Welcome To
Oviedo Masonic Lodge No. 243
Living the life of a Freemason.
Freemasonry is knowing that a million Brothers have your back. It’s the power of a new sense of purpose. It’s a path of self-discovery. It’s sharing beliefs that make good men better sons, husbands, and fathers. And it’s keeping pace with the giants that walked before us. In short, it’s a way of life.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
THE MASONIC DEGREES
Entered Apprentice
As a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity, this degree is intended to be an introduction to Masonry. It is, like all Masonic ceremonies, a solemn and meaningful event. The Entered Apprentice is entrusted with secrets of the Masonic Order, which are all moral and ethical in nature, and is expected to honor them in accordance with Masonic law. Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice degree, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.”
Fellowcraft
Fellowcraft is a term used by the ancient Guilds of Operative Masons that refers to skilled members of the craft – a literal ‘fellow of the craft.’ Within Freemasonry, the Fellowcraft references a more advanced search for Masonic wisdom, symbolism, and philosophy. For skilled craftsmen, this degree would have marked a person’s progress from an apprentice to a journeyman, which brings with it increased responsibility, learning, and work.
Master Mason
The third degree symbolizes man’s maturity in life or age and his increase in knowledge and wisdom. The last of the lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree completes the initiation ceremonies into the fraternity, and the new Master Mason may enjoy both the rights and responsibilities of membership. A Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world, sharing in fraternal fellowship with like-minded men who now share a common bond. Master Mason is the supreme degree. Higher degrees have meanings but are not higher than Master. Once raised to Master Mason you become a Master Mason for life.
The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts.
OUR VALUES
Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth
Fraternity
WHAT IS A MASONIC LODGE?
The term “lodge” itself comes from the structures which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, they lived in these lodges and worked at carving stone.
But a Masonic lodge is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another.
A PRINCIPLED WAY OF LIFE
Masonic Values
BROTHERLY LOVE
Commitment to supporting one another and contributing positively to our community.
RELIEF
A dedication to caring for those in distress through selfless acts of assistance.
TRUTH
The pursuit of self development by embracing knowledge, honesty, and understanding
Mission And Vision
Vision: “We will be the preeminent fraternity of choice for men of quality and vision who seek personal knowledge, moral growth and leadership development; ultimately improving the individual mason, his community and the world.”
Mission: “To promote a way of life that binds like minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences”
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. At Oviedo Masonic Lodge you will build rich relationships with your Brothers. It’s a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
When you become a Freemason, you begin your journey toward being a better man. At Oviedo Masonic Lodge you will build rich relationships with your Brothers. It’s a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.