Free Runners Masonic Order Dogwood Chapter
Who we are:
We are a tight knit order of regularly initiated Freemasons in good standing with a regular lodge. We are a bit rougher around the edges than the typical Mason but believe that it is the internal qualifications that makes a man a Freemason. That said, membership is not handed out to any Mason. We are very selective of our members and a smaller Brotherhood within our larger but equally beloved Masonic family. Our members are enthusiasts of motorcycles and tattoos and we have members in 35 States and 5 Countries.
Our first purpose is to align as a group that has the same love for motorcycles, tattoos, and Masonry. Additionally, to show the world that the stereotype of a Freemason isn't always correct. We receive numerous messages and emails from guys that didn't know you could be a Freemason and have tattoos, or ride motorcycles, and then ask how to get more information from a Lodge about becoming a Freemason. We are removing stereotypes and generating interest from within our communities that would not normally consider themselves accepted into Masonry.
Freemasonry teaches us to practice charity, regulate actions, and limit desires, live to spread the morality in day to day working of life. Therefore, the practice of charity in Freemasonry is of utmost importance being one of the most important cardinal virtues for brotherly love, relief and moral truth.
Our members dedicate themselves to making their communities better by supporting many wonderful organizations and their good works with positive and direct action.
Why Free Runners?
There are many excellent Masonic Riding Association's and Masonic riding groups that exist today. We respect them, consider them Masonic Brothers, and support what they do. That said, our mindset about wearing a patch, the respect of the motorcycle culture and our goals don't fit with the groups already established. We aren't better than they are, and they are not our competition. We are just different.....we are Free Runners.
Philanthropy
Faith / Hope / Charity
Over the centuries, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy.
During the late 1700s it was one of the organizations most responsible for spreading the ideals of the Enlightenment: the dignity of man and the liberty of the individual, the right of all persons to worship as they choose, the formation of democratic governments, and the importance of public education. Masons supported the first public schools in both Europe and America.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, Freemasonry grew dramatically. At that time, the government had provided no social "safety net". The Masonic tradition of founding orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the aged provided the only security many people knew.
Today in North America, the Masonic Fraternity continues this tradition by giving almost $1.5 million each day to causes that range from operating children's hospitals, providing treatment for childhood language disorders, treating eye diseases, funding medical research, contributing to local community service, and providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes.
The four million Masons worldwide continue to help men and women face the problems of the 21st century by building bridges of Brotherhood and instilling in the hearts of men ideals for a better tomorrow.
