What is Freemasonry?

  Freemasonry is a  society of men, religious in character and based on the principle of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, which does charitable work in the community and amongst its members. Freemasonry is one the world's oldest fraternal societies.

Through its teachings and ceremonies it seeks to make good men better  thereby making the world a better place in which to live.Each ceremony conveys a message to the candidate,a  reason why Freemasons  do not go around broadcasting the  content, as  it would spoil it for the candidate -  as in the same way you would not tell someone the ending of a book or a movie.

It is a "voluntary" association in that no one is invited to become a member, and Freemasonry never solicits anyone to become a member. A prospective member must truly come of his own free will and accord.

It is not a religion but  most Freemasons do belong to an established Church. Members  do not go to the Lodge to worship God, they do that  when each Freemason goes to his own church. It is religious, in that one cannot become a Freemason unless he believes in a Supreme Being.

There is no religious test applied to the prospective member,nor is one required or asked to subscribe to any religious dogma or tenet.Freemasonry encourages its members  to do their duty to their God ( by whatever name he is known) through their  faith and religious practice.

Freemasons are not allowed to discuss religion at meetings.Freemasonry is also strictly non-politcal  and the discussion of politics  at masonic meetings is expressly forbidden.

Freemasonry is not a 'secret society' because it does not hide its existence, members do not hide their membership.Freemasons do not promise to keep  their membership as a secret; when and where Freemasons meet are matters of public record, as one can look up the telephone numbers  in the directory.

However,It regards some of its internal affairs and its traditional modes of recognition as private matters for its members. 

Non-Masons sometimes wonder at the close bond that  exists between Freemasons. Freemasons are bound together by a deep and abiding knowledge that each one has accepted certain high ethical standards of conduct, which insure a bond of  faith and confidence

Freemasons are proud to proclaim to the world that we are a serious organization of mature persons,which instills a love of God, teaches charity in its broadest sense, and shows each member how to live a better life.     

How Does a Man Become a Mason?

Membership is open to men of all faiths who are are law-abiding,of good character and who acknowledge a belief in a Supreme Being (God) .Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation.It has always attracted men of goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership.

 

For hundreds of years, Masons have been forbidden to ask others to join the fraternity.Some men are surprised that no one has ever asked them to become a Mason,which may convey the  feeling that the Masons in their vicinity  think they are not "good enough" to join their organisation. It does not work that way.  We can talk to friends about Masonry, and  tell them about the things that Masonry does. We can even tell them why we enjoy it, but we cannot ask, much less pressure, anyone to join.

 

There is a good reason for such a stance,however  we are not trying to be exclusive.Becoming a Mason is a very serious undertaking as one in joining Masonry is making a permanent life commitment to live in certain ways; such as living with honour and integrity, willing to share with and caring about others, trusting each other, and  placing ultimate trust in God.Hence,no one should be "talked into" making such a decision.

 

When a man decides he wants to be a Mason, he asks a Mason for a petition or application. He fills it out and gives it to the Mason, and that Mason takes it to his lodge. The Master of the lodge will appoint a committee to visit with the man and his family, find out a little about him and why he wants to be a Mason, tell him and his family about Masonry, and answer their questions. The committee reports to the lodge, and the lodge votes on the petition. If the vote is affirmative -- the lodge will contact the man to set the date for the Entered Apprentice Degree. When the person  completes all three degrees, he is a Master Mason and a full member of the fraternity.

Structure of  Freemasonry

Blue Lodge
 

The Masonic Lodge, often known as Symbolic Lodge , Blue Lodge , or Craft Lodge receives and acts upon petitions for the three degrees in Freemasonry. These degrees are:  Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.

There is no higher degree than that of the Master Mason  (the Third Degree). However, for those men who would like to receive additional instruction and explanation regarding the allegory and symbolism learned in the Masonic Lodge there are three additional Appendant or Concordant bodies that can be entered. These are: 

The York Rite
 

The York Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed to supplement and amplify the Blue Lodge degrees, affording historical background on the work and meaning of Freemasonry. The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of York. The York Rite is not a religion in itself, it does, however, develop themes based on the Medieval Crusades.

 In the York Rite, A Master Mason may become a member of three bodies -

The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons

The Council of Cryptic Masons (Royal and Select Masters)

The Commandery of the Knights Templar  
 

The Scottish Rite
 

The Scottish Rite work amplifies and elaborates the lessons of the Blue Lodge degrees. As with Freemasonry,Scottish Rite is not a religion and it is non-denominational, although it does require a belief in a Supreme Being.

 A Master Mason may achieve 29 degrees - the fourth through thirty-second - in the Scottish Rite. Degree structure organisation differs somewhat in various jurisdictions throughout the world.The basic purposes and principles remain the same.

Southern Jurisdiction

Lodge of Perfection (Degrees 4-14)

Chapter of Rose Croix (Degrees15-18)

Council of Kadosh (Degrees19-30)

Consistory (Degrees 31-32)

Supreme Council (33rd Degree)

Northern Jurisdiction

Lodge of Perfection - (Degrees 4 - 14)

Council of Princes of Jerusalem (Degrees 15 -16)

Chapter of Rose Croix (Degrees 17 - 18)

Consistory (Degrees 19 - 32) 

Supreme Council (33rd Degree)

A 33rd Degree is bestowed on men who have given outstanding service to Freemasonry or to their communities.

The Shriners
 

 After a Master Mason has achieved the Thirty Second Degree Scottish Rite or the Knights Templar Degree in York Rite,  he can  petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.

The Shrine has always been involved in charitable endeavours. 
Today, the Shrine operates  orthopaedic hospitals and three burns institutes where children, up to their 18th birthday, regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Shriner, receive excellent medical care... absolutely free.