A Message From The Grand Master

     The words, "Friend to Friend" capture the essence and the spirit of Freemasonry. Just as the operative masons built the magnificent cathedrals centuries ago from stone to stone, Freemasonry has been built through the centuries from friend to friend. Within this unique and honorable Fraternity there exists a very special bond between men of all walks of life that has survived the most divisive political, religious and military conflicts in history.

     The principles of Freemasonry consist of the moral fiber that strengthens a society. To preserve these principles and to enhance their practice is to make the world a better place. Freemasons do this as a way of life.

     We, as Freemasons, look with pride to "Centuries Past" and to the positive impact we have made on the preservation of freedom and good in society. The contributions of the famous Masons of the past depicted on the above graphic are historic.

     We look with confidence "through Centuries to Come," knowing that the principles of Freemasonry will be as important for the good society in the future as they are now, and as they always have been. We know that wherever mankind may go, even into space and beyond, Freemasons will be there, as was a very courageous lunar astronaut and Brother Buzz Aldrin, the first Mason to walk on the moon. Brother Aldrin's patriotism, courage and immeasurable contributions to mankind distinguish him as one of the most famous heroes of all time, and the most logical Freemason to symbolically represent "Friend to Friend" and Freemasonry's hope for the future.

     All Freemasons know that when we join hands in unanimity we generally accomplish our mission. Few Freemasons, however, because of complacency, know how serious a threat we face due to membership losses. Analysts predict that, if the present rate of decline continues, within just 25 years, Freemasonry will have relatively little significance in society!

     If we are to preserve this great Fraternity, we must join hands now. There are countless numbers of men who are just as qualified as we are to be Freemasons. Many of them know virtually nothing about the Masonic Fraternity. That is our fault! That is complacency! To know about Freemasonry would surely inspire many good men to want to be associated with it.

     The Friend to Friend Program has been carefully designed to help Freemasons everywhere enlighten their friends about Freemasonry in the most simple and effective manner. The Friend to Friend texts online (and the brochure mailed to each Alabama Freemason) enable every Mason to share our proud heritage while explaining in concise terms who we are, what we believe in and what we do.

     Every Freemason surely knows at least several non-Masons who would be welcomed into the craft. It is time for each of us to stop and think about those friends. It is time to think about membership. It is time to change complacency into active participation. It is time to join hands and spread the word - from Friend to Friend. If we do this now, if we do this together, Freemasonry will come alive with a renewed spirit of friendship, fellowship, brotherly love and camaraderie unprecedented in modern times. We owe this to the Freemasons of the past and to the good men who will live in centuries to come.

     To be a part of "Friend to Friend" is to be an important part of Masonic history. Decide today to join with your Brother Freemasons all across North America and around the world to "turn the tide" by becoming a true builder of the craft. Please help in every way you can to demonstrate what good men can do when their cause is just and laudable - more especially, when those men are Freemasons.