No doubt you are wondering what kind of an organization Freemasonry is. First, we would like to assure you that Freemasonry is a moral institution based upon the Fatherhood of God, and that the conferral of what we choose to call "Degrees" is a means of passing on certain basic time-honored truths by which men can live and fulfill God's hope for us as members of His community. The Holy Bible is always open on our altar when the Lodge is meeting and nothing happens in the Lodge that anyone would not be proud to participate in.

It is the intention of a Masonic Lodge that its members be so impressed with the lessons taught that their lives will be a mirror through which is reflected the beautiful lessons of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is a way of life that can be meaningful and the fulfillment of God's design for us here on earth.

Freemasonry is not a "fly-by-night" organization. Record history of Freemasonry in its present form goes back to the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, and there is much evidence that it existed in some form as far back as the year 926. Its long life leaves no doubt that it is the will of God that Masonry is here today.

During these early times, our Masonic forefathers who were engaged as workmen on the cathedrals of Europe, not only discovered and developed their various construction skills, but they discovered and developed basic fundamental patterns of moral conduct that not only produced a better individual morally, but contributed tremendously to the formation of an orderly and decent society. In Freemasonry, we apply these patterns of moral conduct and strive to inspire our members to be better men, better husbands, and better fathers. We accept only those who, in our opinion, meet certain qualifications, but if Freemasonry does not make a man better, then Freemasonry has failed. You will benefit from Freemasonry according to your participation.

Our members become a part of a fellowship, that by action, has proven that when certain truths have been instilled into the hearts of our members, they will perform in their everyday lives, through personal or organized methods, in a manner pleasing to man and to our Maker. After a man has learned the truths taught in the three degrees of Masonry, his integrity and honesty are beyond question, and behavior among his fellows should be above reproach.

Freemasonry does not solicit membership. All of its members have asked to become members by seeking out a member and asking for a petition to join. If you are considering petitioning a local Lodge and are hoping of coming into the Lodge with the expectation that membership will provide social or business gain, you will be disappointed. That is not its purpose, though Freemasonry is known as a worthy organization and membership carries with it a great amount of prestige.

The charitable and benevolent activities of the Masonic Fraternity are perhaps well known to you. Be assured that Masons have always been ever willing to aid the distressed, assist children with their health and educational needs, feed the hungry and shelter the roofless. Over a period of years, the Grand Lodge of Louisiana has contributed substantially to many worthy causes throughout Louisiana.

There has never been an attempt to conceal the purpose, aims, and principles of Freemasonry. It is not a secret organization, but an organization with only certain concealed methods of recognizing each other. Masons proudly wear emblems of the craft; therefore no effort is made to conceal membership.