Gary Alexander Sullivan LaBruyere – Welcome Remarks

Greetings and welcome to the Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (AF&AM) of Idaho.  Freemasonry is one of the oldest known fraternal organizations in the world.  It unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic, or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind.  The primary tenants of the order are brotherly love, relief, and truth.  In the United States Grand Lodges operate within State geographic boundaries and the District of Columbia.  

Modern Freemasonry was established in England in 1717, although its exact origins are lost in time.  Its modern roots are found in the guilds of stonemasons.  There are approximately one million Masons in the United States and nearly six million worldwide.

Freemasonry continues to provide a way for men to live their lives to their fullest potential in association with like-minded men by caring for each other, our families, our communities, assisting those in distress, using knowledge and understanding to improve ourselves. The focus on the social, moral, and intellectual development and well being of the individual man is unique among modern organizations.  For centuries, the Masonic Lodge has been the launchpad for Masonic education, the tools required for self-improvement, enlightenment, and living a greater purpose.  

There are forty-five local Lodges in Idaho. They run the gamut from small rural communities to large cities.  These Lodges engage in charity and service to their local communities.  Masonry in Idaho includes family organizations.  These organizations include groups for men, both women and men, and youth.   Some of these organizations require Masonic relationship.  No relationship is required to become a Freemason.

We have but one purpose: to make good men better.  We are all equal and must practice brotherly love, relief, and truth with each other and all mankind.  Other Masonic organizations have similar goals, charities, and service to mankind. Masons do not ask you to join.  It must be of your own freewill and accord.  Much information can be found about Masonry on the internet.  Some is accurate and some is far from the truth.  

Masonry brings men from all walks of life together to share the benefits of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.  This is one of the greatest benefits of Masonry.  An opportunity to grow your circle of friends that you would not have otherwise met.  If you are interested in Masonry, please visit the website https://beafreemason.org and complete the form.   Additionally, you can contact our Grand Secretary at gs@idahomasons.org.

Gary Alexander Sullivan LaBruyere
Grand Master
Grand Lodge AF&AM of Idaho