I am Freemasonry

      I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days 

when man first dreamed of God. 

I have been tried through the ages, and found true. 

The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, 

and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. 

I strive for beauty and for symmetry. 

In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. 

Upon my altar is the Book of Holy Writ  and my prayers are to the one omnipotent God; 

my sons work and pray together, without rank or discord, in the public mart

and in the inner chamber. 

By signs and  symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death 

and the relationship of man with God and of man with man. 

My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good report

who seek me of their own free will. 

I will accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, 

and thereafter, find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired 

and so difficult to attain.

I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. 

I hark to the orphan's cry, the widow's tears, the pain of the old and destitute. 

I am not church, nor party, nor school, 

yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God,

to country, to neighbor and themselves.  

They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties, and alert to lurking danger.  

At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale 

into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass

 and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. 

Always have I taught immortality, 

and even as I raise men from darkness into light, 

I am a way of life, and I know that the one true God is the only way to eternal life.

 I am Freemasonry !