Essex Lodge #7 of Free & Accepted Masons
Description
Who We Are
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that arose from obscure origins (theorized to be anywhere from the time of the building of King Solomon's Temple to the mid-1600s). Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, and has millions of members. The various forms all share moral and metaphysical ideals, which include a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry uses the metaphors of operative stonemasons' tools and implements, against the allegorical backdrop of the building of King Solomon's Temple.
The fraternity is administratively organized into Grand Lodges each of which governs its own jurisdiction, which consists of subordinate (or constituent) Lodges. Grand Lodges recognize each other through a process of landmarks and regularity.
Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols. Not a religion but religious in character, it is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love. Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization. They embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the universe.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Neither is Freemasonry a religion, nor does it require a religious affiliation. However, Masons worship in congregations of their choice. Some are ordained priests, ministers, or rabbis; many serve in lay capacities; and, others have no affiliation. With origins in post-Reformation England, Freemasonry's allegories and rituals are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition. They exemplify mankind's universal experience and inculcate an admired moral and ethical value system. With respect to religion, Freemasonry simply teaches the "Fatherhood of God" and the "Brotherhood of Man".
Is Freemasonry a "secret" society?
No. Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are proud to be known as Masons. Since our inception, the world has known of speculative Freemasonry and its work. Freemasonry does, however, have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition. Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies, and rituals for conferring the Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets. Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, craft, and proceedings are widely available to the public.
Our Lodge
Though the name has changed over time, Essex Lodge has been serving the Masonic Brotherhood and our Community since 1827. We have several charitable programs that our lodge is involved in. These include blood drives, educator of the year, participation in community events, etc.
If you are interested in the Masonic Fraternity and our Lodge specifically feel free to contact us online.
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RECENT FACEBOOK POSTS
facebook.comThe 8th District's March In The 66th West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade!
Brethren, With regards to this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade... If you plan on meeting at the Lodge to carpool, I would suggest mustering about 10:15-10:30. Leaving at 10:45 should afford you plenty of time to get to the rallying point which is the Rite Aid at the corners of Valley Rd, Northfield Ave, & Main St.. Entrance to the parking lot is accessible from Valley Road. We will muster with the rest of the District starting at 11:30 and then head over to the staging area. If you did not grab your Aprons & Jewels, I would suggest you do so or, if someone would be gracious enough to bring them from the Lodge that morning, that should make it easier. Anything else you may need, please let me know. Fraternal Regards, WB Chris -- Fraternally, Christopher S. Bollotta Worshipful Master 2017 Essex Lodge #7
Masonic Con 2017
Who wants to go! Donny McGee Jason Eberhardt Guy Notte Sean McNorton Jose E. Villalta Ben Sharpe Robert Anderson
Timeline Photos
Please come out to this event this weekend. It is a good cause supported by one of our Masonic families. It will be a great time, please make every effort.
The Winding Stairs
What do you guys think of this?
Timeline Photos
Newly Raised Master Masons, Congratulations Brothers!
Just a reminder, tonight at RW Bob Krimmel's house he will host a winter gathering for all. Please bring something to share food, libations, cigars, etc. 6:30 Pm or when ever you can join.
The Winding Stairs
What do you think guys?
Masonic Home
Freemasonry Squared
Freemasonry Squared
Does anyone have any Good ideas to Celebrate this Great Masonic event? Lets here them in the comment section....
Ayurveda
Something to consider.
January 2017 Master's Message Brethren; We are taught… “You were caused to give three distinct knocks to alarm the Lodge and inform the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren that you were without prepared for admission.” It is very easy to hear these words at this point of our Masonic progress and understand them without any equivocation. We hear them so often whether at rehearsals or actual degrees. We can recite them in our sleep. Think back to when it was you in the preparation room. As you stood there prepared and hoodwinked. As you stood outside the door of the Lodge. As you were led to the door and informed that you will knock three times. As you heard three knocks returned. As you then heard those words, “Who comes here? Who comes here? Whom have you here?” But who exactly came here? Who exactly were we? As individuals we are unique. There isn’t another person on this earth that is us. Our physical appearance. Our mental capabilities. Our likes and dislikes. All of these things put together makes up ourselves. So what is it that draws us together here in our Lodge? What draws us to Masonry? It is because Masonry brings us together under one commonality: To become a better man. To improve ourselves. To be among like-minded men in a world concerned with wealth and stature… among other things. Is that not what we heard as we circumambulated the Lodge? “To dwell together in unity.” There is no stature in the Lodge. We are all “on the level.” But to practice without the Lodge is far more important than what we practice within the Lodge. I’m sure we have all, at one time or another, acted out of character as a Mason. Said something we shouldn’t have. Done something we shouldn’t have. It is at these moments especially that we should remind ourselves of our moral obligations. We are charged with upholding a strict moral compass. To hold ourselves upright and erect. Would these negative actions not lead to a poor view of our great Fraternity? Are we not responsible to convince the world at large of Masonry’s good effects. Every action we commit affects how those outside our Brotherhood see it. How do people see Freemasonry while in your company? I want you all to think about this, my Brothers. These are all part of the very first lessons we are taught in Masonry. Govern yourselves accordingly. Fraternally Yours, Christopher S. Bollotta Worshipful Master
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