Welcome to the Folkston Masonic Lodge # 196

What is a Mason? A Mason is a member of the oldest and largest goodwill fraternity in the world, known as Masonry or Freemasonry. Masonry teaches that each man has a duty to make life better, not just for himself, but for everyone. Whether that means helping to clean up the environment, volunteering in the local community or just helping with the people who are in need. The modern mason in today times is considered a Speculative mason. An Operative Mason is a worker who constructs a building with Stone. A Speculative Mason is a member of the modern fraternity and one who “fits himself as a living stone for that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens”. Although Masonry is not a religion, members must have a belief in a Supreme Being. All religions are welcome. Masonry insists on toleration and the right for each member to think for himself in religious, social, and political matters. Like any fraternity, some of the Masonic information is privileged to only the members. However Freemasonry is sometimes called a “secret society”. It does not hide its existence or attempt to conceal the purposes, goals, or principles of Masonry. In America, however, its members advertise their membership with rings, pins, car badges and the lodge buildings have large signs out front and are decorated with the square and compass emblem; and they also have websites and phone directories. “That isn’t a good way to keep things a secret”. Most importantly, Masons are presented with the opportunity to grow as individuals, are provided with the tools to make a difference, and are challenged to leave the world a better place.

Folkston Masonic Lodge # 196