FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Freemasonry,  sometimes just called Masonry, is the word's oldest and largest  Fraternity. It aims to promote Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love  among its members -- men from every race, religion, opinion, and  background -- who are brought together as Brothers to develop and  strengthen the bonds of friendship. There are more than 3 million  members meeting in nearly every free country in the world. Freemasonry  proposes to "make good men better" by teaching -- with metaphors taken  from geometry and architecture -- about building values based on great  universal truths. And of course, charity and community service is  fundamental to Freemasonry and something we actively take part in.

 Although  exact membership requirements may vary slightly from country to country  and state to state, generally anyone meeting the following primary  requirements may petition a Lodge (also called a “Blue Lodge”) for  membership:

1) You are an adult male, at least 18 years of age, of good character and recommended by a Mason.

2) You  believe in a Supreme Being -- no atheist can become a Mason -- but we  are not concerned with theological distinctions or your particular  religious beliefs.

3) You are  interested in becoming a Mason because you hold a favorable opinion of  our institution; and, your decision to apply is based on your own "free  will and accord." No one will compel you to join.

 It is quite possible you know a Mason but you just don't realize it. If  your father, uncles, or grandfathers aren't Masons, they probably know  someone who is. You might also want to ask around your workplace or  school, church, or gym -- anywhere that you find a group of men, you  might find a Mason. Masons tend to be very proud of their association  with the Fraternity. If an individual is unable to find a mason to  provide a recommendation, contact your local Lodge for further guidance. 

  Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation  about its roots. Over the years, historians have never been able to  conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was  formed. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and  Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the  Middle Ages. Certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of  geometry and masonry to the time of ancient Egypt, and some historians  say that Masonry has its real roots in antiquity. The formation of the  first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marks the beginning of the Modern  (or "Speculative") era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer  limited to actual working stonemasons. These "Accepted" Masons adopted  more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesman's  organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual  recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization. 

 There are numerous benefits to being a Mason, but they tend to be  personal, and quite varied. The benefits can only be truly discovered by  becoming a member. But we can try and give you an idea. Without  question you will have the opportunity to experience camaraderie and  fellowship with a group of men across the boundaries of age, race,  religion, culture, location, and opinion. This is a fundamental concept  to the Fraternity. Many find great value and knowledge in our ritual  ceremony -- it uses symbolism and metaphors to encourage and remind us  to appreciate principles, ethics, and morality, and to live our lives  accordingly. Others find great satisfaction in our charitable efforts,  community service, and the support we provide our members and their  families. Finally, for those who take on leadership positions within  their lodge, they have the chance to develop or further very practical  management skills. 

 Masonry is not a religion. But because it is open to all men who believe  in a Supreme Being, it is one of the few platforms where men of all  faiths -- Christians (including Catholics), Jews, Muslims, Buddhists,  Taoists, and men of every other faith, can come together. Religion,  though, is not discussed at Masonic meetings. Although Lodges open and  close with a prayer and Masonry teaches morality, it is not a church or a  religion. Masonry does not have a theology or a dogma, it does not  offer sacraments, and it does not offer the promise of salvation. 

 No. It is sometimes said that Freemasonry is a "Society with secrets,  not a secret society." In point of fact, however, any purported Masonic  "secrets" were made public several centuries ago in London newspapers,  and today can be found in the Library of Congress, on the Internet, and  in many books on the subject. Benjamin Franklin once said, "The great  secret of Freemasonry is that there is no secret at all." But some say  the one great secret of Freemasonry... is finding out who YOU really  are. 

 Symbols allow people to communicate quickly. When you see a red light,  you know what it means. When you see a circle with a line through it,  you know it means "no." In fact, using symbols is probably the oldest  method of communication and teaching. Masons use symbols for the same  reasons. Certain symbols, mostly selected from the art of architecture,  stand for certain ethics and principles of the organization. The "Square  and Compass" is the most widely known symbol of Masonry. In one way,  this symbol is the trademark for the fraternity. When you see it on a  building, you know that Masons meet there. 

 No one. Each Grand Lodge has its own jurisdiction and is the supreme  authority within that jurisdiction. Obviously, many Grand Lodges have  regular communication with each other, but official policy in one has no  effect in another. 

 The  two cardinal rules not to talk about in lodge are religion and  politics, as Freemasonry is concerned specifically with neither. This is  an odd paradox in that fundamentally it promotes the individual  connection to the divine, but it admonishes us to not promote one belief  system over another. Other topics such as work, family, business or  other interests are openly talked about and should be amongst brothers  as it builds our fraternal bonds. There “should be” no safer place to  discuss these things, our triumphs and the tragedy as it is always  amongst brothers with whom you build these bonds. You can, if you have  specific leanings, find others of a like mind and engage in interesting  discussions building friendships that will last lifetimes. Like any  organization of people, you will find a wide variety of interests and  ideas all within one lodge. It does seem like there is a paradox there,  but in reality, that is the harmonious balance. The reason for not  allowing politics or religion to be discussed is the ideal, does it  happen? Absolutely. Should it? No. The practice of Freemasonry does  promote and teach a sort of ecumenical philosophy of tolerance, which is  the over arching idea. It does not imply one system of politics or  religion is right or wrong.