What does Masonry mean to me? It might readily be described as ‘Masonry means the world to me’, but that encompasses a rather broad statement without a definitive answer.

 
    My Masonic experience has meant opportunity. It has provided me with opportunities that I would not have had without my involvement in Masonry. My wife and I have met and enjoyed fellowship with countless Masons and their families. We have seen the young develop into adulthood, later to become members of the fraternity. We have traveled thousands of miles in Texas and adjacent countries to expand our understanding of the universality of the world’s oldest and most honorable fraternity of good men who subscribe to the same principles and precepts as taught by Masonry world wide.

 
    Masonry has afforded me the opportunity to learn things that would not have been possible outside of Masonic activities; to be deeply concerned about those who are less fortunate that myself and to gain an insight into the real meaning of charity, brotherly love and fellowship. Through my Masonic experiences I have been afforded the rare opportunity for self-development; to become more aware of the needs of people and the many ways that our fraternity sees to those needs.

 
    Personally, I have experienced the very happy and satisfying blend of Masonry and my family worship experiences in the church where we hold membership. While there are many activities involved in both experiences, I have never felt there has been  a conflict in my Masonic and worship experiences. While the lessons of Masonry are often characterized as religious in nature; it is not a religion, nor does it claim to be. On the other hand, a man who learns and subscribes to the basic tenets and Masonry puts himself in position to better understand portions of his worship experiences.

 
    Yes, Masonry means a lot to me. I often reflect upon the question myself and wonder what my life would be like today without having had the Masonic experience. I know one thing for sure: My life would be incomplete without my involvement in the Masonic experience. Masonic activity is based upon teamwork, and I firmly believe that a Masonic family has more opportunities for happiness because Masonry promotes unity, teamwork and consideration for others in every facet of our lives.

 
    So, what does Masonry mean to me? It means an opportunity to blend the lessons of an organization whose primary requirement is a belief in God with my experiences of worship and adoration of my true and living God.