Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Freemasonry?
- Who are Freemasons?
- What do Freemasons believe in?
- What do Freemasons do?
- What are the qualifications for being a Freemason?
- How does a man become a Freemason?
- What is a Masonic Lodge?
- What are the Masonic degrees?
- What Freemasonry is not. . .
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history
and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good
men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have
survived even the most divisive political, military, and religious
conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum for, nor
a place of , worship.
Instead, it is a friend to all religions which are
based on the belief in one God.
There have been a number of definitions of Freemasonry, though
perhaps the most direct is employed by English Freemasons: “Freemasonry
is a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory, and illustrated by
symbols.”
The system of morality referred to undoubtedly includes principles
with which candidates are more or less familiar before their entrance
into Masonry. They, nevertheless, find these principles presented in new
ways and under forms different from those which they have known in the
past. The essence of morality is to be found in the utter simplicity
(though not the ease) of Masonry’s requirements.
Symbolism reaches a high degree of development in Freemasonry, and is
largely responsible for its universality. Men of different tongues may
find it difficult to reach a common understanding; but symbols enable
all men to comprehend each other without the necessity of any spoken
word. The symbolism of Freemasonry deals with the intellectual, moral,
and spiritual values of life.
There is nothing of a light or trifling character in Freemasonry. Any
intimations to the contrary are patently false. A Masonic Lodge is a
place wherein members are content to love and serve their brothers, to
honor their God, and to learn the many lessons that Masonry seeks to
teach.
Who are Freemasons?
Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons--George
Washington, the Marquis de LaFayette, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock,
Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, Rufus King, James Otis, Baron von Steuben,
and Joseph Warren--as were 13 signers of the Constitution. Fourteen
Presidents, beginning with Washington, and 18 Vice-Presidents were
Masons. Five Chief Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court--Oliver Ellsworth,
John Marshall, William Howard Taft, Frederick Vinson, and Earl
Warren--were Freemasons, and the ranks of Masonry have included a
majority of Supreme Court Justices, of Governors of States, of members
of the U.S. Senate, and a large percentage of members of the U.S. House
of Representatives.
Famous Masons include Simon Bolivar, James Boswell, Robert Burns,
Edward VII, Giuseppe Garibaldi, George VI, Goethe, Rudyard Kipling,
Haydn, Mozart, Will Rogers, Sir Walter Scott, Jean Sibelius, Voltaire,
and many others.
Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come
from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity,
however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political
ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every
religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been
how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together
in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct
their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other “Brother.”
What do Freemasons believe
in?
All Freemasons believe in one God and respect for each other.
What do Freemasons do?
Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the
moral laws of society and abide by the laws of the government under
which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain
unchallenged as “the world’s greatest philanthropy.”
The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars
every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established.
These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the
humanitarian concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.
What
are the qualifications for being a Freemason?
Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good
men better.” Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are
favorably considered for membership. Every applicant must advocate his
belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted
into the Fraternity).
How does a man become a
Freemason?
In most Masonic Jurisdictions, an individual must ask a Masonic
friend to recommend him for membership. He must sign a petition, stating
his age, occupation, and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote
by secret ballot which, in most Jurisdictions, must be unanimous.
Petition for the Degrees of
Freemasonry
click on text to download PDF document
What is a Masonic Lodge?
Most Masonic Lodges meet at least one evening a month to conduct
their regular business and vote on petitions for membership. It is here
that the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.
What are the Masonic
Degrees?
A Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third
(or Master Mason’s) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an
enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It
is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new
member learns that his family and his livelihood are to be considered
above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any
of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
What Freemasonry is not. . .
It is often necessary to point out some things that Freemasonry is
not and has never claimed to be:
Freemasonry is not a religion. It has a philosophy of its own
that is in harmony with churches, schools, and all other worthy
institutions. The teachings of the Fraternity transcend all
denominational and sectional divisions. Its sympathies are as broad as
humanity.
Freemasonry is not, itself, a charitable institution. One of
the fundamental principles of Freemasonry is the practice of charity and
a Mason necessarily contributes to the relief of the afflicted according
to his ability, but this and similar modes of conduct must proceed from
a purity of life and conduct that is one of the great objectives of all
Masonic teachings.
Freemasonry does not insure its members against the detrimental
effects of old age, provides no sick benefits, issues no policies on the
lives of its members, and pays no death benefits of any kind. The
matter of individual relief is confined to those cases where it is
necessary, in spite of all the efforts of a brother or of his family to
maintain economic independence. A member’s part in this procedure is far
more likely to be that of a contributor rather than a beneficiary.
Freemasonry does not lend itself as a means of promoting selfish
interests. Any underlying purpose of such a nature will eventually
become apparent to other members and one will eventually suffer the loss
of their respect as a result.
