What is Freemasonry?
When all is said and done, no one person can speak with absolute authority for Freemasonry, but the following is generally agreeable to most Masons.
Freemasonry is the oldest and the largest fraternal order in the world. It is a universal brotherhood of men dedicated to serving God, family, fellowman and country.
The heritage of modern 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 generations of masons who followed, were referred to as Freemasons.
Until about the sixteenth 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 country side. Early in the seventeenth 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 seventeenth century, a radical transformation had evolved; these accepted masons had become predominant, and the older lodges of Freemasons began to emphasize and teach moral philosophy rather than the technical and operative art of earlier centuries. Tools of the stone masons are still used in the Fraternity today, but only to symbolize moral virtue, not to build cathedrals.
Although the moral philosophy of Freemasonry is founded upon religious principles, it is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Candidates for membership (adult males) are however, expected to profess a belief in a Supreme Being, and be of good moral character. The definition of Supreme Being is left to the individual. In a Masonic Lodge the Supreme Being is usually referred to as "The Great Architect of the Universe". The discussion of religion (and politics) is not allowed within a Lodge, nor are sectarian references in prayers.
Membership in the brotherhood of Masons means many things.
It means being part of an unbroken tradition that stretches back over 500 years to a time when guilds of freemasons traveled throughout Europe laying the stones of the great Gothic cathedrals.
It means sharing the values of our nation's founding fathers The ideals of men who believed in the brotherhood of man are firmly rooted in the Constitution of the United States.
It means becoming a better person while helping to improve the quality of life for others. It means forming deep and lasting friendships that transcend the boundaries of race, religion and culture, as well as those of geography.
But most of all, being a Mason means the kind of deep satisfaction that comes only from selfless giving; from doing for others without asking, or expecting anything in return.
Sharing the Traditions of Our Founding Fathers
In its early years, Masonry numbered among its members some of the nation's most influential citizens — among them George Washington, Henry Knox, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock and Paul Revere.
The values that were important then — loyalty, patriotism, liberty, courage and faith — are just as important to Masons today. The principles upon which this country was founded are deeply embedded in Masonry.
Improving Yourself and Those Around You
Basic to most of the world's great religions is the belief in what some might call the "old fashioned" values of honesty, fair play and unselfishness in dealing with others.
Freemasonry shares many of the same beliefs; and, through its traditions and teachings, attempts to instill in its members both the desire and the means to improve themselves and the lives of others.
However, while it may adhere to many of the same values associated with a religious faith, Masonry is not a religion. It is a brotherhood of men from every country, sect, and opinion, joined in a common effort to make themselves better people, to ease the suffering of others, and to make the world a better place.
To achieve these goals, Masonry does not promote itself or its individual members. Instead, it teaches by example. New members are not publicly recruited; they are attracted by the example of good men performing good works and living good lives.
Having Friends Wherever You Go
Who becomes a Mason: anyone and everyone, accountants, businessmen, teachers, contractors, professional men and laborers. Masons come from all walks of life and levels of income. They represent every race, creed and culture.
In Masonry, it doesn't matter whether a man is a bricklayer or a physician, a waiter or the mayor of the city. All are on equal footing in the Lodge room.
Though the ceremonies and practices of the Masons have remained unchanged for hundreds of years in some jurisdictions, the form and ceremonies have evolved with differences across jurisdiction line as well as across the ages. But, no matter where a Lodge is located, its members share the common bond of having learned the same lessons of Faith, Hope and Charity; Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Though they may have passed through different degree work, rites and rituals, they remain Brothers united by the Mystic Tie that is created by lessons that have evolved from Freemasonry's ancient foundation.
Because of this, members can find brother Masons wherever they go. Across the country and around the world, there are Lodges in nearly every city and in many smaller communities.
It's a good feeling to know that, wherever a man's travels may take him, he has friends he can depend upon and trust.
Committing Yourself to a Code of Moral Ethics
Freemasonry is built upon three basic tenets — Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love is the practice of the Golden Rule. Relief embodies charity for all mankind. Truth is honesty, fair play and adherence to the cardinal virtues.
These moral lessons are taught during three ceremonies, or "degrees" through allegory and symbolism using the traditional stonemasons tools.
The First Degree uses the gavel and gauge to remind the new member of his dependence on others and his subordination to his God. In the Second Degree, the square, level, and plumb are used to reinforce the moral lessons of brotherly love and service. And in the Third Degree, the trowel and other tools encourage the candidate to reflect on the end of life and on the value of faithfulness to his promises.
After the Three Degrees, members may explore other branches of Masonry, such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite and Shrine.
Not only are families included in many of the lodge activities, but there are appendant organizations that the members wives, sons and daughters may belong to that teach similar high moral lessons. Some examples are The Order of Eastern Star, The Amaranth and The White Shrine for adult women, The International Order of Job's Daughters and The International Order of Rainbow for Girls, for young men there is The International Order of DeMolay.
Freemasonry is not a secret organization. Lodge buildings are clearly marked and listed in the phone book. Members frequently wear rings and pins identifying them as Masons. However, Masonry values confidentiality and, as with many other organizations, many of its meetings are not open to the public. And many Lodges and Grand Lodges have web sites on the internet.
Giving Freely of Yourself and Asking Nothing in Return
Of all the cardinal virtues, none is more valued in Masonry than selfless giving. Examples of Masonic charity are legion.
Nationally, Masons contribute nearly $2 million every day to relieve suffering and for the enrichment of mankind. Masons are the founding sponsors and supporters of the Shriners Burns Institutes and the Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, both of which offer their services free of charge. Every Shriner is a Mason.
Satisfaction derived from these endeavors cannot be measured in ordinary terms. We will say, however, that it is through helping others that man most helps himself.
If you would like to learn more about Masonry or to become a Mason, contact any Mason or Masonic Lodge or telephone the Grand Lodge of
What is modern Freemasonry?
Masonry, as mentioned before, is many things to many people. Many years ago in England it was defined as a system of morally, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols. It is a course of moral instruction using both allegories and symbols to teach its lessons. The legends and myths of the old stone cutters and masons, many of them involved in building the great cathedrals of Europe, have been woven into an interesting and effective way to portray moral truths.
In Masonry, the old tools and ways of the craftsmen are used to help dramatically portray those moral truths. For example, the 24 inch gauge and the common gavel. Just as the ruler is used to measure distance, the modern Mason uses it as a reminder to manage one of his most precious resources: time. And, as the gavel is used to shape stones, so it is also the symbol for the necessity of all of us to work to perfect ourselves.
One modern definition is: Freemasonry is an organized society of men, symbolically applying the principle of Operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building. In other words, Masonry uses ageless methods and lessons to make each of us a better person.
Thus, Masonry:
. . . has a basic philosophy of life that places the individual worth of each man high on its pedestal, and incorporates the great teachings of many ages to provide a way for individual study and thought.
. . . has great respect for religion and promotes toleration and equal esteem for the religious opinions and beliefs of others.
. . . provides a real working plan for making good men even better.
. . . is a social organization.
. . . has many important charitable projects.
. . . has a rich worldwide history.
. . . is a proven way to develop both public speaking and dramatic abilities. and provides an effective avenue for developing leadership.
What We Are Not
We are not a secret society! A secret society is generally one that wraps itself in a cloak of absolute secrecy. That means no one knows who the members are, where they meet, what they do or what they stand for.
That is not Masonry at all! Masonry may have "secrets," but it is not a secret society. Masonic secrets are few in number, and deal with the general method of initiation, the ways we recognize each other, and very little else. These parts of the ritual, which are called the esoteric side of Masonry, have been handed down by word of mouth for centuries.
Hundreds of Lodges across the United States and thousands around the world have web sites such as this. Almost all Grand Lodges have web sites that list their constituent Lodges with their addresses and phone numbers and often their meeting nights.
Masonry's purposes, ideals, and principles may be learned by anyone who inquires. There are numerous books on these subjects which are available to the public. Masonry often has public notices in the newspapers, and our members are usually numbered among the more prominent citizens in the community.
We are not a Religion! Masonry, as an organization, is understanding and tolerant of all religious thoughts.
Masonry has no specific creed, no dogma, no priesthood, nor any plan of salvation. There are no requirements as to religious preference in becoming a Mason.
Masonry does ask you to state your belief and trust in a Supreme Being. Nonsectarian Prayers are a common part of all our ceremonies, but are not offered to a specific deity.
Masonic ritual does incorporate lessons and examples from the Bible, but they are given as representative illustrations.
Masonry does not require you to belong to a church, synagogue or mosque although many Masons are very active in their religious organizations, and among our members are leaders of many denominations.
Freemasonry affirms your right to belong to any church or religious organization of your choice and does not infringe on that right. Neither does Masonry try to be a substitute for your church. Masonry wants to unite men for the purpose of brotherhood; not as an organized religion.
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