There have been a great number of definitions of Freemasonry. Perhaps the best, and certainly the simplest, is "FREEMASONRY is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols." The idea of teaching by allegories and symbols is not new. All great teachers have, more or less, followed this method.
The system of morality to which we have referred as FREEMASONRY is that which every Freemason is bound to profess and practice. If it includes principles with which he was familiar before his entrance into Freemasonry, he will nevertheless find these presented in new ways and in forms different from those with which he was previously familiar. If he finds in Masonic teachings nothing startlingly new, he must remember that, in some respects at least, there is "nothing new under the sun" and that the essence of morality is to be found in the utter simplicity, (though not the ease) of its requirements.
The elementary principles of Freemasonry are exemplified in the three degrees worked in every regular Masonic Lodge throughout the world. Nearly every community of any size in the British Isles has one or more Masonic Lodges in it. The same is true of many other parts of the world, notably in the English speaking countries and Gibraltar is no exception.
Each Lodge has its own Office-bearers, headed by a Master; its own Committees and in some cases, its own property. On the other hand, each Lodge is subject to the authority of the Grand Lodge of the Country or State under which it holds its Charter. The three Home Grand Lodges have also many Lodges in countries overseas, particularly in Countries of the Commonwealth and many of these Commonwealth Countries have Grand Lodges of their own. In becoming a member of a Lodge under the Irish Constitution, you become subject not only to the general customs and usages of the Craft, but also to the Laws and Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, as well as the Bye-Laws of the particular Lodge which you join. (In this particular case CALPE LODGE No.325 I.C.)
However, Freemasonry will never require of you anything which might conflict with your duty to GOD, to your Country, to your neighbour or to your family.
In your progress through Freemasonry, which may well take many months, or even years, you will be "Initiated" as an Entered Apprentice; "Passed" as a Fellow Craft and "Raised" as a Master Mason. There is a ritualistic ceremony of a most serious character appropriate to each stage in your progress. You will be asked to give a most solemn and binding promise never to disclose means of mutual recognition as between Freemasons of these Degrees, under any circumstances. Bearing in mind what has been said in the previous paragraph you will not be asked to promise anything, which will conflict with your religious, civil or other duties. Your first duty is to approach each ceremony calmly and solemnly, with mind and spirit attentive to the lessons which will be imparted.
