What Is Freemasonry?

A Fraternal Organization
With a Strong Social Purpose
Whose Members Have High Moral Standards and Work to the Benefit of Others

Who Are The Masons? Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world. Today, there are more than two million Freemasons in North America. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in one God.
What Is Masonry? Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its members. Its singular purpose is To Make Good Men Better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries.
Where Did Freemasonry Begin? No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Most scholors believe Masonry rose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community throughout North America. A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and find a Masonic Lodge where he will be welcome as a "Brother".
What Do Freemasons Do? The Masonic experience encourages members to become better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge help build lifelong friendships among men with similar goals and values. Masonry is also involved in helping other people. Masonry in North Carolina supports the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, North Carolina, and the Masonic & Eastern Star Home in Greensboro, North Carolina.
What Is The Masonic Lodge? The word "Lodge" means both a group of Masons meeting together as well as the room or building in which they meet. Masonic buildings are sometimes called "temples" because the original meaning of the term was "place of knowledge" and Masonry encourages the advancement of knowledge.