The
following is a brief response to questions often asked
about Freemasonry.
What is FREEMASONRY, what is its origin, when and
where did it start, who started it and what is its
purpose?
FREEMASONRY is the
oldest and the largest fraternal order in the world.
It is a universal brotherhood of men dedicated to
serving God, family, fellowmen and country.
The modern and
present day FREEMASONRY is derived from the organized
guilds or unions of stone masons who constructed the
beautiful cathedrals and other stately structures
throughout Europe during the middle ages. The skills
and architectural genius of these craftsmen and their
commitment to the highest standards of moral and
ethical values were universally applauded, and unlike
other classes of people, they were allowed to travel
freely from country to country. Thus, during this
period, the word "Free" was prefixed to the
word mason, and these craftsmen and the generation of
masons who followed were referred to as Freemason.
Until about the 16th
century, masons were strictly an operative craft-stone
masons and architects building those magnificent
cathedrals and palaces, many of which still adorn the
landscape of the European countryside. Early in the
17th century, membership in these unions or operating
lodges of stone masons began to decline, and probably
to compensate for their loss in members, they began to
admit certain men of prominence in society who were
not craftsmen or stone masons. This class of members
were initially considered patrons of the Fraternity,
and over the years became known as "accepted
masons." At the conclusion of the 17th century, a
radical transformation had evolved, these accepted
masons had become predominant, and the older lodges of
Freemasons began to emphasize and teach moral virtue,
not to build cathedrals.
Although the moral
philosophy of FREEMASONRY is founded upon religious
principles, no candidate for FREEMASONRY can be
admitted unless he believes in (1) the existence of
God, that He is the Creator and Maker of all things
and the Father of all men, irrespective of race, color
or creed and (2) a life hereafter, that man has part
that survives death of the body, which shall live
until time is no more. A man who wishes to join the
Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is not asked
what his particular religion is. Religious tolerance
is a cardinal principle of Freemasonry. It is the
right of every man to worship God and to seek
salvation in accordance with the teachings of his
particular belief.
FREEMASONRY is
religious but not a religion. Prayer is an essential
part of every Masonic ceremony. Its prayer addressed
to God as the Great Architect of the Universe, are
stated in language which cannot give offense to the
follower of any particular religion. It is un-sectarian
because it does not favor any sect as against another;
it is not irreligious because it
respects all religious creeds and believes in the
truth in all of them; it is not anti-religion
because it does not oppose who believe in God and a
future existence; it is not a church because
it does not prescribe any particular form of worship.
Freemasonry lookdown
on men of different complexion as equal and believes
that God had created men equal only in the opportunity
of believing in HIM and receiving from HIM his grace.
HE has given all men an equal chance to live in peace
with each other and to enjoy the wondrous Miracle of
life.
The purpose of
FREEMASONRY is not to substitute
for government or religion, but to supplement all the
wondrous inventions of men. Their intent and purpose
to build Symbolic temples of goodness in the hearts of
men.
