No doubt you are wondering what kind of an organization Freemasonry is. First, we would like to assure you that Freemasonry is a moral institution based upon the Fatherhood of God, and that the conferral of what we choose to call "Degrees" is a means of passing on certain basic time-honored truths by which men can live and fulfill God's hope for us as members of His community. The Holy Bible is always open on our altar when the Lodge is meeting and nothing happens in the Lodge that anyone would not be proud to participate in.
It is the intention of a Masonic Lodge that its members be so impressed with the lessons taught that their lives will be a mirror through which is reflected the beautiful lessons of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is a way of life that can be meaningful and the fulfillment of God's design for us here on earth.
Freemasonry is not a "fly-by-night" organization. Recorded history of Freemasonry in its present form goes back to the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, and there is much evidence that it existed in some form as far back as the year 926. Its long life leaves no doubt that it is the will of God that Masonry is here today.
During these early times, our Masonic forefathers who were engaged as workmen on the cathedrals of Europe, not only discovered and developed their various construction skills, but they discovered and developed basic fundamental patterns of moral conduct that not only produced a better individual morally, but contributed tremendously to the formation of an orderly and decent society. In Freemasonry, we apply these patterns of moral conduct and strive to inspire our members to be better men, better husbands, and better fathers. We accept only those who, in our opinion, meet certain qualifications, but if Freemasonry does not make a man better, then Freemasonry has failed. You will benefit from Freemasonry according to your participation.
Our members become a part of a fellowship, that by action, has proven that when certain truths have been instilled into the hearts of our members, they will perform in their everyday lives, through personal or organized methods, in a manner pleasing to man and to our Maker. After a man has learned the truths taught in the three degrees of Masonry, his integrity and honesty are beyond question, and behavior among his fellows should be above reproach.
Freemasonry does not solicit membership. All of its members have asked to become members by seeking out a member and asking for a petition to join. If you are considering petitioning a local Lodge and are hopeful of coming into the Lodge with the expectation that membership will provide social or business gain, you will be disappointed. That is not its purpose, though Freemasonry is known as a worthy organization and membership carries with it a great amount of prestige.
The charitable and benevolent activities of the Masonic Fraternity are perhaps well known to you. Be assured that the Masons have been ever willing to aid the distressed, assist children with their health and educational needs, feed the hungry and shelter the roofless. Over a period of years, the Grand Lodges of the world have contributed substantially to many worthy causes throughout the world.
There has never been an attempt to conceal the purpose, aims, and principles of Freemasonry. It is not a secret organization, but an organization with only certain concealed methods of recognizing each other. Masons proudly wear emblems of the craft; therefore no effort is made to conceal membership.
=============================================================================================Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations. The lessons Freemasonry teaches in its ceremonies, are to do with moral values. Freemasonry's acknowledgement, without crossing the boundaries of religion, is that everything depends on the providence of God. Freemasons feel that these lessons apply as much today as they did when it took its modern form at the turn of the 17th century.
Despite what many people claim, Freemasonry is not in any way a secret society. Freemasonry's so-called secrets are solely used as a ceremonial way of demonstrating that one is a Freemason. In any case, Freemasonry has been exposed by the media for almost as long as they have existed. The real point of a Freemason promising not to reveal their secrets is basically a dramatic way of promising to keep one's word in general.
Other reasons why Freemasonry cannot be called a secret society are that Freemasons do not promise to keep their membership a secret. Where and when Freemasons meet are matters of public record.
It is ironic that Freemasons used to be quiet about their membership. They were and still are taught never to use it to advance their own interests. Critics have taken this the wrong way and think that there is something secretive and nasty because of the silence. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Masonic ceremonies are secular morality plays, which are learned by heart, by members of the lodge for the benefit of the person who is becoming a Freemason. Each ceremony has a message for the candidate. A further reason why Freemasons do not go around broadcasting their contents is simply because it would spoil it for the candidate. The same way you would not tell someone the ending of a good book or a film, you would not tell someone about the ceremony.
Freemasons are required to profess and continue in a belief in a Supreme Being. Their ceremonies include prayers, which are not in any way a substitute for religion. It has no theological doctrines, it offers no sacraments, and it does not claim to lead to salvation. By having prayers at its meetings Freemasonry is no more in competition with religion than, say, having a meal where grace is said.
Freemasons are not allowed to discuss religion or politics at meetings. Freemasonry's aim is to encourage its members to discover what people from all different backgrounds have in common. As is all too well known, debate about religion and politics can lead to heated discussion rather than enlightenment.
A Freemason is thus basically encouraged to do his duty first to his God, and then to his family and those who are dependent on him. He is to help his neighbors through charity and service.
None of these ideas is exclusive to Freemasonry, but all should be universally acceptable and Freemasons are expected to follow them.