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.
As a fraternal association dedicated to making good men better, Freemasonry respects the religious beliefs of all its members. Freemasonry has no theology and does not teach any method of salvation. In particular it does not claim that good works guarantee salvation
While Freemasonry supports homes for members and their spouses, most Masonic services, including Shrine medical and burn centers, are available to all citizens. In 1990, American Masonic philanthropy totaled more than $525 million, of which 58% went to the general public.
Freemasonry is open to all men of good character who believe in God.
Freemasonry does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or social class.
Freemasonry admits only men, but many Masonic related organizations, such as the Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job’s Daughters, Rainbow for Girls and DeMolay for Boys, offer ample opportunities for women and youth.
The solemn promises taken in Freemasonry are no different than the oaths taken in court or on entering the armed services. The much discussed “penalties,” judicial remnants from an earlier age, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word.
Freemasonry encourages study, including literature by the great writers of ancient times. Freemasonry does not sanction the views of these authors but offers them for each individual’s reflection and evaluation.
Masons learn through a series of lessons. These “degrees” of insight move from basic to more complex concepts. This no more hides the nature of Freemasonry from novice members than does having student understand fractions before calculus.
There are approximately 2.5 million Masons in the United States and nearly 6 million throughout the world.
Freemasonry is made up of many individuals in numerous organizations, all subordinate to the Grand Lodge within their jurisdiction (i.e. state). None of these members organizations can speak for Freemasonry; that is the responsibility of each Grand Lodge within its jurisdiction. No Masonic body nor author, however respected, can usurp the authority of a Grand Lodge.
Masonry has many groups, each with a special social, educational, or philanthropic focus. A man becomes a Mason in his local Lodge. Then he joins any of the following “Appendant Bodies”: the Scottish Rite, York Rite (which includes the Royal Arch and Knights Templar), Shriners, Grottoes, Tall Cedars, etc.
How a man chooses to practice his personal religious beliefs is left entirely up to him, but Freemasonry recognizes the strong bond which unites all people under One Creator. Our members include men from a wide range of religious backgrounds, but each of them shares a commitment to this important principle.
Because of our strong bond of Brotherly Love, Masons provide Relief to help those who are in need. This includes the notion of charity, and Masons provide much assistance to worthy charities, but it also means offering a helping hand, in other ways, to people that need assistance.
Because of our strong bond of Brotherly Love, Masons provide Relief to help those who are in need. This includes the notion of charity, and Masons provide much assistance to worthy charities, but it also means offering a helping hand, in other ways, to people that need assistance.