May 2024:
Once More, With Feeling! Let’s Tell the World: #ImAMason
For the past two summers, we’ve run social media campaigns to encourage members to tell the world that #ImAMason. This month, we’re bringing it back—with the hopes of starting a worldwide trend!
Last summer, #ImAMason posts reached more than 6 million people—helping us spread the word about Freemasonry and promoting positive public awareness.
So, from May 1–14, we’re asking California Masons to post a message explaining why their membership is so important to them on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok (follow our new channel @CaliforniaMasons) with the hashtag #ImAMason. (It’s important you use the hashtag so we can see and share it!) This can be a simple written message, a photo, a selfie—whatever you like! Either way, by talking about Freemasonry and our membership with the people around us, we can inspire the next generation of would-be Masons to take that first step and knock on the door.
In fact, we know from studies that 91 percent of current members first learned about Masonry through a family member, friend, or coworker. Despite that, a whopping 63 percent of members don’t openly discuss Freemasonry with those around them—often out of an erroneous belief that they’re not allowed to, or that they have to wait until they’re asked directly. That isn’t true!
As Masons, we are able—and indeed encouraged—to talk about Freemasonry and what we get out of it with the people around us. That’s what the #ImAMason campaign is all about. Don’t know what to say? DOWNLOAD OUR NEW BOOKLET, titled Opening the Door, for some helpful and simple answers to common questions about Freemasonry. Or check out our brand-new webpage, WHAT IS FREEMASONRY, meant to give newcomers a basic sense of things. These are a starting point to help members discuss the fraternity in general and how it works. But the best explanations will come from real members discussing the real things they get out of it.
We can’t wait to see what you post!
![Freemasons belong to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, a group begun during the Middle Ages in Europe as a guild of skilled builders. With the decline of cathedral building, the focus of the society shifted. Today, “Freemasons are a social and philanthropic organization meant to make its members lead more virtuous and socially oriented lives,” says Margaret Jacob, professor of history at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Europe. Grounded in the Enlightenment, the organization “still conveys [the era’s] core values, religious tolerance, thirst for knowledge [and] sociability,” says Cécile Révauger, a Freemason, historian of Freemasonry and professor at the University of Bordeaux.
While not a secret society, per se, it does have secret passwords and rituals that originate with the medieval guild, says Jacob: “In the original guild, there were three stages: Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Masons who oversaw everyone working on a site. Today, these degrees are more philosophical.”
#TopFans #special #travel #success #ImAMason #fatherhood #highlights #religion #Brotherhood #mason #sisterhood #everyone #worldwide #Update #viralpage #fellowship #blackhistory #ATTENTION #fypシ゚ #Family #fyp #Craftsmanship #charity #politics #faith #Heritage #followers #love #father #brothers](https://freemason.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Freemasons belong to the oldest fraternal organization in the world, a group begun during the Middle Ages in Europe as a guild of skilled builders. With the decline of cathedral building, the focus of the society shifted. Today, “Freemasons are a social and philanthropic organization meant to make its members lead more virtuous and socially oriented lives,” says Margaret Jacob, professor of history at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of Living the Enlightenment: Freemasonry and Politics in Eighteenth-Century Europe. Grounded in the Enlightenment, the organization “still conveys [the era’s] core values, religious tolerance, thirst for knowledge [and] sociability,” says Cécile Révauger, a Freemason, historian of Freemasonry and professor at the University of Bordeaux.
While not a secret society, per se, it does have secret passwords and rituals that originate with the medieval guild, says Jacob: “In the original guild, there were three stages: Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Masons who oversaw everyone working on a site. Today, these degrees are more philosophical.”
#TopFans #special #travel #success #ImAMason #fatherhood #highlights #religion #Brotherhood #mason #sisterhood #everyone #worldwide #Update #viralpage #fellowship #blackhistory #ATTENTION #fypシ゚ #Family #fyp #Craftsmanship #charity #politics #faith #Heritage #followers #love #father #brothers
Visalia Lodge #128 joined the Visalia Assembly #55, CA IORG this evening to pick up trash at one of our local parks here in #Visalia. This effort was to honor the Grand Master’s Day of Service. Afterwards we all met back at the Lodge for burgers with all the fixins. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success. #MasonsofCA #ImAMason #RainbowGirls
Too many enter the Craft believing that the goal is to one day sit in the East;
that the Master`s chair is the final achievement,
the highest honor,
the top of the mountain...
But Freemasonry is not a career ladder.
It`s not a series of titles or offices to collect like merit badges.
It is (and always has been) a lifelong apprenticeship to wisdom.
The real work of a Mason doesn`t end with the degrees...
That`s when it truly begins.
The titles, the offices, the regalia... they are scaffolding.
They are helpful, perhaps even necessary at times, but they are not the structure itself.
A man can serve in the East ten times and still miss the point if he confuses leadership with Light.
The East offers visibility, but visibility isn`t understanding.
Wisdom isn`t granted by election, it is earned.
In solitude.
In reflection.
In moments of quiet struggle when no one is watching.
Apprenticeship in the Craft is not something we grow out of.
It`s something we grow deeper into.
The same working tools, the same symbols, the same phrases; they reveal more each time, but only if we bring more of ourselves to them.
The Square and Compasses are not decoration.
They are mirrors. Look long enough, and they will show you the edges still rough, the corners still untrue, the work yet unfinished.
The world loves speed, promotion, and position.
Masonry asks for patience, depth, and transformation.
It is not the rush to the East that defines a Mason.
It is the slow, deliberate labor of becoming the kind of man who doesn`t need a chair to lead or a title to live with wisdom.
The true Mason doesn`t race toward the East;
He remains a humble student.
But what do you think?
www.PointLomaMasonicLodge.com
#ImAMason
#Freemasonry
#Masonic
#Masonry
#Freemason
#SquareAndCompass
#Brotherhood
#Lodge
#WorshipfulMaster
#MasterMason
#MasonicBrotherhood
#MasonicTemple
#MasonicCharity
#TravelingMan
#Freemasons
#Initiation
#Freemasonic
#MasonicHistory
#MasonicRitual
#ScottishRite
#YorkRite
Thank you Atengs/Sisters of Gardena Moneta Lodge no 372 for your Uplifting dancing and all the other special things you do for the lodge this year. Looking forward to your energetic participation in the ensuing year. I highly appreciate all your support for your significant other and for the lodge. #masonsofca #masonsofcalifornia #gml372 #fyp #imamason #freemasonry #followers #gml372strong #gardenamoneta372strong #atengsofGML372
“The fact members put their trust in me—I’m still trying to internalize the love and respect they’ve shown me,” Duane Scott says.
At 24, Scott is among the state’s youngest lodge masters—and the leading example of the rise of the #GenZ Mason. And where young leaders are able to provide energy and a new perspective, they also gain confidence and support from the stability of longtime members. Learn more at the 🔗 in bio
From now to May 14, we`re inviting all members to post a short message on other social media channels saying why Freemasonry is important to them, and to include the hashtag #ImAMason. This can be a written post or, even better, filmed as a short video.
#MasonsofCA
“New members come in and have no idea that #Freemasonry is so huge. There’s so many opportunities for learning. I’ve been involved in a lot of things with my lodge. I’m a #Masons4Mitts captain. I’m involved in all sorts of boards of trustees and associations. I’m also involved with the Youth Orders. Masonry’s really in my blood.” Read more from #CaliforniaFreemason Mike Tugalao
From now until May 14, we`re inviting all members to post a short message on Facebook and other social media channels saying why #Freemasonry is important to them, and to include the hashtag #ImAMason. This can be a written post or, even better, filmed as a short video.
#MasonsofCA #ImAMason
Bro. Sean Merrill & his wife out for a Widows Sons ride!! Hear his whole story in Episode 98. Masonry with Friends!
www.TravelingManPodcast.com
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#podcast #ImAMason #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #podcasting #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #travelingman #brotherlylove #freemasonsofamerica #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #eastpalestine417 #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #podcastaddict #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
You are cordially invited to attend the 120th Installation of Officers of Gardena Moneta Lodge no 372 for the 2025 Masonic year, in a spirit of fraternal camaraderie. Save the date!!!
#gardenamonetalodge372strong #Freemason #Travelers #MasonsofCA #GrandLodgeofCalifornia #gml372strong #gardenamonetalodge372 #MasonsofCA #gml372 #fyp #ImAMason #freemasonry #follower #masonsofcalifornia #togetherbrethren #brotherhood
Use this content to spread the word about resources provided by the California Masonic Foundation, the Masonic Homes of California, and more.
Masonic Health Services:
Services at MCYAF Across the Lifespan
The Pavilion at the Masonic Homes
Masonic Homes of California Resources
Masonic Philanthropy:
Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your May checklist.
Executive Committee
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
- Identify and approach members for 2025 open elected and appointed officer positions
- Identify and approach members for the 2025 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees.
- Set calendar for 2025 and identify event leaders.
- Continue preparing 2025 budget.
- Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain
- Review all candidates’ progress toward advancement.
Junior Warden
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
- Continue tracking 100 percent officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.
Secretary
- Send list of members with late dues to the Retention Committee.
- Send any suspension notices via certified mail.
- Provide necessary information so Charity Committee can consider remissions.
- Begin reviewing roster for accuracy in preparation for the end of the Grand Lodge membership year, June 30.
Treasurer
- Important: By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199 (unless your lodge has previously agreed to have Grand Lodge prepare and file these forms). Please contact financial services at (415) 292-9170 for any questions.
- Lodges not using Intacct should submit their annual financial statements to Grand Lodge by May 15.
Hall Association
- Important: By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199.
- Important: By May 15, submit form 200 to Grand Lodge. In iMember 2.0, download form 200 from the Hall Resources section of the Resources tile, and then upload the completed form to the lodge vault or submit to memberservices@freemason.org or financialservices@freemason.org
- Pay insurance premium.
Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.
Last month, we asked whether your lodge has considered launching a TikTok channel. Of those who replied….
- 84% - No
- 12% - Never
- 4% - It has not been brought up at the Lodge
- 0% - Yes
