Is Masonary Worthwhile Masonry is like a lot of other attractive organizations: Men go to the trouble and expense of becoming members, then neglect to take an active  interest. This is understandable, because so many things compete for our interest , and we can't be active in every worthwhile project WITH ONE EXCEPTION, AND THAT ONE IS MASONRY! This is a big  statement and deserves an explanation. First, let us make this  observation:  The most active and honored men in Masonry invariably claim that  the returns have far outweighed their contributions to the Fraternity. This is a significant statement, for it drives home the fact that Freemasonry does things for its members if given a chance. Should Attend and Take Part If a man  attends Lodge and takes part in its activities, he will be impressed over and over again with the great lessons of morality and philosophy; and he will be a part of a fellowship not available anywhere else.  In the Lodge he finds  brethern--they may be rich or poor -- they may be professional men or labors -- they may be Gentile or Jew, or some other religious faith -- and they are all there for the same purpose -- to make themselves wiser, better and happier -- to make themselves better family men, better church men, and better neighbors. A study of Masonry reveals that many great men of today and yesterday have traveled the same path that you did, seeking enlightment and brotherhood, and this knowledge must give you a thrill -- to know that you share the same truth and responsibility once shared by George Washington, Douglas MacArthur, and J. Edgar  Hoover, and now shared by thousands of others in many lands. A  reminder: Don't be afraid to attend Lodge and join in this fellowship.  If you  have forgotten the "secrets" your Lodge Secretary can vouch for you and see that  you are admitted without an examination. BUT -- suppose that for various reasons you can't attend Lodge very often or take part  in its activities -- under these circumstances, is Masonry worthwhile?  Let us see..... First, if  a Mason never goes to Lodge, but wears a Masonic emblem and lives as a Mason  should, he is contributing something by his example to the world. In just paying his dues he helps support destitute Masons, their wives, their widows, and their orphans. And he helps our youth by supporting the Order of Rainbow for Girls and  the Order of DeMolay for Boys, both of which develop good citizens. "Masonic Payday" Every Day Having considered what you have gained by merely being a contributor, let us pretend  that you still feel somewhat selfish and don't think that you are getting  anything out of Masonry.  All of us know that it is unmasonic to wear an emblem  merely for financial reasons or other matters pertaining to self-advancement.  However, if a Mason were of this mind or thought about monetary gain, he would find that his investment in Masonry is one of the best that he ever made. WHY?  Because one Mason will usually try to help another in some way if he can -- just  because they are both Masons, and not because there is any obligation to do so.   This is important in today's fast-moving world of many human contacts. Brethren help one another through the joy and satisfaction that it gives them.  Also, more often than not the man who receives such assistance never knows that some good brother was responsible. Therefore, if you happen to believe that Masonry is doing nothing for you, the answer is that you don't know how many times you had help, unsolicited and unknown. Of course, no good Mason evaluates his membership on dollars and cents, but he would be cheating himself if he dropped out because of the dues he hates  to pay.  To repeat -- the Masonic member who drops out of Lodge because he hates  to pay dues is cheating himself.  There is nothing else that cost so little and  gives such great satisfaction, enjoyment, and reward as Masonry. Is Masonry worthwhile? Consider -- then answer for yourself.  When you do, you will probably decide to try and do more for the Fraternity because it has  done a lot for you. And the more you do, the greater will be your reward -- spiritual, better appreciation of human values, financial -- or all  three.