood Marshall, Associate Justice, US Supreme Court
Military
- Daniel "Chappie" James, general US Air Force
Music
- William "Count" Basie, orchestra leader/composer
- Nathaniel "Nat King" Cole, American pianist and singer
- Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, orchestra leader/composer
- Alex Haley, author
WHAT FREEMASONS BELIEVE IN
All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.
WHAT FREEMASONS DO
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works.
QUALIFICATIONS
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.
THOSE WHO SEEK MEMBERSHIP
In most Masonic Jurisdictions, one must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him for membership. He must sign a petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot, which must be unanimous.
THE MASONIC LODGE
Most Masonic lodges meet twice per month to conduct their regular business and vote on petitions for membership. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.
THE MASONIC DEGREES
The candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason's) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a "Brother" in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
Print 