Last Updated: 10/26/09

What is a Mason?
This is probably one of the most asked questions, by someone who is starting to become interested in Freemasonry.  There is no hard fast answer.  The simplest answer is; a Mason is a person who is a member of the Freemasons.  Freemasonry is the oldest fraternity in the world.  It's history can be traced back to the Stonemasons of ancient Europe (we think, see Where did it begin?).  Just as with any other fraternity it has rituals and secrets and people join for many different reasons...

"My father/grandfather/friend was/is a Mason."
"The idea of Freemasonry has always intrigued me."
"I am looking for something in my life."
"I was impressed by historical accounts of Freemasonry."

Just as everyone has a different reason for joining the Masons; every Mason comes from different backgrounds.  Freemasons are doctors, lawyers, policemen, firemen, teachers, businessmen, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, politicians, and many more.  However, regardless of your station in life, when you are a Mason you are a brother.

What do the Masons do?
Basically we meet as friends and brothers to share fellowship in a fun safe environment.  There are many activities that are sponsored by a Masonic Lodge (a Lodge is a group of Masons or where they meet).  The Masonic fraternity is much like any other organization; you get out of it what you put into it.

Freemasonry promotes the ideals of friendship, philanthropy, and honesty.  The idea of friendship is shown through the concept that in the fraternity you are always welcome.  A Mason is a Mason regardless of where you are.  Many Masons travel the world over visiting with other Masonic Lodges and other Masonic bodies. 

Philanthropy is shown through the many groups, activities and causes that Masons, or other Masonic bodies support.  Special Olympics, Scottish Rite Learning Centers for Dyslexia, Shriner's Hospitals, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Adopt America Network, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Diabetic Kids Fund, scholarships and many more.  But the concept is even more simpler than that; it is about one Mason helping another or helping his family.

How do I join?
Is it your desire to join the ranks of men, both great and small, who are proud to share in the Masonic tradition of excellence? If you do desire to join a Masonic Lodge and share in the fraternal fellowship that abounds there, you will need to, contact the secretary of the Lodge for information regarding the fees for application, and meet with two members of the Lodge who would recommend you for membership in the Lodge.

Application for membership is open to men who:

• Have been an Ohio resident for at least one year

• Are at least 19 years old Have a belief in a Supreme Being

• Live a good moral and social life

• Do not advocate the overthrow of the government

• Can read and write English

• Are recommended by two members of the Lodge they wish to join. (If you do not know two members of a Lodge, the secretary of the Lodge to which you are applying can arrange a meeting with two members of the Lodge for you.)

The Masonic term for a membership application is a "Petition."  If you meet the qualifications for membership (above), and have any questions regarding membership, you can:

• E-mail the lodge at victory649@yahoo.com

• Call the lodge at (330) 745-0160

• Write the lodge at PO Box 15041, Akron, OH 44314

Where did it begin?
This is another one of those hard to answer questions.  History tells us that the first Grand Lodge of England formed in the early 1700's.  However there are historical Masonic documents dating back to 1000 AD.  Much of the history of Freemasonry has been lost to time.  For much of it's early history it was an oral tradition (passed by word-of-mouth).  It is believed that Freemasonry, as it is known today, began with the ancient Stonemason guilds of Europe.  As craftsmen traveled through Europe building the huge stone cathedrals that we still see today, they needed a method for identifying the abilities of the workmen they were to employ.  Thus as series of passwords and gestures were developed.  As time went by, the strength of the guilds grew and many royals began to admire the secrecy of it all "Operative" or Stonemasonry gave way to "Speculative" non-Stonemasonry, which is what exists today.  It has taken many twists and turns over the years, but the fraternity has grown around the world.  At present estimates there are over 3.5 Million Masons living in over 75 countries around the world.

What did you mean by Masonic Bodies?
As with most organizations, "off-shoots" occur.  Whether it is a ladies-auxilary or youth group, Freemasonry is no different.  Over the years other groups have formed based on the core Masonic principles.  Below is a copy of an old Time magazine illustration of the six major Masonic Bodies (Blue Lodge - Freemasonry, Royal Arch Chapter, Council of Royal and Select Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, and the Shriners).  Below is a Link to several other images detailing the Masonic Bodies.

Other Images

I also recommend visiting the web site for the Grand Lodge of Ohio, by clicking on this sentence.