Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. It is dedicated to promoting improvement in the character of its members. A Mason is taught to be a good citizen. To be of good character. To care for those less fortunate, and to give back to his community. The Masonic fraternity contributes over $1 Billion each year to its philanthropic pursuits. Over $750 Million of that in the United States alone. The Crippled Children's and Burns Hospitals sponsored by Shrine Masons are world famous for their ability to help those most in need.

Founding of Masonry

Freemasonry traces its roots to the Middle Ages. It is from associations of stone masons, who built the magnificent cathedrals, castles, and monasteries of Europe that the fraternity started. These groups, eventually, began to accept members who were not actual working masons. At that time they adopted the term "Accepted" Masons, and Freemasonry was born - an ethical and moral society that taught the 18th century ideals of equality and importance of education in freeing mankind from prejudice, superstition and social injustice. 

Is Masonry A Religion?

No, it is not a religion. This is not to say that masons do not have religious beliefs. One of the tenets of the Masonic Fraternity is that its members are free to express their beliefs in the religion of their choice. However, it is also a condition of membership that each recognize that the wonders of the universe are not here as a result of our doing. But rather as a result of a Supreme Being, who brings order and purpose to our existence.

Is Masonry A Secret Society?

This is a widespread misconception, and is completely untrue. The so-called secrets of Freemasonry have actually been in print for well over a century. The fraternity does nothing to hide its existence, its purpose or its membership. The lessons taught in our meetings are meant for the improvement and education of our members. As such, there are portions of these lessons that are not discussed with those outside of the fraternity.

What are the Secrets of Freemasonry?

The secrets of Freemasonry are the traditional modes of recognition which are not used indiscriminately, but solely as a test of membership, e.g., when visiting a Lodge where you are not known.

What Happens at a Lodge Meeting?

The meeting is in two parts. As in any association there is a certain amount of administrative procedure - minutes of the last meeting, proposing and balloting for new members, discussing and voting for financial matters - election of officers, news and correspondence. Then there are ceremonies for admitting new Masons and the annual Installation of the Master and appointment of Officers. The three ceremonies for admitting new Masons are in two parts - a slight dramatic instruction in the principles and lessons taught in the Craft followed by a lecture in which the candidates various duties are spelled out.

Isn't Ritual Out of Place in Modern Society?

No, the ritual is a shared experience which bonds the members together. Its use of drama, allegory and symbolism impresses the principles and teaching more firmly in the mind of each candidate than if they were simply passed on to him in matter-of-fact modern language.

Masonic Oaths

New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in Lodge and in society. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving he is a Freemason. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each other or to Freemasonry. Freemasons promise to support each other in times of need, but only if that support does not conflict with their duties to God, the law, their family or with their responsibilities as a citizen.

Grand Lodge - Local Lodges

A Grand Lodge is the governing body for a series of Local Lodges. The Local Lodge is where individual members belong. It is also where instruction is given and the actual work of the Fraternity is conducted. The first Grand Lodge was founded in London, England in 1717. It is from them that other countries petitioned for their own charters. They formed in groups, establishing their own Grand Lodges, which in turn gave charters to Local Lodges. Today, there are more than 150 Grand Lodges worldwide with a collective membership of more than 6,000,000.

What Are The Requirements For Membership?

Membership in the Masonic Fraternity is an act of free will. A man must ask for the opportunity. The potential member must be at least eighteen years of age, of sound moral character, and able to express his belief in a Supreme Being. One member of the Lodge being petitioned must be willing to sign his petition as Recommender, and one other Mason of any Lodge must sign as Avoucher. His election is by unanimous consent.

Masonic Charity

The Masonic Fraternity believes that its members have an obligation to give back to their communities, and to benefit others - both Masons and non-Masons. It is an important point to emphasize that Masons are taught to go about these tasks in a quiet, unassuming fashion. This is meant to impress upon our members that it is the work, and not the individual, that is of importance. It is also to preserve the dignity of those for whom the work is performed. The philanthropic work of our Grand Lodge jurisdiction and its appendant bodies are as follows:

Connecticut Grand Lodge:

• Masonicare

Scottish Rite:

• Schizophrenia Research
• Masonic Museum and Library
• Children's Learning Centers and Scholarships

Knights Templar:

• Eye Foundation and Research

Tall Cedars of Lebanon:

• Muscular Dystrophy

Shrines of North America:

• Crippled and Burned Children's Hospitals

Grotto:

• Dental Care for the Mentally Challenged

Eastern Star:

• Cancer Research and Religious Scholarships

Amaranth:

• Diabetes Research

Chapter, RAM:

• RICRA

Council, Royal and Select Masters:

• Arterial Sclerosis

Our lodge also sponsors different charities for the local good.

The Improvement of Life

Yes, Masons are members of a fraternity that has its secrets, but the many charitable and character-building activities of Freemasonry indicate that it is far from a secret organization. Masons are active in their dedication to improve life. Always ready to undertake a difficult task in a quiet, dignified way, today's Masons go about the job of extending the hand of brotherhood.

It should not be surprising that so many famous men have been proud to be called Masons. George Washington and thirteen other Presidents, as well as eighteen Vice Presidents and five Chief Justices of the United States Supreme Court have been Masons. Will Rogers, Simon Bolivar, Robert Burns, several Kings of England, Rudyard Kipling, Voltaire and nine astronauts are a few of the well-known men with a common bond to Freemasonry.

Masonry Today  

Masons today continue to use the simple tools of ancient stone masons - the Square and the Compass, the Trowel, the Plumb and Level - as symbols to teach their ideals. A Mason is oath-bound to build his life and character with the same care and precision that stonemasons used to constructs the cathedrals and temples centuries ago.

Freemasonry - A Way of Life 

Today, there are almost five million masons in the world, with the United States claiming three and one half million of total membership. As the oldest, largest, and best known fraternal organization in the world, Freemasonry opens its doors to all who endorse its teachings. A strong belief in family, community, pride in our country, and sound ethical and moral values are what distinguish the Masonic fraternity. Our strength lies in the unity of our conviction to these ideals.

The First Step

For the man who is looking for deeper meaning in life and who wants to be a part of a fraternity committed to his growth and improvement, Masonry is filled with marvelous opportunities and limitless possibilities.

The first step in Masonry is one a man must take himself. He must say, "I want to become a Mason." What follows will be thrilling, exciting and extremely worthwhile.