FAQs

1.1 What are The Masonic Builders? The Builders is a volunteerly joined organization of Masons. It is not formally sanctioned by any Grand Lodge jurisdiction but can be considered A Masonic Club complying with Arizona Masonic Code, 2/2004, Section 60). It is dedicated to systematic education for its members who must belong to the Brotherhood of Freemasons.

The word Builder refers to a person who continuously Seeks wisdom (Light) and is obligated to Give this wisdom to others or teach it. Our motto is: Building A Better Masonry By Building Better Leaders ©

The Masonic Builders focus developing Masonic Leaders who in turn will revitalize Masonry in general. Masonry will then be able to accomplish its task of improving the society and community by consistently building Better Men who Model Masonic principles in all walks of their lives.

1.2 Our Vision. The Builders believe that through education, in the future, Freemasonry will once again be recognized by the larger society as developing good men who model a civil society. It believes that a systematic program of education which is strategically implemented will first renew Freemasonry and second, influence the general society by modeling Masonic behavior.. CLICK HERE FOR THE EXPANDED VISION

............1.3.......Current Organizational Status. The Builders is not a formally sanctioned appendant body within the Freemasonry family. At present, it is a group of regular Master Masons organizing to educate the members of our respective lodges. The purpose of The Builders is develop Masonic Leaders who in turn will dedicate themselves to effectively leading and managing their Lodges. We bring general Masonic wisdom to these members as well as specifically fulfill the general Masonic motto: Make Good Men Better Men.

.............Initial conversations with many Masons indicate that they hope to begin taking definite actions to RENEW Masonry. They believe that education is the key. We think that the The Builders offers a systematic approach to provide a forum for education and place to bring like-minded Masons together for a common goal - Restoration of Masonry.

2.0 How Are We Organized?

Our organizational structure combines the models of an Academic University and that of the Building Trades. This reflects our educational purpose and our purpose of active building. We modestly have begun operations within the geographic territory encompassed by the Grand Lodge of Arizona. With success in Arizona, we hope to replicate our structure within the geographic territories governed by other Grand Lodges..

The University of Masonic Builders – Chief Architect is top officer – Worldwide Grand Lodge geographic territories. The University is governed by a triad of: Chief Architect, Associate Chief Architect, and Assistant Chief Architect. Regional Chief Architects coordinate groups of colleges.

he Arizona College of Builders – Architect is governing officer– State or Country Grand Lodge is geographic territory. The College is governed by a triad of: Architect, Associate Architect, and Assistant Architect. Regional Architects coordinate groups of schools.

The State Regional Schools of Builders – Superintendent is governing officer – Lodges within a state region is a geographic territory. The School is governed by a triad of: Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, and Assistant Superintendent.

The Curriculum Departments – The title of Foreman is given to the designated teacher, facilitator and coordinator for each of the three curriculums taught by The Masonic Builders. Currently, there are three Curricula: The Initiate Forum, The Team-Building Forum, and The Leadership Development Forum.

Note: All students as well as, officers are known (On-the-Level) as Builders. Formal titles (mentioned above) only designate their responsibilities.

3.0 What Kind of Education Programs Are We Involved In?

THREE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CURRICULA

Our philosophy of education is to expose our brothers to sources of Light and provide them thinking and analytical tools to interpret these sources as they see fit and agreeable to their own individuality. We teach no form of fixed catechism or profess excathedra to hold any absolute truths. Some of our existing programs at the Lodge Level School are (Click on each for more information):

Curriculum I - The Initiate Forum

Part One - General Orientation to Masonry - Four Workshops

Part Two - Decision to Enroll in Full Masonic Builders Program

Curriculum II- The Team-Building Forum

Part One - Votaries Forum - Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Part Two - Experiential Forum - Physical Team Events

Curriculum III - The Leadership Development Forum

Part One - Personal & Professional Leadership Principles (PPLP)

Part Two - Commitment to Excellence - Leadership/Mgt/Planning

Each of these Curricula is headed by a Foreman who is the principle teacher/facilitator and ensures that the curriculum is implemented. He obtains all resources to make this happen: financial, outside guest speakers, and other resources.

4.0 What Are Our Principles? (What values guide the accomplishment of our mission?)

4.1 The Values of Freemasonry are Foundational

..4.11 Builders are Master Masons and adhere to the Ancient Charges, laws, customs, and legends of the Craft;

..4.12 They are loyal to the civil government under which the parent Fraternity exists;

..4.13 Builders are obligated to observe principles of brotherly love, equality, mutual aid and assistance, secrecy, and confidence.

4.2 Values of Acceptance of All Views

..4.21 Builders will not teach any fixed catechism; the goal being to teach men to think for themselves.

..4.22 A spirit acceptance of a diversity of beliefs (except Atheism) will be present in all Builder activities.

4.3 Collaboration and Joint Decision-Making is the Governing Approach

..4.31 While The Builders has an organizational structure, officers are elected and govern by the consent of its members.

..4.32 Additionally, an elected advisory council oversees the performance of the principle officer (s) and has ultimate authority for the governance of The Builders..

4.4 Light is Light– Builders Seek and Give Light Whenever It Enhances the Purpose of the Organization

...4.41 Builders seek light in a wide range of disciplines; they do not limit themselves solely to Masonic topics, but apply lessons from other areas.

...4.42 Builders give light whenever its purpose is advanced.

4.5 Continuous Quality Improvement Enables Adaptation to Change and Enhancement of The Builders' Services

...4.51 Builders seek truth both externally and internally in a effort to provide the best service possible to our constituents.

...4.52 Builders remain open to regular input and also seek input by a systematic program of surveying our constituents.

4.6 Use of Technology and Multiple Channels to Educate and Communicate

...4.61 Builders embrace the ability of technology (Internet & Web) to extend its ability to reach more Masonic students than through traditional delivery methods.

...4.62 Builders use multiple means to reach its constituents. Thus, students can access education by classroom, internet/web, CD, books, articles, etc., or by a combination of these. Hierophants will actively reach out and provided education when, where , and how it is best received by its constituents.

5.0......What Other Masonic Builders Activities Exist?

At present, The Masonic Builders only provide education and a virtual meeting place for like-minded Masons. In the future, we plan to expand to:

5.1 Publishing and Republishing - Masonic Books and Articles - CDs and DVDs.

5.2 Masonic Tours and Special Events - Tours to Scotland and the Provence of France for example