WHAT IS FREEMASONRY?

Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.

This is the classic definition of the Craft – one in such general use that it has virtually become the accepted definition. There are others, however, which amplify on the above, that are worthy of note.

Albert Gallatin Mackoy contends that Freemasonry “is a science which is engaged in the search after divine truth”.

Joseph Fort Newton offers a very comprehensive definition, taken from the German handbook, characterizing it as the best description given so far:

“Masonry is the activity of closely united men, who employing forms borrowed principally from the mason’s trade and from architecture, work for the welfare and mankind, striving morally to enable themselves and others, and thereby bring about the Universal League of Mankind, which they aspire to exhibit even now on a small scale”.

No useful purpose would be served by presenting the many other existing definitions of Freemasonry, the majority of which contain common elements. At best any definition can give only a meager description of the philosophy of the organization, and the amplification is not only helpful, but necessary. This is provided by the Masonic Creed, embracing the Masonic Belief, and the Masonic Teaching.

 

HOW TO INFORM NON-MASONS ABOUT FREEMASONRY

WHAT MASONRY IS –

It is a voluntary association of men.
It is a system of moral conduct.
It is a way of life.
It is a fraternal society.
It is religious in its character.
It teaches the Golden rule.
It seeks to make good men better men.
It teaches morality through symbolism.
It uses secret rites and ceremonies to instruct its members.
It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the immortality of the Soul……..
Its tenets are ethical principles such are acceptable to all good men. It teaches toleration towards the beliefs of others, charity toward all mankind. Masons should be proud to proclaim that their fraternity consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection universally applicable throughout the world.

WHAT MASONRY IS NOT –

It does not solicit members.
It is not an insurance or benefit society.
It is neither a religion nor a creed.
It is not organized for profit.
It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular.
It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics.
It is not a forum for discussion of partisan affairs.
It is not a secret society, as it does not conceal its existence.
Masonry teaches love and kindness in the home, honesty and fairness in business or occupation, courtesy in social contacts, help for the weak and unfortunate, resistance to wickedness, trust and confidence in good men, forgiveness toward the penitent, love toward one another, and, above all, reverence for the Supreme Being.