HURONIA LODGE:
Huronia No. 348 is a Masonic Lodge in Victoria Harbour, Ontario. It was formed in 2008 by the amalgamation of two Lodges in the area. Huronia Lodge No. 348 is what Freemasons call a 'centennial Lodge' as it has been in existence for well over one hundred years. It is currently the only Lodge in Midland, and is one of three Craft Lodges located in the Tay area. Huronia Lodge No. 348
is located in Southern Georgian Bay. FREEMASONRY:
Freemasonry, or 'Ancient Free and Accepted Masons' is a worldwide fraternal organization dedicated to making good men better, embracing brotherly love, relief and truth, and rediscovering forgotten moments in history that teach its members to bear in mind and act accordingly to their many customs. The organization was formally founded in 1717 when four independent Lodges in London UK joined together to form the first Grand Lodge, the UGLE which exists to this day. Despite the fraternity's three hundred year history on paper, the teachings of Freemasonry extend much further back in time, as far as the Hebrew settlement of what is now Israel. BODIES OF FREEMASONRY:
The main body of Freemasonry is called the Craft Lodge in Canada. This lodge contains the core essence of the fraternity's ancient teachings, and confers three very in depth and intriguing degrees - Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Despite the existence of other bodies of Freemasonry that confer additional degrees past the third, by technicality there is no degree in the organization that is considered 'above' the Master Mason degree. Scottish Rite - This is a body of Freemasonry concordant with the Craft Lodge that confers additional Masonic degrees from 4-33. In Canada, The Scottish Rite is divided into three Lodges - the Lodge of Perfection, the Rose Croix Chapter, and the Consistory. The 33rd degree is typically separate from these Lodges and invites active members to join who have made great contributions to the fraternity. They will also award some Masons with an Honorary 33rd degree which does not require them to serve on the active council. The Scottish Rite degrees are mostly representative of French Orient Masonry. York Rite - in Canada the York Rite is a body of Freemasonry that confers additional degrees, and is divided into several parts - the Royal Arch Chapter, Cryptic Masonry and the Knights Templar Order of Canada, each of which confer several unique degrees. It is the only body of Freemasonry that requires a specific religious alignment (Christianity) in order to complete the final degrees. The Shriners - in Canada and across the world, the Shriners (or Ancient Order of Arabic Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) are widely regarded as loud and proud Masons. They are no stranger to the public eye and can be often seen in parades or running local charity events. The Shrine Club does not confer a degree system but focuses on celebration and charity. The only requirement for becoming a Shriner is that the applicant must already be a Master Mason. In Canada, the Shrine Club's most successful project to date has been funding the Shriner's Hospital for children with severe burns. Order of The Eastern Star - This related body of Freemasonry is unique in that it recognizes both male and female members. Male applicants must be Master Masons, and female applicants must be related to a Mason by blood or marriage. MASONIC BELIEFS:
Freemasons believe in one all-knowing Creator, which they ambiguously refer to as "The Great Architect Of The Universe". Men of many unique faiths are Freemasons, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and many more. However, to avoid dissension among brethren, the discussion of both religion and politics is forbidden in open Lodge. Freemasons identify as 'speculative masons' and apply the tools of ancient operative masons to their morals. For example, if the square is perfectly upright, so need be a brother's heart. To join Freemasonry in Ontario, you must meet the following requirements:
-You must be male
-You must be at least 21 years of age
-You must believe in a supreme being
-You must not have a criminal record
-You must be willing and able to pay the necessary fees
By a court ruling in 1957, Freemasonry is not a religion. A Freemason who wishes to cancel their membership can do so at any time. Interested in becoming a Freemason? Inbox us to begin your Masonic journey.
