This page will slowly be developed as I personally progress through my Masonic career and eventually begin my travels through the York Rite. Being that little is known to non-Masons what Freemasonry is; many misconceptions take place. Now being a Mason, I will try to be part of the solution in getting rid of that ignorance.
The following is an excerpt taken from the below link. It was written by Rev. Joseph Fort Newton, a world reknowned and honored minister of the early 20th century.
If you have your doubts on Freemasonry or what a Mason is, please read and pay attention to the meanings of the following dialogue before judging out of ignorance...
When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as himself and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellow man.
When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea, even in their sins--knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds.
When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them, and above all how to keep friends with himself.
When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child.
When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life.
When the star-crowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters, subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead.
When no voice of distress reached his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response.
When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and sees majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be.
When he can look into a wayside puddle and see something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin.
When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope.
When he has kept faith with himself, with his fellow man, and with God; in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of song glad to live, but not afraid to die!
Such a man has found the only real secret of Masonry, and the one which it is trying to give to all the world.
Northern Jurisdiction; Valley of Uniontown, Fayette Lodge 228
Last Updated: November 17, 2002