Ephrata Lodge No. 665

What is Freemasonry?

Greetings and welcome to Ephrata Lodge No. 665’s website. For those seeking to know more about who the Freemasons are, we are the oldest, largest, and most widely recognized fraternal organization in the world, of which Ephrata Lodge is the local lodge and presence in the Ephrata Pennsylvania community. Freemasonry was founded in London, England in 1717, its current worldwide membership totals around 3.6 million members, 1.6 million of which are in North America. Freemasonry is not a religion or social club, but is a “moral science” taught by degrees, and by using the symbolic tools of the stonemason builders, we learn to build our spiritual temples and become better men. As a fraternal organization, Freemasonry unites men of good character who may have different religious, ethnic, or social backgrounds, who can share a common belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.

In the three hundred plus years of its history – it began on June 24th 1717, the day on which five Masonic lodges in London amalgamated to form one Grand Lodge – it has not changed direction, but for all of them the purpose is the same: the ennoblement of men, from the rough to the refined stone, to become part of the temple of universal love of mankind. The process is fulfilled in degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.

The traditions of Freemasonry are founded upon the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of the stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. For example, Masons are reminded at Lodge to “meet upon the level of equality” and to “square our actions by the square of virtue.”

Like most organizations, one will get out of Freemasonry what he is able to put into it. However, membership in Freemasonry is not meant in any way to interfere with an individual’s commitment to his faith, family, or occupation. Freemasonry is not and never can be a replacement for these important institutions, but rather it is a positive environment that reminds every Mason of his duty to God, his community, his family, and himself.

Ephrata Lodge is known for never repeating a Worshipful Master (presiding officer) since its constitution was warranted in 1910, and from the looks of it the lodge will be continuing this tradition for several years to come. The lodge is also known for some of the best ritualists in the district and any member should be honored to be part of a lodge that embraces the ritual with such pride. The beauty in the ritual reminds us of the morals and lessons to truly live our lives by. They are beautiful and impressive, and it’s urged that any Mason see all three degrees at least once a year to remind himself of the power contained within them. It also serves as a great refresher to the steps, grips and passwords, especially if one plans to travel to another lodge in or out of the state. As Masons, supporting new brethren who are receiving these degrees is one of the best actions performed to welcome and support a Brother into the fraternity. As the Holy Bible says, “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity!”

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