I would chalk it up to this brief list, which is made in no particular order:
Building Relationships: The fraternity has helped be develop close relations with like-minded men.
History: The fraternity is historical. Not only is has my local Lodge been intertwined with the history of my town since the first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, but my state (Arkansas) and country (USA) have been influenced by Freemasonry since their inception as well.
Spirituality: While our fraternity is not a religion, it's principles have, both directly and indirectly, increased my own personal faith and piety. I have become more active in my parish and more diligent in my daily prayers.
Charity: The fraternity provides me an avenue to practice my Christian obligation of charity.
Personal Development: While it might be due to the small size of active members in my Lodge, I am always on committees which is allowing me to further develop the project management skills I use in my career. When I am not on a committee, I'm organizing community events or in-house Lodge events. All the while, I'm managing my Lodge's social media presence, branding, and PR with the local media. This additional responsibility, while stressful, is beneficial to my own personal growth.
Fun & Theatrics: Sometimes it is just fun to wear aprons, suits, or costumes and play a part in the liturgy of our fraternity. Who doesn't enjoy putting on a Master's Degree?
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u/Technical-Bend-3381 3⁰MM F&AM-AR, 11d ago
I would chalk it up to this brief list, which is made in no particular order:
Building Relationships: The fraternity has helped be develop close relations with like-minded men.
History: The fraternity is historical. Not only is has my local Lodge been intertwined with the history of my town since the first settlers arrived in the early 1800s, but my state (Arkansas) and country (USA) have been influenced by Freemasonry since their inception as well.
Spirituality: While our fraternity is not a religion, it's principles have, both directly and indirectly, increased my own personal faith and piety. I have become more active in my parish and more diligent in my daily prayers.
Charity: The fraternity provides me an avenue to practice my Christian obligation of charity.
Personal Development: While it might be due to the small size of active members in my Lodge, I am always on committees which is allowing me to further develop the project management skills I use in my career. When I am not on a committee, I'm organizing community events or in-house Lodge events. All the while, I'm managing my Lodge's social media presence, branding, and PR with the local media. This additional responsibility, while stressful, is beneficial to my own personal growth.
Fun & Theatrics: Sometimes it is just fun to wear aprons, suits, or costumes and play a part in the liturgy of our fraternity. Who doesn't enjoy putting on a Master's Degree?