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Main Menu Calendar Event List Photo Gallery Masonic Links About Us Contact Us Masonic Temple 314 W. Park St. Butte, MT 59701 (406) 782-2963 |
The first known meeting of Masons in Montana was on September 23, 1862, when three brethren with the first Fisk expedition, then camped on the Mullan road at the summit of the Rockies, went through the ritual of opening and closing a lodge. Butte Silver Bow currently has three active lodges: Butte Lodge No. 22, Mount Moriah Lodge No. 24, and Monitor Lodge No. 35. Butte, in its' bustling mining days, had up to six lodges that have since been consolidated to the remaining three. You can view each lodge's history on their respective pages. What is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is a science of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life: it seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need. Is Freemasonry a religion? No. While it is a requirement that each member believe in a Supreme Being, it is not important how one expresses that very personal belief. Further, there is no dogmatic system in Freemasonry. However, confusion about the secular nature of Freemasonry has been a common misconception for many years. Is Freemasonry a secret society? No. Freemasonry operates very much in the open with many events open to the public. There are modes of recognition (passwords and handshakes) that represent a Mason’s ability to keep a promise. What do all the symbols mean? There are simply too many symbols used in Masonry to explain them all, but probably the most common symbol people see is the square and compasses. The square reminds Masons to “square” their actions by the “square of virtue,” and the compasses remind them to “circumscribe” their passions. In other words, Masons are reminded to keep their actions virtuous and their passions in control. Additionally, in the U.S. there is usually a “G” in the middle of the square and compass symbol. This letter stands for “geometry” and “God” and reminds Masons that geometry was central to the stone mason’s life as God should be to his. How many people belong to Freemasonry? There are about 1.7 million Masons in the United States. How can I join? Do I have to be invited? Freemasonry is a fraternity whose membership must be sought by a man. So, in other words, to be a Mason, ask a Mason how to become a member. |
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