Freemasonry in General

Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization with lodges in nearly every part of the world. Although Masonic rituals and customs may differ from country to country, its philosophies remains the same.
Where and when Freemasonry began, no one knows for sure. There are three main schools of thought on its origin. Some say that it evolved from the medieval stonemason guilds. Others believe that it emerged after the ignominious demise of an order of warrior monks called the Knights Templar in 1314. And there are those who think that it was probably a combination of the two. Freemasonry emerged publicly in England in 1717. The earliest Masonic document, known as the Regius Poem, dates back to 1390.
We are often accused of being a secret society. We are not. Many books have been written about the organization, including complete explanations of Masonic ritual. All of these books are available to the general public through municipal libraries, or for sale. Exposés have been surfacing ever since Freemasonry made itself public some 280 or so years ago. Although modes of recognition, such as handshakes and passwords, are 'secret', or more appropriately termed 'private', there is no secrecy as to its organization, principles or purpose. Freemasons merely like to keep their business private. Really, the biggest secret in Freemasonry is that there are no secrets at all.
We are not an order of religious instruction. Freemasonry does not offer a means for the salvation of the soul. Men of all faiths are accepted. Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians of all denominations; just about any man from any faith who professes a belief in a Supreme Being. Freemasons believe in the individual choice of religious worship. Contrary to popular belief we do not exclude Catholics.
Freemasonry is not a political organization. In fact, political discussion is not permitted at lodge meetings. It is hoped, however, that Freemasons become more inclined towards their civic duties through active involvement in the organization. Freemasonry does not promise advancement in a member's profession.
We are a fraternity of men who build on our own personal, fundamental beliefs to guide us through our lives.

What Do Masons Do ?

Defining what Freemasonry is, so that it can be explained to those outside the fraternity, is not easy. The Masonic 'ritual' defines Freemasonry as 'a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols'. Some noted Masonic historians suggest that the word 'peculiar', for the purpose of understanding, should be replaced with the word 'unique' or 'special'.
Freemasonry deals with the building of a mason's character. Its purpose is to help good men become better men - better fathers, better husbands, better brothers, better sons and better citizens. Freemasonry uses the simple tools of the ancient stonemason - the square, the level, the plumb and chisel (just some of many) - as symbols to teach the ideals of 'The Craft'; these being tolerance, truth and charity to others.
Part of this process is achieved in three ceremonial stages or 'degrees' namely 'Entered Apprentice' (first degree), 'Fellowcraft' (second degree), and 'Master Mason' (third degree). Allegory, the presentation of moral or spiritual meaning under material form, is the principal tool used to instruct the candidate in each of these degrees. An example of this is the 24 inch gauge. During the 1st degree ceremony the candidate is informed that the 24 inch gauge was used by the operative stonemasons to measure their work, but for the symbolic mason, the tool is there to remind him that there are 24 hours in the day. Part to be spent in praying to their God, part spent in labor and leisure, and part to be spent helping others. Surely this is a great guide for all people, not just Freemasons. All traditions in Freemasonry are invented, having been devised by the members in its earliest days.