Information about Freemasonry
Our Vision
Freemasonry in Manitoba will be the preeminent fraternal organization committed to improving good Men through fellowship, leadership and education.
Our Mission
To teach and perpetuate a fraternal way of life of high moral standards through self-improvement, brotherhood, community involvement and benevolence.
To become a member of this Ancient and Honourable Fraternity, a Man must apply of his own free will and accord and with an open heart. Invitations are not issued to prospective members, nor are members solicited.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry has been described as a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. This, of course, creates more questions than it supplies answers. Freemasonry has also been described as a fraternal group who have dedicated their lives to becoming better men, helping others, and making their community a better place.
The Origin of Freemasonry
“The origin of Freemasonry is one of the most debated, and debatable, subjects in the whole realm of historical inquiry. One has to distinguish between the legendary history of Freemasonry and the problem of when it actually began as an organized institution. According to Masonic legend, Freemasonry is as old as architecture itself.” Prof. Francis A. Yates
The origin of Freemasonry has variously been attributed to a number of sources stemming from King Solomon, and the construction of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Euclid, or Pythagoras, The Patriarchal Religion, Moses, the Pagan Mysteries, the intellectual descendants of Noah, an institutional outgrowth of the medieval guilds of stonemasons, an administrative arm of the Priory of Sion, the intellectual descendants of the Roman Collegia, the German Steinmetzen, or the French Compagnonage, Oliver Cromwell, or the Stuart Pretender to the British Crown; Lord Francis Bacon, to Sir Christopher Wren and the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral.
In the ritual context Freemasonry employs an allegorical foundation myth - the foundation of the fraternity by the builders of King Solomon’s Temple. Beyond myth, there is a distinct absence of documentation as to Freemasonry’s origins, which has led to a great deal of speculation among historians and pseudo-historians alike, both from within and from outside the fraternity. Hundreds of books have been written on the subject. Much of the content of these books is highly speculative, and the precise origins of Freemasonry may very well be permanently lost to history. The scant evidence that is available, points to the origins of Freemasonry as a fraternity that simply evolved out of the Operative Lodges of the middle ages.
Ideal of A Freemason
"If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who, without blemish, fulfils 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.
M.W. Bro. Otto Klotz was an honourary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
Millions of men have become Freemasons throughout history, and yet it is not commonly known how one actually becomes a Freemason. An ancient landmark (custom) of regular Freemasonry that one is not asked to become a Freemason – a man must do it of his own volition. Some jurisdictions require that a man ask more than once. Membership is for men, 21 years of age or older, who meet the qualifications and standards of character and reputation, who are of good moral character, and who believe in the existence of a supreme being.
The doors of Freemasonry are open to men who seek harmony with their fellow man, feel the need for self-improvement and wish to participate in making this world a better place to live. Any man who becomes a Freemason is taught a pattern for living – reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability, and compassion. He must be prepared to honour his country, uphold its laws, and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honourable relations with others, and be willing to participate in Masonic activities.
Famous Canadian Freemasons
· Sir John A. MacDonald - First Prime Minister of Canada
· John B. MacLean - Founder of MacLean's Magazine
· John Molson - Founder of Molson Breweries
· General James Wollfe
· John D. Eaton - President, T. Eaton Company
· Gordon Sinclair - Journalist, Writer, CBC Broadcaster
· James A. Naismith - inventor of Basketball
· Hart Massey - Founder, Massey Ferguson Equipment
· John Deifenbaker - Prime Minister of Canada
· Harold Ballard - Entrepreneur and Businessman
· Reveen - Canadian Entertainer and Hypnotist
· Oscar Peterson - Musician
· Duff Roblin - Premier of Manitoba
· Peter Lougheed - Politican/businessman
· William Davis - Ontario Premier
· Douglas Campbell - Premier of Manitoba
· Tim Horton - NHL Hockey Player & Businessman
You can find useful information about our fraternity and our groups here:
Freemasonry in Manitoba will be the preeminent fraternal organization committed to improving good Men through fellowship, leadership and education.
Our Mission
To teach and perpetuate a fraternal way of life of high moral standards through self-improvement, brotherhood, community involvement and benevolence.
To become a member of this Ancient and Honourable Fraternity, a Man must apply of his own free will and accord and with an open heart. Invitations are not issued to prospective members, nor are members solicited.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry has been described as a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. This, of course, creates more questions than it supplies answers. Freemasonry has also been described as a fraternal group who have dedicated their lives to becoming better men, helping others, and making their community a better place.
The Origin of Freemasonry
“The origin of Freemasonry is one of the most debated, and debatable, subjects in the whole realm of historical inquiry. One has to distinguish between the legendary history of Freemasonry and the problem of when it actually began as an organized institution. According to Masonic legend, Freemasonry is as old as architecture itself.” Prof. Francis A. Yates
The origin of Freemasonry has variously been attributed to a number of sources stemming from King Solomon, and the construction of the Temple at Jerusalem, to Euclid, or Pythagoras, The Patriarchal Religion, Moses, the Pagan Mysteries, the intellectual descendants of Noah, an institutional outgrowth of the medieval guilds of stonemasons, an administrative arm of the Priory of Sion, the intellectual descendants of the Roman Collegia, the German Steinmetzen, or the French Compagnonage, Oliver Cromwell, or the Stuart Pretender to the British Crown; Lord Francis Bacon, to Sir Christopher Wren and the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral.
In the ritual context Freemasonry employs an allegorical foundation myth - the foundation of the fraternity by the builders of King Solomon’s Temple. Beyond myth, there is a distinct absence of documentation as to Freemasonry’s origins, which has led to a great deal of speculation among historians and pseudo-historians alike, both from within and from outside the fraternity. Hundreds of books have been written on the subject. Much of the content of these books is highly speculative, and the precise origins of Freemasonry may very well be permanently lost to history. The scant evidence that is available, points to the origins of Freemasonry as a fraternity that simply evolved out of the Operative Lodges of the middle ages.
Ideal of A Freemason
"If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who, without blemish, fulfils 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.
M.W. Bro. Otto Klotz was an honourary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.
Millions of men have become Freemasons throughout history, and yet it is not commonly known how one actually becomes a Freemason. An ancient landmark (custom) of regular Freemasonry that one is not asked to become a Freemason – a man must do it of his own volition. Some jurisdictions require that a man ask more than once. Membership is for men, 21 years of age or older, who meet the qualifications and standards of character and reputation, who are of good moral character, and who believe in the existence of a supreme being.
The doors of Freemasonry are open to men who seek harmony with their fellow man, feel the need for self-improvement and wish to participate in making this world a better place to live. Any man who becomes a Freemason is taught a pattern for living – reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability, and compassion. He must be prepared to honour his country, uphold its laws, and respect those in authority. He must be prepared to maintain honourable relations with others, and be willing to participate in Masonic activities.
Famous Canadian Freemasons
· Sir John A. MacDonald - First Prime Minister of Canada
· John B. MacLean - Founder of MacLean's Magazine
· John Molson - Founder of Molson Breweries
· General James Wollfe
· John D. Eaton - President, T. Eaton Company
· Gordon Sinclair - Journalist, Writer, CBC Broadcaster
· James A. Naismith - inventor of Basketball
· Hart Massey - Founder, Massey Ferguson Equipment
· John Deifenbaker - Prime Minister of Canada
· Harold Ballard - Entrepreneur and Businessman
· Reveen - Canadian Entertainer and Hypnotist
· Oscar Peterson - Musician
· Duff Roblin - Premier of Manitoba
· Peter Lougheed - Politican/businessman
· William Davis - Ontario Premier
· Douglas Campbell - Premier of Manitoba
· Tim Horton - NHL Hockey Player & Businessman
You can find useful information about our fraternity and our groups here:
- Lodge Listings: Comprehensive list of Lodges and their websites.
- Interesting links: More information about our partners and friends