MOKOPANE – For the first time in history the public are invited to have a peek inside the lodge at 134 Ruiter Avenue. The Worshipful Master, Pierre Visser, of Unanimity Lodge in Mokopane, and all the brothers invite the public to come and satisfy their curiosity by visiting the lodge on the national open day from 09:00 to 14:00.
Unanimity Lodge of Mokopane falls under the Grand Lodge of England and celebrates its 108th year. The first lodge was where Absa is now. The Unanimity Lodge moved in the 1950’s to where it is now situated in Ruiter Avenue. When they moved they donated their organ, that had been in their possession since 1909, to the Arend Dieperink Museum, where it can still be viewed.
Visser said: “Over the years there have been many important businessmen who belonged to the Unanimity Lodge of Mokopane who made a great impact on society and welfare. The Unanimity Lodge has no political bond and is multi-racial and multi- religion, and any man who believes in a God may join.”
According to Visser the Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely recognised fraternal organisation in the world.
It was founded in London, England in 1717 and its current worldwide membership totals 3,6 million. “As a fraternal organisation, we unite men of good character who share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind, although members are of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds.”
The traditions of the organisation are founded upon the building of King Solomon’s temple. Its fraternal ceremonies use the working tools of stonemasons to symbolize moral lessons and truths. Membership is not meant to interfere with an individual’s commitment to his faith, family or occupation. It is a positive environment that reminds every Mason of his duty to God, community, family and himself.
“Freemasonry is the measure of every man, if you look outside and see a building, you see a square and a compass, Freemasonry uses the oldest tools of antiquity. We use tools of measurements because freemasonry believes a man’s greatness can be measured, not by his wealth or by his fame, but by his deeds, his character, his truth, his tolerance, his charity, his trust, his friendship and his love for his fellow creatures. Freemasonry believes greatness can be seen in a man’s positive effect on the world and to do good is the best way to glorify God. Through the Freemasons, every man will grow to reach his full potential and grow into a man who has character and integrity,” Visser said.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
