What is Freemasonry? 

This article is provided to inform you of the nature and purpose of the Order of Freemasonry and the requirements for membership.  If you have an interest in Freemasonry, obviously, you would like to know what Freemasonry is, what Freemasonry does, and how you can obtain membership in this most ancient and honorable order.

Freemasonry is the oldest Fraternal organization in existence.  Written records about the Order date back to 1390, and the traditions of Masonry are even older.  The Grand Lodge of Virginia is the oldest independent body in the United States.  A roster of Masonic membership during the early years of our country reads like a study in American history.  It is led by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Chief Justice John Marshall, Edmund Randolph, and a host of signers of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.  Since those early years of our country's history, Masonic membership has continued to include United States Presidents, Congressmen, State Governors and other well known men from all walks of life; professionals, tradesmen and laborers.

Freemasonry is not a religion.  It does not promise salvation.  Religion and religious beliefs are not discussed in our Lodges, but through the use of symbols and allegories, Freemasonry teaches the equality of man and the value of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.  Freemasonry teaches and practices charity towards all who are less fortunate, and Freemasonry seeks to become the happy means of cementing its members into one harmonizing body.  Thus, while not a religion, Freemasonry is religious in the sense that Masons revere God, and urge every man to attend the Church or Synagogue of his choice.  We learn that our strength is to be found in our God, no matter how we may view Him.

Freemasonry is not a secret society as some would accuse.  Masons proudly wear the ancient insignia of Freemasonry, The Square and Compass, publicly.  The location of our Masonic Lodges is known and our membership rosters are printed.  We do keep secret our modes of recognition and the ceremonies of initiation to prevent imposition by imposters.

In sum, Freemasonry teaches the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, marveling at the Divine order of the universe.  It brings together men of all creeds and teaches the many aspects of the Great and Golden Rule common to all Faiths.

To become a member of this ancient and honorable Order a man must come of his own free will and accord, for the great truths taught in Freemasonry, and He whom we all serve, require us to come freely and with an open heart.  We do not issue invitations to join a Masonic Lodge nor do we solicit individuals to join.  If you are interested after reading this, ask a Masonic friend for more information or for an application.

The requirements for membership are; that you be a man, one of good character and reputation; that you are a peaceful citizen, and one who guards against intemperance and excess' and that you are one who respects genuine brotherhood and general good of society.  Freemasonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being.

Each Masonic Brother is left to his own private judgment concerning the mode and form of his religion.  We meet together in harmony as Christian, Jew, Moslem, and Buddhist applying those great principles which are common to all religions.  Thus, the great Fraternity has existed since time immemorial.

Each applicant for membership must be vouched for by two members of the Fraternity who know the applicant and can vouch for his character and his reputation.  In addition, the applicant must be elected by an unanimous ballot.  Only in this manner have we maintained for centuries the harmony and brotherhood which has characterized the practice of our principles.

The applicant, if elected, accepts the financial responsibility for payment of initiation fees and annual dues which are required by Masonic law and which vary from Lodge to Lodge.  In addition, each candidate, after initiation, is required to commit to memory a catechism and to stand examination in open Lodge.

This is but a short introduction to Freemasonry; what it is; what it does; and how to become a member.  If you are interested in learning more, a Masonic friend will answer your questions, or he will refer you to a better informed Masonic Brother.