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| Freemasonry: A Way of Life |
| The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. Volumes have been written about it. Yet, to many, Freemasonry remains a mystery. These words, excerpted from a pamphlet published by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, may perhaps help to increase understanding. |
| Some historians trace Freemasonry to the tenth century, B.C., during the building of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Records reveal that Freemasonry was introduced into England in 926 A.D. Freemasonry is directly descended from associations of operative masons, the cathedral builders of the middle ages, who traveled through Europe employing the secrets and skills of their crafts. In the 17th century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds of stone-masons, known as "Operative Masons" or Free Masons," started to accept as members those who were not members of the mason's craft, calling them "Speculative Masons" or "Accepted Masons." It was from these groups, comprised of "Adopted or Accepted Masons," that Symbolic Masonry or Freemasonry, as we know it today, had its beginning. |
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| The first Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1717 when four lodges of Freemasons joined together. This first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including the United States. Today there are more than 150 Grand Lodges throughout the free world, with a membership of more than 6,000,000. Nearly two-thirds of that membership is in the United States, with each state coming under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge. The Blue Lodge, or Symbolic Lodge, is the basic unit of the Grand Lodge. In each community it is the Blue Lodge that confers Masonic Degrees. |
| Membership is comprised of adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation. A man becomes a Freemason through his own volition. No one is asked to join its ranks. When a man seeks admission to a Symbolic Lodge, it is of his own free will and accord. The choice is his. The petitioner must be recommended by two members of a Masonic Lodge and pass a unanimous ballot. The petitioner must be 21 years of age, mentally and physically competent, of good moral character, and believe in the existence of a Supreme Being. |
| Freemasonry is not a secret society, contrary to what many believe. It does not hide its existence or its membership. (You are reading all about us right now!) There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonry. It is an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Its constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations are open for inspection. It is true that we have modes of recognition, rites and ceremonies with which the world is not acquainted. In this regard, all human groups and institutions have private affairs. For instance, families have discussions on subjects which do not, and should not, concern their neighbors. Freemasonry is not a religion, even though it is religious in character. It does not pretend to take the place of religion, nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions. The one essential is belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. |
| Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society. It is not organized for profit. However, the charity and services it renders are beyond measure. Freemasonry teaches the existence of a Supreme Being, and the importance of the Golden Rule. It seeks to make good men better through a firm Faith, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul. The tenets of Freemasonry are ethical principles that are acceptable to all good men. It teaches tolerance toward all humankind. Freemasonry proudly proclaims that it consists of men bound together by bonds of Brotherly Love and Affection. It dictates to no man his beliefs, either religious or secular. It seeks no advantage for its members through business or politics. Freemasonry is not a forum for discussions on partisan affairs. Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society, fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward evil, help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, love for one another, and, above all, reverence and love for God as one understands God to be. Freemasonry is many things, but, most of all: |
| What Is Freemasonry? |
| Freemasonry Is A Way Of Life! |
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