Light of the Three Stars

Masonry, as mentioned before, is many things to many people.
Many years ago, in England, it was defined as “a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” It is a course of moral instruction using both allegories and symbols to teach its lessons.
The legends and myths of the old stone cutters and masons, many of them involved in building the great cathedrals of Europe, have been woven into an interesting and effective way to portray moral truths.
In Masonry, the old tools and ways of the craftsmen are used to help dramatically portray those moral truths. For example, the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel. Just as the ruler is used to measure distance, the modem Mason uses it as a reminder to manage one of his most precious resources: time. And, as the gavel is used to shape stones, so it is also the symbol for the necessity of all of us to work to perfect ourselves.
One modern definition is: “Freemasonry is an organized society of men, symbolically applying the principle of Operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building.” In other words, Masonry uses ageless methods and lessons to make each of us a better person.
Freemasonry is a multicultural organization. Members of all races and faiths are welcome to join. It requires that its members should believe in a single deity and no man can become a Mason unless he does so. He will be required to take certain obligations with his hand upon his own religion’s sacred book.
Freemasonry offers no pecuniary advantage or reward nor does it require its members to support one another in business or employment. The organization does have charities for those Freemasons and their families who were once self-supporting but through misfortune are now unable to do so. It also has charities which support causes unconnected with Masonry.
No one should join Freemasonry unless he can afford to pay the expenses involved without affecting his ability to support his family. These expenses include the joining fee, the annual dues and a donation to charity measured on what the individual member can afford.

The meeting, which like those of other groups, are open only to members, is normally in two parts.
First, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
• Minutes of the previous meeting
• Proposing and balloting for new members
• Discussing and voting on financial matters
• Masonic news and correspondence
• News about charitable work

Second, there are the ceremonies for:
• Admitting new members
• The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers

New members make solemn promises concerning their behavior both in the Lodge and in society. Members also promise to keep confidential the way they recognize each other when visiting another Lodge. Freemasons also promise to support others in time of need but only so far as it does not conflict with their family and public obligations.

All Freemasons are expected to have a religious belief, but Freemasonry does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion or provide a substitute for it. It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man not in a man’s relationship with his God.

There are elements within churches who misunderstand Freemasonry and its objectives. They confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy. There are many Masons in churches where their leaders have been openly critical of the organisation. Masonry has always actively encouraged its members to be active in their own religion.

Yes. Four Grand Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.

Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.

Yes – Freemasonry is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic position in society.

No! Recognized Lodge Membership in Germany is open only to men.
Women have their own Lodges and Grand Lodges which are not open to men.
The Women's Grand Lodge of Germany (Frauen-Großloge von Deutschland, formerly the Grand Lodge "to Humanity", Großloge „Zur Humanität“) is a German masonic association admitting only women. It has its headquarters in Berlin and comprises 22 feminine Masonic lodges.

No! Recognized Lodge Membership in Germany is open only to men.
Women have their own Lodges and Grand Lodges which are not open to men.
The Women's Grand Lodge of Germany (Frauen-Großloge von Deutschland, formerly the Grand Lodge "to Humanity", Großloge „Zur Humanität“) is a German masonic association admitting only women. It has its headquarters in Berlin and comprises 22 feminine Masonic lodges.

Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organization.