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 divisive political, military,
and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum for, nor a
place of , worship. Instead, it is a friend to all religions which are based on the belief in
one God.
There have been a number of definitions of Freemasonry, though perhaps the most direct
is employed by English Freemasons: �Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morality veiled
in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.�
The system of morality referred to undoubtedly includes principles with which candidates
are more or less familiar before their entrance into Masonry. They, nevertheless, find
these principles presented in new ways and under forms different from those which they
have known in the past. The essence of morality is to be found in the utter simplicity
(though not the ease) of Masonry�s requirements.
Symbolism reaches a high degree of development in Freemasonry, and is largely
responsible for its universality. Men of different tongues may find it difficult to reach a
common understanding; but symbols enable all men to comprehend each other without the
necessity of any spoken word. The symbolism of Freemasonry deals with the intellectual,
moral, and spiritual values of life.
There is nothing of a light or trifling character in Freemasonry. Any intimations to the
contrary are patently false. A Masonic Lodge is a place wherein members are content to
love and serve their brothers, to honor their God, and to learn the many lessons that
Masonry seeks to teach.
Many of our nation�s early patriots were Freemasons--George Washington, the Marquis
de LaFayette, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, Rufus
King, James Otis, Baron von Steuben, and Joseph Warren--as were 13 signers of the
Constitution. Fourteen Presidents, beginning with Washington, and 18 Vice-Presidents
were Masons. Five Chief Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court--Oliver Ellsworth, John
Marshall, William Howard Taft, Frederick Vinson, and Earl Warren--were Freemasons,
and the ranks of Masonry have included a majority of Supreme Court Justices, of
Governors of States, of members of the U.S. Senate, and a large percentage of members
of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Famous Masons include Simon Bolivar, James Boswell, Robert Burns, Edward VII,
Giuseppe Garibaldi, George VI, Goethe, Rudyard Kipling, Haydn, Mozart, Will Rogers,
Sir Walter Scott, Jean Sibelius, Voltaire, and many others.
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.�
All Freemasons believe in one God and respect for each other.
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of
society and 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 one million dollars every day to
charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent
an unparalleled example of the humanitarian concern of this unique and honorable
Fraternity.
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).
In most Masonic Jurisdictions, an individual must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him
for membership. He must sign a petition, stating his age, occupation, and place of
residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot which, in most Jurisdictions, must
be unanimous.
Most Masonic Lodges meet at least one evening a month to conduct their regular business
and vote on petitions for membership. It is here that the bonds of friendship and
fellowship are strengthened.
It is often necessary to point out some things that Freemasonry is not and has never
claimed to be:
Freemasonry is not a religion. It has a philosophy of its own that is in harmony with
churches, schools, and all other worthy institutions. The teachings of the Fraternity
transcend all denominational and sectional divisions. Its sympathies are as broad as
humanity.
Freemasonry is not, itself, a charitable institution. One of the fundamental
principles of Freemasonry is the practice of charity and a Mason necessarily
contributes to the relief of the afflicted according to his ability, but this and similar
modes of conduct must proceed from a purity of life and conduct that is one of the
great objectives of all Masonic teachings.
Freemasonry does not insure its members against the detrimental effects of old
age, provides no sick benefits, issues no policies on the lives of its members, and
pays no death benefits of any kind. The matter of individual relief is confined to
those cases where it is necessary, in spite of all the efforts of a brother or of his family
to maintain economic independence. A member�s part in this procedure is far more
likely to be that of a contributor rather than a beneficiary.
Freemasonry does not lend itself as a means of promoting selfish interests. Any
underlying purpose of such a nature will eventually become apparent to other members
and one will eventually suffer the loss of their respect as a result.
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This page in no way constitutes an official statement of any Masonic body. The opinions expressed herein are the author's own, and are not to be considered as representative of Freemasonry in whole or in part.