Established October 16, 1879

Reading Lodge No. 254

Free and Accepted Masons of Redding, California

"The Friendliest Lodge in California"

What is Freemasonry?

It’s the oldest, largest and most prestigious fraternity in the world.   We’re kind of like a civic club, a charitable institution and a fraternity – all rolled into one.

We’re like a civic club in that we do a lot of community and statewide projects.   We’re like a major charity in that we give almost $2 million away every day.   But, most importantly, we are a fraternity for men doing good things for each other, and trying to bring men of good morals and ethics together in our community.

What do Masons do?

The most important thing we do is take care of each other and our families.   We are a fraternity.   That means we help other Masons, treat them in special ways, support them no matter where they live.   And build friendships all over the world.   Not very many organizations do that today.

And we help others.   That’s why we give almost $2 million a day to charity.   And most of our money goes to help kids.   We rank among the top 10 best-liked charitable groups in America.

But we also teach leadership skills, and help men lead an ethics-based life.   We promote good relationships and strong family values.   We try to do something to strengthen the family unit every day.

What do you get out of it?

A lot of pride, a sense of belonging to an organization that exists all over the world.   Being part of a great heritage.   Sharing an identity with the greatest men of the past – and of today.  

Sharing a special bond with men from all walks of life – creating life-long friendships with them.   Just being a member of an organization that believes in toleration – that lets each man think for himself and express his own opinions, without worrying about being wrong.

I get a lot more out of Masonry than I put into it.

What is the Mission of Freemasonry?

To promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and, by the outward expression of these through its fellowship, to find ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self.

Do you feel that there's something more to life than just financial success? masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works at building a house.

Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and that we have a moral duty to be true to the country in which we live? Masons believe that a country is strong so long as freedom, equality, and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence that would divide it in a degrading manner.

Do you agree that man should show compassion for others, that goodness of heart is among the most important of human values? Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a tenderness toward people who suffer, a loving kindness for our fellow man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and virtue.

Do you believe that men should strive to live a Brotherly life? Masons see Brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds men together - a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will, and promote unity and harmony in his relations with one another, his family, and his community. Masons call this way of life believing in the Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty to follow the Golden Rule. this is why Masonry has been called one of the greatest forces for good in the world.