The answers to Two Important Questions:

• Is Freemasonry a religion?

No.  Freemasonry is neither a religion, nor does it require a religious affiliation.  However, Masons worship in congregations of their choice.  Some are ordained priests, ministers, or rabbis; many serve in lay capacities; and, others have no affiliation.  With origins in post-Reformation England, Freemasonry's allegories and rituals are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition.  They exemplify mankind's universal experience and inculcate an admired moral and ethical value system.  With respect to religion, Freemasonry simply teaches the "Fatherhood of God" and the "Brotherhood of Man."

• Is Freemasonry a "secret" society?

No.  Freemasonry is a fraternity of men who are proud to be known as Masons.  Since our inception, the world has known of speculative Freemasonry and its works.  Freemasonry does, however, have some secrets, all extending from historic tradition.  Our modes of recognition, opening and closing ceremonies, and rituals for conferring the Degrees of Masonry are our only secrets.  Thousands of works discussing Masonic history, traditions, craft, and proceedings are widely available to the public.

What is Freemasonry?

The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world.  Volumes have been written about it.  Yet, to many, Freemasonry remains a mystery.  This web page is an attempt to relate a few facts that will be informative to all; and will also correct a few misconceptions.

Freemasonry, The Craft

For centuries, millions of men of every race, color, creed, and political persuasion throughout the world have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life?  The nature of God and man?

Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols.  Not a religion but religious in character, it is a philosophy of ethical conduct which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love.  Its tenets have endured since man turned the first pages of civilization.  they embody the understanding by which man can transcend ordinary experience and build "a house not made with hands" in harmony with the Great Architect of the universe.

Yet Freemasonry can never conflict with a man's relationship to God or fellow man.  Sectarian religious or partisan political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited.  Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life, and none is turned away for financial need.

The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness," invoking greater understanding of the inward life and a spirit of fellowship in which every Mason can also lead a better outward life.

Freemasonry is a way of life.  It is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another, and above all -- reverence and love for God.

Teachings of Freemasonry

• Monotheism - Requires a belief in the one true God, our Divine Creator

• Based on the firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man, and the Immortality of the Soul

• Seeks to make good men better

• Promotes ethical principles that are acceptable to all good men

• Practices tolerance towards all mankind

• Dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular

• Seeks no advantage for its members through business or politics

• Not a forum for discussions on partisan affairs

What types of men become Masons?

All Masons meet on an equal basis as friends, regardless of income, political ideology, or religious belief.  All Believe in a Supreme Being and all are patriotic citizens who obey the governments under which they live.  Over the years, many have been fascinated by the fact that so many men from so many different walks of life can meet together, begin and end their meetings with prayer, conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother."

Members of the Masonic Fraternity come from virtually every occupation and profession -- from all stations in life.  Fourteen U.S. Presidents have been proud to be counted as Brothers, as have five Chief Justices and scores of Governors, Senators, and Congressmen.  The majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were Masons.  Leaders from all walks of life and all corners of the globe have sought Masonic membership.  These include George Washington, John Paul Jones, Stephen F. Austin, John Marshall, Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, General Douglas MacArthur, Coach "Pop" Warner, Audie Murphy, John Wayne, "Buzz" Aldrin, Red Skelton, ... and the list of exceptional men who are Masons continue to fill volumes.  If you want to see an impressive list of more of our famous Brethren, Click Here.