What is a Mason? This question is asked all the time, and this Frequestly Asked Questions (FAQs) page attempts to answer this question for you.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most devise political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God.
Who Freemasons Are?
Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington. Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship and call each other “Brother!”
What Freemasons Believe In?
All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.
What Freemasons Do?
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as “the world’s greatest philanthropy!” The Freemasons of America contribute almost two million dollars every day to charitable causes which they alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.
Qualifications?
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better.” Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity).
Those Who Seek Membership?
Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation, and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote on admission after careful consideration of the character and reputation of the applicant.
The Masonic Lodge?
The Masonic Lodge meets regularly to conduct its regular business and vote upon Petitions for Memership. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.
The Masonic Degrees?
There are three degrees in Craft Masonry, Entered Apprentice (1st) Degree, Fellowcraft (2nd) Degree, and Master Mason (3rd) Degree. After you have received a degree, some memory work is required before passing to the next degree, and a tutor will be assigned to assist you in learning this work. The thought of memorizing should not be cause for alarm. Over the years thousands of men have accomplished this task. With a commitment to meet with the tutor and to study on their own, most men find the time between degrees is not extremely long, but that is up to the individual. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any of the thousands of Masonic Lodges throughout the world.