A Brotherhood Built on Timeless Principles
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations. It brings together men of good character who share a desire for friendship, personal development and service to others.
Freemasonry encourages each member to become a better man: to act with integrity, support those around him and make a positive contribution to his family and community.
Neither wealth, profession nor social position determines a man's suitability for Freemasonry. Character, integrity and a genuine desire for self-improvement are what matter.
Brotherhood
Friendship and fellowship between men from different backgrounds, united by shared values and mutual respect.
Personal Growth
Freemasonry encourages reflection, learning and the continual development of character throughout life.
Service
Members are encouraged to support others and contribute positively to their families, communities and society.
“Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold and silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are earned and paid in their dealings with one another; sympathy that begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason.
Benjamin Franklin
Belief and Freemasonry
Freemasonry is not a religion, but members must have a belief in a Supreme Being. Men of different faiths meet together as equals, with respect for each other's beliefs.
Freemasonry promotes tolerance and allows each member the freedom to form his own views on religious, social and political matters.
While some Masonic ceremonies and traditions are reserved for members, Freemasonry is not a secret society. Its existence, principles and charitable work are openly known.
How to Join
Freemasons do not recruit members. If you are interested in becoming a Freemason, the first step is simply to ask.
You do not need to know a Freemason to begin. Contact Capilano Lodge and our Secretary will be pleased to arrange an informal conversation.
Start a ConversationTo Be One, Ask One
Anyone interested in Freemasonry is welcome to approach a Mason and ask for more information.
If you do not know a Mason, simply contact Capilano Lodge. Our Secretary will arrange for you to meet several members of the Lodge.
These meetings provide an opportunity for you to learn about Freemasonry and Capilano Lodge, while allowing the members to get to know you.
The process takes some time and is deliberately unhurried. If both you and the Lodge believe membership would be a good fit, you may eventually be invited to submit a petition for initiation.
Qualifications for Membership
Applicants must meet the membership requirements established by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, including:
- Be a man of good character and reputation.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Believe in a Supreme Being.
- Meet the residency requirements of the jurisdiction.
- Be able to read and write in English.
- Complete the Lodge's introductory process.
- Be recommended by members of the Lodge.
- Be able to meet the financial obligations of membership.
- Be willing to participate in the life and work of the Lodge.
Membership also requires a commitment of time to Lodge meetings and to learning about Freemasonry's philosophy, history, ritual and traditions.
The Ideal of a Freemason
If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who, without blemish, fulfills his duty as a man, a subject, a husband and a father; who is pious without hypocrisy, benevolent without ostentation, and aids his fellowman without self-interest; whose heart beats warm for friendship, whose serene mind is open for licensed pleasures, who in vicissitudes does not despair, nor in fortune will be presumptuous, and who will be resolute in the hour of danger;
The man who is free from superstition and free from infidelity; who in nature sees the finger of the Eternal Master; who feels and adores the higher destination of man; to whom faith, hope and charity are not mere words without any meaning; to whom property, nay even life, is not too dear for the protection of innocence and virtue, and for the defense of truth;
The man who towards himself is a severe judge, but who is tolerant with the debilities of his neighbour; who endeavours to oppose errors without arrogance, and to promote intelligence without impatience; who properly understands how to estimate and employ his means; who honours virtue though it may be in the most humble garment, and who does not favour vice though it be clad in purple; and who administers justice to merit whether dwelling in palaces or cottages.
The man who, without courting applause, is loved by all noble-minded men, respected by his superiors and revered by his subordinates; the man who never proclaims what he has done, can do, or will do, but where need is will lay hold with dispassionate courage, circumspect resolution, indefatigable exertion and a rare power of mind, and who will not cease until he has accomplished his work, and then, without pretension, will retire into the multitude because he did the good act, not for himself, but for the cause of good!
If you, my Brethren meet such a man, you will see the personification of brotherly love, relief and truth; and you will have found the ideal of a Freemason.
Excerpted from The History of Freemasonry by Otto Klotz, The Canadian Craftsman, March 15, 1868.
Curious About Freemasonry?
If you would like to learn more, we'd be pleased to hear from you. There is no obligation — just start a conversation.
Contact the Lodge