What is Freemasonry?

Historically, it’s one of the oldest non-religious, non-political organisation for men in the world. If you meet a Freemason and ask him about Freemasonry you’ll soon understand that Freemasonry means different things to different people. The connecting link that runs through Freemasonry is that good people meet and enjoy each other’s company and raise funds for charities for good humanitarian causes.

The prime aspects of Freemasonry are that it teaches its members a great deal of self-realisation and confidence by taking an active part in ceremonies and Lodge meetings. It also reinforces the strict moral code that all Freemasons are expected to have & follow. We stand tall and confident in whatever we do, both in life and Freemasonry, knowing that we are doing our best for our fellow members and our society.

Joining freemasonry means that you are joining a global society. It’s not just about meeting a few times a year, but about giving something back to the society. In understanding that there are plenty of people who are less fortunate than ourselves and doing our best we can, in making their lives better.

Freemasonry makes good men better and the essence of Freemasonry can be best identified by the virtues of integrity, honesty, kindness and fairness. All these virtues our members are encouraged to imbibe, practice and promote.

Freemasonry is an ancient and respectable institution, embracing individuals of every nation, every religion, and from every walk of life. Wealth, power and talents are not necessary for the person for becoming a Freemason. A good character and a virtuous conduct and a strong belief in the ‘Supreme Being’ ,are the only qualifications for admission into Freemasonry. Masonry all over the world has one basic ideal – the ideal of Brotherly Love, Relief &Truth. It well explains the philosophy of a selfless volunteer service and charity.

We are delighted to present the updated comprehensive compilation of Information & History of The Corinth Lodge (No. 1122EC) along with the details of the members’ to bring them closer to you as a mason, and to help know each other’s traits better for more intense and meaningful interaction.

Who can be a Freemason ?

Requirements for becoming a Mason :

• Free man – minimum 21 years old

• Have belief in a Supreme Being (No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome.)

• Should be one who does, or wants to learn to, enjoy the company of other men from different social classes, faiths, backgrounds, races, countries, etc. Masonry is universal in its ideals.

• if a family man, Masonry considers that your family obligations come first, so you must be sure that :

1. you have the time to participate (usually two or three evenings initially for meetings /instruction, and then at least one evening per month for regular meetings)

2. You can afford the initiation fees and the annual dues without hardship to yourself or your family.

3. You should be joining of your own free will and accord, to learn to improve yourself and to enjoy the company of other good people, not because someone keeps pestering you to join or because you think it will help you “get ahead” in business.

To join you need to inquire with a Mason preferably someone you know or at least who lives or works nearby.

If you do not know any Mason in your area, you could send an e-mail to info@lodgecorinth1122ecnagpur.org

THE MEMBERS' PATHWAY SCHEMA

Lodge Corinth 1122E.C. follows The New Members Pathway Scheme which was formally approved and promulgated by the United Grand Lodge Of England in October 2017. The Pathway Scheme for Lodge membership is meant to serve as a Guide for the Lodges to improve the growth, as well as the quality of membership, whilst retaining and adding value to the existing membership. It is also meant to ensure and work towards the development of a sound future for Freemasonry.

"The future of Freemasonry depends upon being able to introduce and retain committed members who will contribute to their Lodges and enjoy a lasting membership”.
Peter Lowndes, Pro Grand Master.

This scheme is designed with the following
Aim
a) To attract and convince the right type of Candidates to join Freemasonry.
b) Once convinced, convert him into a Member .
c) To work with him as a Brother.  
d)  Involve him in the masonic activities with a view to develop and inculcate in him a firm willingness to contribute and practice the Principles and Values of Freemasonry in right earnest and with devotion to become a committed Mason, thereby ensuring his long term retention. 
e)  At the same time retaining and adding value to the existing membership.

The 11 Steps

The scheme has thoughtfully laid out 11 Steps to achieve the above aim. By developing the Lodge Profile, developing and establishing a Lodge Membership Officer and an Interview Panel. By identifying Prospective Candidates and developing and establishing a good rapport with identified Candidate/s, inviting and evolving them and their family in Lodge Socials.

Sharing about Freemasonry -- what it is, and what it is not, and later preparing to receive them as one of the Brothers’ of the fraternity. Following up by creating conducive atmosphere; as well; nurturing; supporting the new Freemasons ensuring their sustained, sound progress in Freemasonry. Further assuring full support, adequate and proper care of existing Brethren. Thereby making Freemasonry a vibrant, living example of Brotherhood.

Step 1. The Lodge prepares a plan comprising a review of its current practices, a Lodge profile if appropriate a profile of its “ideal candidate”, how it will increase its visibility in its local community and the assignment of specific responsibilities related to the introduction of new members.

Step 2. From a collated ‘Long List’ of family members, work colleagues, social club members, friends, fellow worshippers, etc, and using the profiles compiled in Step 1, Lodge members prepare a ‘Short List’ of people who might be approached with a view to joining the Lodge.

Step 3. A member or members approach a prospective candidate to find out whether he might be interested in Freemasonry and to help him learn enough about us to decide whether he wishes to pursue membership. Note: this is not an invitation to join; the candidate must still ask to become a Freemason and acceptance will depend upon suitability.

Step 4. Alternatively a “Potential Candidate” approaches the Lodge, or is referred to the Lodge, with an Expression of Interest. Such approaches need to be validated and sponsors found.

Step 5. Sponsors discuss Freemasonry and membership in detail, to screen the prospective candidate, to determine whether he meets the qualifications for membership.

Step 6. If sponsors and candidate both wish to proceed, the prospective candidate is now an “Applicant”. He completes a Grand Lodge Registration Form and goes to formal interview. A small Permanent Interview Panel ,so appointed ,conducts the interview on behalf of the Lodge Committee.

Step 7. If the Interview Panel recommends him as a suitable candidate then he is proposed, balloted for and prepared for initiation.

Step 8. The Personal Mentor, whether he be a Sponsor or another experienced Freemason, provides the new member with support tailored to his individual needs, guides him as he goes through the ceremonies and experiences aspects of Freemasonry for the first time.

Step 9. At an appropriate point after the new member has taken his Third Degree and has some understanding of the Craft, he is introduced to the Royal Arch and encouraged to consider membership.

Step 10. Retention involves a series of positive activities a Lodge can undertake to help the new member gain enjoyment and satisfaction and to grow in his commitment, and preventive activities to respond to any signs of dissatisfaction.

Step 11. In the regrettable event that a member submits his resignation, there are activities to retrieve his membership. This Step is co-ordinated by Metropolitan / Provincial / District Grand Lodges. As soon as a candidate has taken his obligation he is a Freemason and a “member”, no longer a “Candidate” but a “Brother”. The Pathway refers to “new” or “newer”, not “young” or “junior”, members.

Roles and Responsibilities in the Pathway

All Members of a Lodge share responsibility for introducing new members, for helping to retain them by making them feel welcome and supported, and for seeking to retrieve those who resign. A number of officers and other members have more specific roles to play in these processes. If appropriate or necessary, these roles may be combined or held in conjunction with other Lodge Offices.

MASONIC SYMBOLISM

Masonic ritual refers to the scripted words and actions that are spoken or performed during the degree work in a Masonic Lodge. Masonic symbolism is that which is used to illustrate the principles which Freemasonry espouses.

Freemasonry is described in its own ritual as a Beautiful or Peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.The symbolism of freemasonry is found throughout the Masonic Lodge, and contains many of the working tools of a medieval or renaissance stonemason. The whole system is transmitted to initiates through the medium of Masonic ritual, which consists of lectures and allegorical play.

In India jurisdictionsBhagwatGeeta, GranthShabe,Bible,Quran,Avesta, Vedas or other appropriate sacred text (known in some rituals as the Volume of the Sacred Law) will always be displayed while the Lodge is open. In Lodges with a membership of mixed religions it is common to find more than one sacred text displayed. A candidate will be given his choice of religious text for his Obligation, according to his beliefs. UGLE alludes to similarities to legal practice in the UK, and to a common source with other oath taking processes.

In keeping with the geometrical and architectural theme of Freemasonry, the Supreme Being is referred to in Masonic ritual by the titles of the Great Architect of the Universe, Grand Geometrician or similar, to make clear that the reference is generic, and not tied to a particular religion’s conception of God.

Masonic Information

The word “lodge” means both a group of Masons meeting in some place and the room or building in which they meet. Masonic buildings are also called”temples” because much of the symbolism Masonry uses to teach its lessons comes from theses temples.