Shrine Club of Southeastern Mass invites public to New Bedford Mason Lodges Open House on April 12

The Shrine Club of Southeastern Mass invite you to visit during the Open House, to learn about Freemasonry, tour a Masonic Lodge, meet members, and answer your questions about Freemasonry. The New Bedford Masonic Temple is located at the corners of County and Union Streets (435 County St.) in Downtown New Bedford,

Members of the Masonic Fraternity as well as the Shriners and representatives of the youth organization Demolay (which is an organization for young men 12-20, will be present to provide tours, and to provide information, and explain the connection between the Freemasons, and appendant organizations including Demolay and the Shriners. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the rich and exciting history of the several local Masonic Lodges. Representatives from the Shriners will also provide information about the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and pull-tab collection-recycling program, which benefits the Shriners Hospitals.

Freemasonry was started in 1717 in England, and moved to America during the mid 1700’s and its members included many important figures in history. Freemasonry and its activities and programs encourages members to live their life in an upright, and just manner, and promote the virtues of patriotism, morality, truth, justice, friendship, diversity, fun, and self-improvement through leadership, service to others and education.

Freemasonry also encourages its members to practice charity and goodwill towards others, and to that extent, the Masonic Fraternity contributes over $3 million dollars a day to various charities many of which benefit society without the public realizing it. The Masonic Lodges in southeastern Mass support a number of philanthropic projects including Shriners Hospitals for Children, Gifts to Give, the Gentlemen’s Roundtable, The American Red Cross, medical research for heart disease, the Relay for Life, Boy Scouts of America, and many other worthwhile causes.

Freemasonry is also about fun, a big part of a Mason’s life is social interaction with other Masons. This includes banquets, card nights, guest speakers at meetings, social dinners, trips, and events for charity, circuses, and much more. Many of these events are family friendly, and members are encouraged to bring their loved ones with them.

New Bedford Masonic Temple is located at 435 County St. at the corners of County and Union Streets in Downtown New Bedford and all are welcome to visit on April 12, 2014 from 9 A.M.-3 P.M. to take a glimpse into the mysterious world of Freemasonry, learn the truth about the organization, and drop off pull-tabs for the Shriners. For more info about these lodges and other lodges throughout Southeastern Mass, please visit the 19th district’s website www.19thdistrict.com. To find out more information about the Shriners, the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the pull-tabs program, please visit www.shriners22.org.