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 favourable 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.
Scottish Freemasonry
The following excerpt is taken from The Grand Lodge of Scotland, highlighting our adherence to the constitution and the bylaws of Scottish Freemasonry.
Brief History
It is not clear exactly when Freemasonry began but it is widely accepted to have originated from the stonemason trade guilds of the Middle Ages, referred to as Incorporated Trades or Crafts.
The term “incorporated” comes from the fact that these various craft organizations held Royal charters, or ‘Seals of Cause’ which allowed them to work exclusively within the Royal Burghs in the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in Freemasonic rituals today come from these older craft bodies.
The earliest use of the term Freemason dates from around 1390 but referred purely to operative members. Prior to the formalization of Freemasonry as we know it however, Scotland was already beginning to see a shift during the 17th century where more and more nonoperative members were joining the old trade institutions. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries in particular, the fraternity expanded across Europe and the Americas leading to the position today where you will find lodges globally.
Scotland
Scottish Freemasonry continues to perpetuate the world’s oldest masonic heritage both at home, through its provinces, and overseas, through its districts. By the late 1500s, there were at least 13 established lodges across Scotland, from Edinburgh to Perth. On August 5th, 1747, the first Charter to an overseas Lodge was issued to “Union Lodge from Drummond Kilwinning from Greenock”, No. 59, situated at Aleppo, Syria.
Today, Scottish Freemasonry is spread across the world promoting a unique masonic journey uniting men from across various cultures and national divides, under its banner. The Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of Scotland continues to promote ‘Freemasonry in the 21st century’ with its 2030-vision, adopting an effective approach to modernisation whilst maintaining its historic traditions and culture.
More about Scottish Freemasonry can be found on their website.
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.
Click here to visit Grand Lodge of Scotland.
