Freemasonry is defined as “an initiatory order that delves into the mystery of moral geometry, using allegory and symbolism to impart its philosophical lessons.”
Masonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization dedicated to personal development. At its core, Freemasons are a group of likeminded men fully helping each other to the extent of their individual gifts. We are bound and guided by our core values of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
As Masons, our mission is to cultivate a Brotherhood of men united in the pursuit of knowledge, dedicated to a lifelong journey of self-discovery to strengthen, and build character. Our Lodges are a secular, yet spiritual environment designed to improve our Members by setting a high value on traits such as tolerance, morality, and integrity.
Freemasonry is not a religion. Freemasonry does seek as members only men who believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, but in no way does it promote one form of religious conviction over another. Freemasonry recognizes each individual’s right to his own beliefs and prohibits discussion of a religious nature in Lodge. As such, it is not a substitute for religion. Each member seeks the way to pursue his religious convictions in the manner best suited to him.
The Bible, which Masons refer to as the Volume of the Sacred Law. Since it may be accompanied by the Holy Writings of another religion should the candidate be a follower of a religion not based on the Bible, it is used by new members to declare their faith in a Supreme Being and is always open during Lodge meetings. Masons are taught to regard the Volume of the Sacred Law with reverence and to acknowledge it as the inspired revelation of the mind and will of God. They are urged to read their Book of Faith and to regulate their lives and actions by its teachings. Furthermore, the Ritual has a religious aura and Biblical events and personalities, especially from the Old Testament, are part of that Ritual. Quotations from the Bible are used for a specific and sometimes illustrative purpose.
Masons represent all races, occupations, faiths, ages, diverse ideologies, and stations in life, yet within our fraternity, we are all equal.
There are certain criteria in order to be eligible for membership in our Lodge. In today’s society any man of faith, 21 years of age or older, of good moral character and reputation can become a Mason.
While these qualifications are mandatory, they do not guarantee membership. We must feel a sense of compatibility and that you are a good fit for the culture of our Lodge and we want to make sure that potential members feel the same about joining our community as well.
In Freemasonry, a Lodge refers to the local association of Masons, often called a “Craft Lodge.” A Lodge is the basic organizational unit of Freemasonry, where the members meet to conduct the usual business of the fraternity and participate in various ceremonies and rituals.
Each Lodge is autonomous and governs itself, although it is also subject to the laws and regulations of the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction in which it is located. Lodges can vary in size and composition, but they all consist of a group of Masons who meet regularly to socialize, conduct business, and participate in the fraternity’s educational and charitable activities.
In addition to these formal duties, our vibrant lodge offers Members a sanctuary from their hectic lifestyles, which is dedicated to friendship and happiness, by engaging in contemplation, self-evaluation, and most importantly, encouraging harmonious relationships within our value-based organization.
Fees vary by Lodge. At Humber Lodge, members pay annual dues and a one-time initiation fee. All funds received go towards the expenses of running and administering the Lodge, including: space rental, food and refreshments served at Lodge meetings, Masonic regalia, and other administrative expenses. We have members from a variety of professional backgrounds, and we seek to ensure that lodge fees are within the financial means of all who wish to be members of our Fraternity.
We are a not-for-profit organizations and the dues and fees that we collect from our Members are used to cover the expenses of running and maintaining the temple as well as for charitable purposes and benevolence.
Masonry does not strive to make a man better than any other man, but instead enables and nurtures him to be the best man that HE can be.
Furthermore, Masonry benefits and supports individuals, families, organizations, and communities through numerous activities and initiatives.
Humber Lodge meets on the first and third Thursdays of the Month (except in July and August), from 7:30 to 10:30 – you would be expected to attend these meetings, however exceptions are made in cases of pressing family or professional commitments
Freemasons meet at Masonic Temples, which are located in communities across the Province (and the World). Humber Lodge meets at the Weston Masonic Temple, which is located at 2040 Weston Road in Toronto (just north of Lawrence Avenue West).
Memorization and public speaking are an important part of Freemasonry, and you would be expected to do some reciting of memorized text. While this may seem daunting if you are not used to public speaking, you will find that most Masons can tell you how their comfort with public speaking increased dramatically as they progressed in Freemasonry. It is also important to note that a Masonic Lodge is a supportive environment, and your fellow Masons will endeavour to help you with any memorization you may be asked to do.
Freemasonry is not a networking society. As detailed throughout this website, the goal of Freemasonry is to ‘make good men better’ through the virtues of fraternity, charity and truth. When Masons enter a Masonic Lodge, they leave their professional lives at the door and meet ‘on the level’ with men from a variety of backgrounds to practice these virtues, and not to network or make business connections.
Freemasonry is not a religion, but it is grounded in religious and spiritual teachings and uses these teachings to impart a system of morality grounded in ancient wisdom. This system of morality reinforces and further supports notions such as the equality of men before God, the virtues of hard work and perseverance, the importance of providing relief and assistance to those in need, and the awe and reverence we should all feel towards the universe.
The more a Mason participates in and reflects on these teachings, the more he will feel them to be fundamental, eternal truths, and not simple notions or social conventions, and the more he will practice them with confidence in all aspects of his life.
Freemasons are inspired to promote kindness and generosity for the betterment of society. Charity is not the main objective of Freemasonry, but it does awaken a latent, generous spirit within us, and once awakened, the Mason better understands his duties to himself, his family and his society.
In order to join a Masonic Lodge, you must be recommended by two members of that Lodge. If you do not know a member that you can ask, you can contact Humber Lodge at secretary.humber305@gmail.com and someone from the Lodge will contact you to discuss your interest in applying.
After you submit your application to the Lodge an investigation will be made into your character. This will include a background check, as well as having three members of the Lodge visit with you to discuss your interest in Freemasonry and your motivations for joining. The three people who visit with you will then file a report with the Lodge, after which the members of the Lodge will ballot on your application
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