I am Freemasonry By Ray V. Denslow
I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God.
I have been tried through the ages, and found true.
The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask.
Upon my alters is the Book of Holy Writ, and my prayers are to the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together, without rank or discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. By signs and symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death and the relationship of man with God and of man with man.
My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free will.
I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereafter, find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain.
I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans’ cry, the widows tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbour and themselves.
They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking danger. At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe.
Always have I taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life.
I Am Freemasonry. The End but actually, just the beginning.
Our Mission
We aim to promote and sustain the rich and long-standing traditions of worldwide Freemasonry, in particular the pursuits of Brotherly Love, Charity and Truth.
This website is designed as a source of information for Masons and non-Masons. We are very proud of our involvement in local communities and we’re certainly not ashamed of the charitable contributions we make.
Please feel free to contact any member listed on the site for additional information.
Message from the District Grand Master
Welcome to The District Grand Lodge of The Orange Free State
A great deal of time and energy has been expended over the years in attempting to prove that Freemasonry is of great antiquity, that we once held meetings in Solomon’s Temple and that King Solomon himself was a distinguished patron.
Freemasons have a certain pride in their glorious past and we are proud to be members of a Fraternity that has numbered among its members thousands of persons whose names have been emblazoned on the pages of history.
Our Fraternity is ancient and has always stood for the best in man.
Freemasonry takes adult men and helps to develop their character and moral awareness, thus equipping them to meet the choices that confront everyone in daily life.
All Masons learn to appreciate four key virtues – LOYALTY, EXCELLENCE, HONOUR and CHARITY – and these rank among the most beloved traditions of Freemasonry.
As they have formed over past years so will they shape the future of a new Freemason.
This website will not be able to address all the questions which you may raise but it does aim to give a general idea of the depths and excellence of Freemasonry.
We, the Brethren of the District of the Orange Free State, South Africa, look forward to hearing from you.