Good Morning Gloucester

Cape Ann Masons’ Open House

Spring 2013

Joining with Masonic lodges across the Commonwealth, Freemasons meeting on Cape Ann will open their doors to the public on Saturday, April 6th, between 9 am and 3 pm, as part of the 2013 Spring Open House, a state-wide celebration of Freemasonry.  If you’ve ever wondered who the Freemasons are, whether they are the descendants of the Knights Templars, or what the inside of their Temples looks like, here’s your chance to find out.

More than 230 lodges will be hosting Open Houses to help the public gain a better understanding of what Freemasonry is, and the positive impact that is has on its members, their families, and community.  Members will provide tours of their building, talk about Freemasonry’s history, discuss its Rituals and symbols, and explain what they do.  And why.

In Gloucester, the Masonic Lodge is located at 27 Eastern Avenue, and in Manchester, at 10 Church Street (behind Town Hall).  Officers and members of the Lodges will be present to welcome visitors and prospective members alike.  Local Mason Eric Bergengren, who currently serves the Manchester Lodge as Treasurer and is a Past Master of the Tyrian-Ashler-Acacia Lodge in Gloucester said, “Cape Ann is especially fortunate to have two very strong Lodges where Masons meet regularly and host a wide variety of community-service efforts.   For men looking for ways to give back to their community and world, Masonry is a great place to look.  And exciting.”

“The 2013 Spring Open House is a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about Freemasonry to meet and talk with Masons in their community,” said Richard J. Stewart, Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts and the presiding officer of 35,000 members.  “Although many have heard of us, very few are aware that for over 275 years we have been part of an unbroken tradition of great men who have changed our world in ways both big and small.  Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thurgood Marshall, and John Glenn, for example, all joined the Masons prior to achieving the greatness we recognize them for.  There are countless other great men, whose names are not widely known, that made their families, workplaces, and communities better because they were Masons.  I warmly invite the public to join us on April 6th.”

Freemasons trace their roots to the stonemason guilds that built Europe’s cathedrals and castles during the early part of the last millennium.  As construction of these buildings declined, they began accepting members from outside their trade.  These new members, influenced by the “Age of Enlightenment,” transformed the organization from a group for builders to one focused on developing the character of its members.  Freemasonry was formally organized in London, England in 1717. In 1733 it was formally organized in Massachusetts, making it the oldest Masonic group in the Western Hemisphere and the third oldest in the world. In 2008, Massachusetts Freemasons celebrated their 275th Anniversary.

Freemasonry, the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, seeks to bring together men of every country, religion, race, background, and opinion and develop the bonds of friendship between them.  During its initiation Ritual, which uses symbolism and allegory, its members are encouraged to value principles, ethics, and morality and to live their lives accordingly.  The Fraternity has an aspect to it that is mysterious and spiritual.  Most of the Rituals include song and prayer.  By attempting to “make good men better,” Freemasonry positively benefits its members, families and communities.  Freemasonry in Massachusetts is comprised of 35,000 members and more than 230 lodges throughout the Commonwealth.  For additional information, please call 800.882.1020, or visit askafreemason.org.

---

Cape Ann Map Opportunity From The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

We are following up to make sure this didn’t slip past you, the Cape Ann Map is about to close out – be sure to contact Susan to ensure your company is featured this year!
2013 Cape Ann Map
Want to reach over 100,000 tourists who visit Cape Ann each year?  The Cape Ann Chamber is working to promote the area and local business!
The Cape Ann Map is distributed in:
-      All visitor inquires mailed out from the Chamber Offices
-      All Greater Boston Hotels
-      Over 63 Boston area Attractions & Information Centers
-      Over 20 Transportation Centers, including rental car agencies
-      Over 50 AAA’s offices throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont
-      And much, much more.
Fill out the form below and return to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce!  For questions, please contact Susan at the Chamber 978-283-1601.
2013 Cape Ann Visitor Map Registration Form
Robert W. Heidt, Jr. | Chief Executive Officer