 Hello and thank you for visiting the
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Provincial Web Page.
Freemasonry in
Hampshire and Isle of Wight has a long and honourable history
dating back to the year 1767, with current membership of over
15,000 brethren meeting at a variety of centres throughout
the Province.
It is inspiring to
know that new technology and the Web are giving us the chance
to communicate with an extremely wide audience, both in
individual and geographical terms. We are on the threshold of a
new era in Freemasonry and it is the wish of my Province to make
visitors to this Page aware of the benefits our organisation
brings to society. Hence, this decision to take advantage of the
Web and the special features it has to offer as a communications
medium. It gives us the capability to reach out globally to
both existing and potential members; to "narrowcast" to those
interested on an individual basis within the familiarity of
their own home; it is second to none in its effectiveness in
providing links to more in-depth information for those requiring
it and, of course, it gives Freemasonry a golden opportunity to
promote our image and improve our relationship with the community
at large.
It has been suggested
that we are a "secret society", although I hope that the very
existence of this and similar Masonic Web Pages will finally dispel
this myth forever. We are, in fact, an integral and responsible
part of the community, dedicated to promoting the general well-being
of all law-abiding citizens. We are not an
organisation serving the self-interests of its members. We endeavour
to live in good standing within our respective communities,
peaceably interacting with friends and neighbours.
A member of the Craft is stimulated by Freemasonry's
intellectual and logical exercises and lessons to improve his
self-awareness and personal development, thereby enhancing the
contribution he is able to make to society in general.
If you are not already
a member of our Ancient and Honourable Institution, but its ideals
appeal to you, why not find out more about us by writing, mentioning
this Web Page, to the Provincial Grand Secretary at 85 Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford,
Eastleigh, Hants. SO23 5GG.
I hope you will have
found my message of interest and if you feel that you have
something to offer Freemasonry and wish to further your quest for
knowledge by becoming a member of a Lodge within this Province,
please accept the above invitation to make contact with us.
Ernest
F.R. Moss
Provincial Grand Master
8 June 1999
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