Copyright © Harcourt Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 581, G.R.C.. All Rights Reserved.
Protocol and etiquette newsletter
“P&E Essentials” is published by the Grand Lodge P. & E. Committee and is intended to be an interactive instrument, designed to help you make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
Harcourt Lodge is a part of the Toronto Don Valley District. The District website hosts a detailed calendar of events and news updates with photographs. There is also a resource section including links to articles such as the Protocols and Etiquette Essentials newsletter.
The Grand Lodge website offers a wealth of additional information to prospective members on what Freemasonry is about and it's history in Canada.
There are also a number of additional resources available to current Masons. To access these resources click the Login button at the top of any page. Your username is your 6 digit Grand Lodge Master Mason certificate number.
What is Freemasonry?
Masonic resources
Making Good Men Better
Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.
Freemasonry is a way of life. Any man who becomes a Mason is taught a pattern for living - reverence, morality, kindness, honesty, dependability and compassion. Masonry offers the opportunity to make each man better through its teachings, his Masonic associations and a philosophy that has served the social needs of men for centuries, by promoting tradition, self improvement, sense of accomplishment, fellowship and a break from the workday routine.
Who are Masons?
Masons are spiritual and moral men who choose to associate with group of like-minded individuals for mutual benefit. One of Freemasonry's customs is not to solicit members. However, anyone should feel free to approach any Mason to seek further information about the Craft. 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.
Common misconceptions
Masonry is not a secret society - it's a society with secrets. "Private" is a more appropriate description that "secret" and as with many organizations, certain information is reserved for members only.
Masonry is not a religion. Freemasonry is a fraternity, not a substitute for faith and certainly not a religion. The Master of a Lodge is the president of a club.