Who We Are
For centuries millions of men of every race, color, creed and political persuasion throughout the World Have found in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry the light to guide their search for answers to eternal questions: What is the meaning of life? The nature of God and man?
Freemasonry is a system of morality. Using allegory and symbols it is meant to teach the high morals that have been passed down since the beginning of civilization itself. It is not a religion, however it's very nature gives it a religious character. It is a philosophy of ethical conduct, which imparts moral and social virtues and fosters brotherly love.
Freemasonry can never conflict with a man's relationship to God or his fellow man. Sectarian religious or political discussion in a lodge is strictly prohibited. Every Mason stands equal among his brothers, regardless of walk of life or financial.
The purpose of the Ancient Craft of Freemasonry is to unfold a message where "truth abides in fullness," invoking greater understanding of the inward life and a spirit of fellowship in which every mason can also lead a better outward life.
Traditions
and Origins
Though its heritage in antiquity is unmistakable, modern speculative Freemasonry was founded more recently upon the structure, ceremonies, and symbolism of the lodges of operative or working freemen stonemasons, who built the magnificent Medieval Gothic structures throughout much of Europe and England.
Dated in 1390 AD, the Regius Poem details the charter of a lodge operating in the 900s AD "Masonry" then meant architecture and encompassed most of the arts and sciences. Because lodges held knowledge as competitive secrets, only trusted, capable companions were instructed in the craft - and then only by degrees, orally and through symbols, because of widespread illiteracy.
In the late Renaissance, lodges of Freemasons began to accept as speculative masons those educated men who were attracted by the elegance of Masonic traditions for philosophic expression. In time they were passed into the inner circles.
Thus, the framers of speculative Freemasonry began to describe a code of conduct through the symbolic nature of architecture and the stonemason's craft. Signaling modern speculative Freemasonry, the first Grand Lodge was charted in London in 1717. Constituent Symbolic Lodges were soon established throughout the world.
The first Lodges in the United States were chartered in Boston and Philadelphia in 1733, and the first lodge in Vermont was chartered Nov. 10, 1781 in Springfield, VT.
Family
Activities
The Blue Lodge is the bedrock of the Masonic family, yet there are several appendant organizations which a Mason's family members can join to share many more of their common interests and activities.
Family-oriented activities include a range of social and entertainment programs, family outings, and community service projects, as well as numerous occasions for state wide or regional travel.
Among the appendant groups for adults, both men and women may be welcome as members, but women hold the principal offices. These groups include, among others, the Order of Eastern Star.
Groups for young people build self-esteem and prepare them for citizenship through successful experience with responsibility and leadership. Masonic youth groups include the Order of Rainbow for Girls, the Order of Job's Daughters for young women, and the Order of DeMolay for young men.
With many opportunities for growth and friendship, these groups typically develop active social calendars, so that the "Masonic family" truly is a family affair.