WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

 

THE FRATERNITY OF

ANCIENT 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 page is an attempt to relate a few facts that will be informative to all and to correct a few misconceptions.

 

History

 

Freemasonry traces its ancestry to the operative crafts, which records indicate, were introduced into England as early as 674 A.D.

Freemasonry is directly descended from these associations of operative craftsmen, primarily the Cathedral builders of the middle ages. These men, because of their special knowledge and skills, were permitted special travel privileges and traveled from country to country employing the secrets and skills of their craft. These Master Craftsmen developed means of recognition and identification of their work.

            In the late 17^th and early 18^th century as Cathedral building came to an end, numbers of these operative stone Mason guilds or lodges began to accept as members good men who were not Stone Masons. These were called Accepted or Speculative Masons. Gradually the lodges came to be composed almost entirely of these Accepted or Speculative Masons. From these groups, Freemasonry of today had its beginning.

 

Grand Lodges

 

            In 1717, four Lodges of Freemasons, meeting in London, England, formed the first Grand Lodge in the world.

            This Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including the United States.

            Today, there are more than 150 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with a membership of more than 6,000,000.

            The Grand Lodge is the administrative authority in its territory, known as Jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge of Illinois is the Supreme Masonic Power and Authority in this Jurisdiction.

            In the United States there are 49 Grand Lodges. They include the 50 States and the District of Columbia. Hawaii is a part of the Grand Jurisdiction of California, and Alaska is part of the Grand Jurisdiction of Washington. There are approximately 4,000,000 Freemasons in the 49 Jurisdictions of the United States – Nearly two-thirds of the world’s total.

 

Free Masonry and Religion

 

            Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for one. Some people and some churches oppose freemasonry in the belief that masonry is a religion and may conflict with some of their teachings. Masonry has no creed, no priesthood and no plan for salvation. Neither is it an off spring of any church, ancient or modern. It espouses none of them nor is it subservient to any. While Masonry does require a belief in a Supreme Being, each Mason worships in his own fashion according to his religious faith, whether he be Christian, Jew, Moslem, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Buddhist or Hindu.

 

Is Masonry a Secret Society?

 

            Contrary to what many believe, Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does not hide its existence or its membership.

            There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonry. It is an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

            Its constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations are open for inspection.

            It is true that we have modes of recognition, rites and ceremonies with which the world is not acquainted. In this regard, all human groups and institutions have private affairs. For instance, families have discussions on subjects which do not and should not, concern their neighbors.

           

Are Masons Active in Politics?

 

            Masons do not discuss religion or political matters in their lodge nor does a lodge endorse candidates of any political persuasion.

            As an individual however, he is urged to take an active part in civic affairs.

 

What is Freemasonry?

 

          Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society. It is not organized for profit. It is not a charitable institution, although it does assist its members by many means through times of hardship.

            It teaches Monotheism. It teaches the “Golden Rule.” It seeks to make good men better through its firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man and the immortality of the soul.

            It uses builders’ tools as symbols to teach the basic moral truths, thereby impressing on the minds of the members the Cardinal virtues of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, which should apply to everyday activities.

           

High Ideals

 

            From time immemorial, Masonry has stood for the highest ideals of civilization; and wherever Masonry has flourished, these ideals have come nearest to realization and highest standards of living have been obtained. Wherever masonry has been cast out, the standards of living have immediately gone down, civilization has deteriorated, and the freedom of the people been abolished.

 

Who Can Become a Mason?

 

            Any adult male of good repute, of high moral character, of sound mind, who believes in God and has the usual senses of a man, especially those of hearing, seeing and feeling and capable of reading and writing in English.

 

What To Do To Become a Freemason

 

            Masonry does not solicit members. No one is asked to join. When a man seeks admission to our fraternity, it is his own free will – HE MUST ASK.

          If you are interested in becoming a Freemason you must ask a friend whom you believe to be a Freemason to secure a petition for you, advise him of your wish to become a member, and ask for advice in the matter. The Mason will secure the proper form of petition, and will assist you in the procedure to follow.

 

What Are the “Higher” Degrees?

 

            There is no higher degree in Masonry than that of Master Mason. There is considerable confusion in the minds of many, due to the fact that the York Rite and Scottish Rite have additional degrees. A Master Mason may petition either or both for membership, after which he is eligible to petition the Shrine. The Degrees given in these Rites elaborate the Masonic Teachings.

 

Tenets of Freemasonry

 

            The Tenets of Freemasonry are ethical principles that are acceptable to all good men. It teaches tolerance toward all mankind.

            It is known through the world even behind the Iron Curtain Where Masonry Cannot exist.

            Freemasonry proudly proclaims that it consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection.

            It dictates to no man as to his beliefs either religious or secular. It seeks no advantage for its members through business or politics.

            Freemasonry is not a forum for discussion on partisan affairs.

 

A Way of Life . . .

            Freemasonry 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.

 

Freemasonry is many things, but, most of all . . .

 

FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIFE