What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the world's oldest 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 divisive 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 that are based on the belief in one God.

Who the Freemasons Are.

Many of our nation's founding fathers and early patriots were Freemasons. Nine signers of the Declaration of Independence, thirteen signers of the Constitution, and fourteen Presidents of the United States including George Washington have been Freemasons.

Today, the more than three 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 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!"

Qualifications for Membership

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 in the Fraternity).

What Freemasons do, and believe in.

All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.

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 more than two million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of humanitarianism, commitment, and concern by this unique and honorable Fraternity.

 
This briefly explains what Freemasonry is, who Freemasons are, what we believe in, and what we do. It is important for you to know that those who desire membership must seek it on their own. Unfortunately, without this understanding, many qualified men have not enjoyed the special rewards of membership and fellowship in Freemasonry.

The Fraternity of 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.

    Where did Freemasonry come from?

        Some historians trace Freemasonry to the 10th Century B.C. during the building of King Solomon’s Temple. Records reveal that Freemasonry was introduced into England in 926 A.D.


        Many other historians believe that Freemasonry is directly descended from the association of operative masons, the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe employing the secrets and skills of their crafts.


        In the 17th Century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds of stone-masons, known as “operative Masons” or “Free Masons,” started to accept as members those who were not members of the masons’ craft, calling them “speculative Masons” or “Accepted Masons.”


        It was from these groups, comprised mostly of “Adopted or Accepted Masons,” that Symbolic Masonry or Freemasonry, as we know it today, had its beginning.


        A more recent theory suggests that Freemasonry grew out of the survivors of the destruction of the Order of the Temple in 1314 by King Philip The Fair of France. Many Templars fled France and hid in England, Scotland and Ireland. To maintain their Order, they developed another organization, giving it a legendary ancient history to contribute to its cover from the authorities who wished it destroyed. John Robinson’s book, “Born in Blood,” is an excellent text describing this theory in detail.

    When did Freemasonry start?

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


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


        Today, there are more than 160 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with a membership of more than 3.6 million. In the United States there are 51 Grand Lodges. There are approximately 1,100,000 Freemasons in the 51 Jurisdictions of the United States.

    What is a Lodge?

        The basic unit of all Grand Lodges is the Symbolic Lodge, or “Blue Lodge,” as it is commonly known.


        It is the Symbolic Lodge that issues petitions for initiation and membership, acts on petitions and confers the three Symbolic Degrees, known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason Degrees.

        Learn More
    How do you join?

        Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.


        A man becomes a Freemason through his own volition. When a man seeks admission to a Symbolic Lodge, it is of his own free will and accord. The choice is his.


        The petitioner must be recommended by two Master Masons, one of whom must be a Member of the Lodge to which he desires to apply and pass a ballot. The petitioner must be 18 years of age, mentally competent, of good moral character and believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.

    Is Freemasonry 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.

    Is Freemasonry a religion?

        Freemasonry is not a religion even though it is religious in character.


        It does not pretend to take the place of religion, nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members.


        Although an essential requirement is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions.


        It teaches monotheism. It teaches the Golden Rule. It seeks to make good men better through its firm belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man.

    Is Freemasonry an insurance or beneficial society?

        Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society. It is not organized for profit. However, the charity and services rendered are beyond measure.

    What does Freemasonry teach?

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


        It is known throughout the world.


        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.

    What does Freemasonry stand for?

        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.

I want to know more.

Please contact St. John's Lodge so that one of our members can take the time to answer your questions and give you all the information that you require.

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