Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Who are the Masons?
Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest
and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are more than two
million Freemasons in North America. Masons represent virtually every occupation
and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. Masons come from
diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied
religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in one God.
Many of North America's early patriots were Freemasons.
Thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United
States, including George Washington, were Masons. In Canada, the Father of the
Confederation, Sir John A. MacDonald, was a Mason, as were other early Canadian
and American leaders.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how
so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace,
always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each
other "Brother."
What
Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry (or Masonry) is dedicated to
the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It
uses the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in
a system of instruction designed to build character and moral values in its
members. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of
friendship, compassion, and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive
political, military, and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry
is a fraternity that encourages its members to practice the faith of their
personal acceptance. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement
and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the
world.
Where did Freemasonry begin?
No one knows just how old Freemasonry is because the actual origins have been lost in time. Most scholars believe Masonry arose from the guilds of stonemasons who built the majestic castles and cathedrals of the middle ages. In 1717, Masonry created a formal organization when four Lodges in London joined in forming England's first Grand Lodge. By 1731, when Benjamin Franklin joined the Fraternity, there were already several Lodges in the Colonies.
Today, Masonic Lodges are found in almost every community
throughout North America, and in large cities there are usually several Lodges.
A Mason can travel to almost any country in the world and
find a Masonic Lodge where he will be welcomed as a "Brother."
What do Freemasons do?
The Masonic experience encourages members
to become better men, better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The
fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge help build lifelong friendships among men
with similar goals and values.
Beyond its focus on individual development and growth,
Masonry is deeply involved in helping people. The Freemasons of North America
contribute over two million dollars a day to charitable causes. This
philanthropy represents an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment
of this great and honorable Fraternity. Much of that assistance goes to people
who are not Masons. Some of these charities are vast projects. The Shrine
Masons (Shriners) operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and
orthopedically impaired children in the country, and there is never a fee for
treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150
Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs.
Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of
philanthropies, including scholarship programs for children, and perform public
service activities in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each
other and their families in social and recreational activities.
What is the Masonic Lodge?
The word "Lodge" means both a
group of Masons meeting together as well as the room or building in which they
meet. Masonic buildings are sometimes called "temples" because the
original meaning of the term was a "place of knowledge" and Masonry
encourages the advancement of knowledge.
Masonic Lodges usually meet once or twice a month to
conduct regular business, vote upon petitions for membership, and bring new
Masons into the Fraternity through three ceremonies called degrees. In the
Lodge room Masons share in a variety of programs. Here the bonds of friendship
and fellowship are formed and strengthened.
How may I join?
Applicants must be men of good character who believe in a Supreme Being. To become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.
Famous Masons
Eddy Arnold
|
Benjamin
Franklin
|
William
McKinley
|
Last revised: January 20, 2007