What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is not a religion, a political organization, or a social club. It interfaces with none of these, but has for its foundation the basic principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man. It believes in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul. It is a fraternity of brotherhood pledged to the building of character – thoughts, words, motives and deeds being the materials used. Freemasonry strives to teach man the duty he owes to God, his country, his neighbor and himself. It inculcates the practice of virtue and morality in daily conduct, and conveys its teachings through rites and symbols. The Masonic fraternity is in no sense an insurance society; neither does it pay benefits in case of sickness or death. In a correct or broad sense, it is both educational and charitable. It extends such assistance only as it is willing and able to grant. It knowingly admits none to membership except those who are able to provide for themselves and those dependent upon them. Freemasonry teaches and gives opportunity to its members to inculcate morality, honesty and integrity in all walks of life, and to worthy members to obey the moral law and to practice charity towards all mankind.
It believes its members should have a strong desire to aid their fellow creatures. It has its own laws, rules and regulations, and requires a strict obedience thereto. Freemasonry is not entered into through mere curiosity, ambition for honors, or in hope of personal gain for advancement. Admission must not be sought for mercenary or other unworthy motives. The aim of the true Freemason is to cultivate a brotherly feeling among men, and to help aid and assist whomever he can. The right to petition for the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry are rarely denied any man, but this right goes no further than granting the privilege of petitioning, and all who petition are not admitted. The Masonic fraternity wants and welcomes only men of high character and integrity, who should seek admission of their own free will and accord. Should a petitioner be accepted, he gets no more out of Masonry that he puts into it, and for every benefit received a member is expected to render some equivalent.
At one time or another almost everyone has heard of Freemasonry, by and far the oldest, the largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. But for many the Masonic Fraternity still remains a mystery, despite the fact that hundreds of books have been published on the subject, and any good library is bound to have the totally erroneous impression that Freemasonry is a ‘secret’ society. It is not. Naturally there are some matters that are truly private (or secret if you prefer) to Freemasonry, just as there are in any organization or family. These involve only portions of our ceremonies. Other Lodge business matters obviously are private, but certainly not secret. Very often friends or close associates of Masons may fell slighted because their Mason friends never extended an invitation to them to become Freemasons. We hope this will explain why: one of Masonry’s oldest traditions regarded as unwritten law is that no Mason may solicit members, even among close friends and family. Those who seek admission must do so of their own volition, based on a favorable impression of the fraternity, unbiased or uninfluenced, as we say, ”by improper solicitation.” This information is not intended, nor should be regarded, as an invitation to become a member of the Masonic Order. Its sole purpose is to provide some basic information about Freemasonry, dispel some misconceptions, and briefly illustrate its significant and worthwhile aims.
The purpose of Freemasonry
The purpose of Freemasonry is to promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a world-wide brotherhood that transcends all social, cultural, ethnic, educational and religious differences by teaching the universal principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and by the outward expression of these, through fellowship, compassion and concern. What a Mason gets out of Freemasonry is as much as he puts in, through the allegorical teachings of morality and through the works of divine providence.
Considering Joining?
Freemasonry is open to all men who are of 21 years of age. Having the belief in a supreme being, a high standard of morality and an eagerness to engage with and learn the craft. Asking a fellow Mason, or contacting us by email stating your desire to join our Lodge, is the first step in becoming a member of the most ancient and largest fraternal organisation in the world.
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