MASTER’S MESSAGE

Although, young man, I do not know what has drawn you to view this website or this page, specifically. I’m glad that you have chosen this page and I only hope that for the next few moments I can be instrumental in helping to change your life forever!!!!

The life changing journey that we offer, begins now and continues through being raised to Mater Mason status….and further. The journey actually never ends, as you are transformed to the -most a man can be- through his belief in God, to his respect for his country, his commitment to his community, his dedication to his family and to his belief in himself …THUS, A BETTER MAN. This journey offers you the opportunity to meet and mingle with men of valued social, economic and political status…..all as equals. Also, it offers Freemasonry an opportunity to gain in breadth through your skills and your potential growth in Masonic life.

Before I tell you what is in Masonry for you, let me give you some insight into Masonic history that will help you in choosing to make this journey, after all. Masons, also known as Freemasons, comprise the oldest (and largest) philanthropic community oriented fraternal organization, and exists throughout the world. Freemasonry stresses building character, knowledge, patriotism, brotherhood, family involvement and community service. MASONRY IS NOT A RELIGION, BUT ENCOURAGES EACH MAN TO PRACTICE THE RELIGION OF HIS CHOICE. Masons address each other as brothers in recognition of the strong bond that Masonic teaching develops, instill and promotes--daily.

Fraternity Dunderberg Lodge #942 lives the tenants of Masonic teachings and the diversity of its brothers speaks to the belief in the tenant that all men are created equal. However, all men do not necessarily become Masons, for to be a Mason requires integrity, a sense of brotherhood, and a commitment to the beliefs that in humanity, we are all equal.

The Lodge holds monthly meeting (on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday), in Verplanck , NY.  The brothers reinforce their Masonic discipline while attending to Lodge business. In addition, the Lodge hosts a number of social functions, several for the entire family; such as a holiday party in December, a picnic and a Sunday Brunch in the summer. There are also several social functions for the brothers that provide relaxation, education, and entertainment. The brothers also attend to their commitment to serve the community via a number of community oriented programs including participation in the Masonic ID Program for children (and most recently a large contingent of the senior community are being identified). We work with various police departments in connection with Amber Alert in the software that is used in the ID program.

Although charity is a key tenant of Freemasonry, Masons in the USA donate over $1 million dollars a day. The only mandatory cost for a Brother is the annual lodge dues, currently $100.00 . Contributions to its many charitable activities is voluntary and not intended to be a burden on any Brother or his family.

A question for most candidates (and rightly so) is  WHAT DO I GET OUT OF BEING A MASON?

What you receive that most sustains you throughout this journey depends upon the effort you put into it:

1)  The satisfaction that you are a better man for having chosen this journey….this will happen.

2)  You are traveling with “brothers” who are tuned into and concerned about family, community, country and is faithful to his religion of choice. 

3)  A satisfaction that you are walking the same path as: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Count Basie, John Glenn, Wil Rogers, Mozart and many more notable figures throughout our history. ALL ARE MASONS.

4)  Pride at being a member of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal order.

5)  To take comfort in knowing that you have “brothers” from varied academic and vocational backgrounds, ready to lend a hand if (and when) you need help with a project or emergency. ….We are proud that we are: Doctors. Lawyers, Plumbers, Electricians, Gardeners, Financial Planners, Pharmacists and Men of every walk of life.  THAT IS A RESOURCE THAT YOU CAN TAP INTO AT ANY TIME. 

Begin and end your Journey with the “Brothers” of Fraternity Dunderberg Lodge #942 and you will enjoy the Light of fraternal enlightenment.

Glenn E. Tompkins, Sr.

Worshipful Master Fraternity Dunderberg Lodge #942- Verplank , NY