|
Arthur M. Millard founded the original Order in Chicago, Illinois, on
March 2, 1921. It is a fraternal organization of young men between the
ages of eleven and twenty-one, organized into chapters and under the
supervision of volunteer members of the Masonic fraternity, fathers, and
majority members who act as an Advisory Council.
The initiatory fees and dues are moderate, and are in keeping with the
limited financial resources of young men in their teens.
The ritual of the order is symbolic and direct. It teaches the binding force
of friendship and fraternal association; it broadens the principles of
morality and right living in a manner that cannot be forgotten; it
impresses the necessity of duty to parents and respect for authority; it
guides the youth into the building of character; it inculcates the true
spirit of patriotism; and it teaches a way of right living in a way that
would make any father proud.
|
|
The Object of the Order
The object of the Order of The Builders is to promote, the mental, moral,
physical, and spiritual development of its' members. To develop their
activities in all that relates to individual duty to God and parents. To
promote civic, state, and national betterment, by the defense of civil,
religious, political, and intellectual liberty, and to provide by means of
fraternal association a relationship through which to develop activities
aiming for the mutual advancement of those coming within the range of
it's purpose and plans.
|
|
| |
Who May Join?
The organization is for young men between the ages of 11 and 21 of
good moral character, having a belief in God; who are the sons,
brothers, grandsons, or nephews of members of regularly constituted
Masonic Lodges and their immediate or closest boyhood companions.
Master Masons may become Associate Members and be a part of the
chapter’s Advisory Council of Master Masons. The associate members
from the Advisory Council of Master Masons and five elected members
to the Executive Council, work with the chapter. Other Master Masons
along with Non-Masonic fathers or male-guardians of the young men,
may attend a meeting of the Order of The Builders after taking a pledge.
|
|
| |
Meetings
The meetings of the Builders are always open to the members of the
Masonic fraternity and to the fathers of the members, who are not only
invited but also urged to attend. Outside of the business and ritualistic
exercises performed at every meeting to teach the members self-
assurance and self-reliance, the Chapters promote their own degree
teams. They also encourage both individual and collective competition
in athletic activities and entertainment in such a manner as to keep the
members active and healthy in mind and body. The Builders’ activities
are determined by the members at their regular chapter meetings and
may include a wide range of social, athletic, fund raising, and civic
service projects. Each chapter has fifteen officers, and the presiding
officer of a chapter is called the Master Builder. The eight elective
Officers must be chosen from among the junior members. The seven
appointive members can be either junior members or associate
members.
|
|
| |
Degrees of the Order
There are two degrees in the ritual of the Order, the Apprentice Degree
and the Builders Degree. Both degrees teach important lessons about
the principles of democracy, Patriotism, and the ideals of Freemasonry.
Builder degrees are serious matters and are performed with dignity.
There is no rough stuff or harassment. Just a dignified informative
ceremony typical of the organization.
|
|
| |
There is a Place
There is a place for a Builder Chapter in every community in which a
Masonic Lodge is located. Its presence will promote the lodge and it's
ideals and serves the community with a better citizenship.
|
|
| |
Youth Today
With all the evil influences at work today in our society, endeavoring to
undermine and destroy our way of life, the Youth of our country require
more guidance from parents and an organization such as the Order of
The Builders, which is dedicated to our American way of life.
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
