Masonry, also referred to as 'Freemasonry', is often described as a philosophy of life and a system of morality supporting brotherly love and a belief in God and eternal life; as well as teaching certain fundamental truths, the practice of basic virtues, and lifelong learning through active inquiry and investigation.
Freemasonry is kindness, strength and support for loved ones, tolerance of differing viewpoints, honesty and integrity in relationships and business, learning moderation of our desires and passions, helping those in need, preservation of historic truths, and responsibility for the betterment of self and community.
Freemasonry is not a religion nor does it endorse any particular theology, doctrine, or creed. It is not a substitute or rival of any religion or doctrine. We welcome and respect members from all religions and walks of life--with the only requirements being an upright and moral character and a belief in God, eternal Architect of the universe. No atheist can be a Mason.
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Freemasonry has a long and fascinating history and is the oldest fraternity in the world. No one knows just how old Masonry is because its actual origins have been lost in time. Viewed as a philosophy, it dates back to the dawn of recorded history. The beginnings of Masonry can be traced to the building of the ancient structures and monuments of Europe, Egypt, and the Middle East built hundreds, and perhaps even thousands of years ago. Modern Freemasonry is traced back to the 10th century when the stonemasons that designed and created the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals, temples, and monuments of that era formed craft guilds to protect the secrets of their building trade and to pass on their knowledge of geometry and architecture to apprentices and craftsmen found to be worthy of instruction.
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| Is Masonry a Secret Society? |
It really isn't 'secretive', although it sometimes has that reputation. Masons certainly don't make a secret of the fact that they are members of the fraternity. We wear rings and other Masonic emblems like the Square and Compasses--the best known of Masonic signs which, logically, recall the fraternity's early symbolic roots in stone masonry. Our Lodge buildings are clearly marked and many of our events, such as cornerstone layings, funeral ceremonies, picnics, dances, and installations are often open to our families and the public.
But there are some Masonic secrets, and they fall into two categories.
The first are the ways in which a man can identify himself as a Mason--grips and passwords. We keep those private. The second are harder to describe, but they are those Masons usually mean if we talk about 'Masonic secrets'. They are secrets because than literally can't be put into words. Try telling someone exactly what you feel when you help a sick or needy child, or when you hear music that stirs old memories, and you'll understand what we mean. They are the changes that happen to a man when he truly accepts responsibility for his own life and, at the same time, truly decides that his real happiness is in helping others without personal recognition.
If Masonry is a secret society, it's the worst-kept secret in the world.
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No one knows with certainty how or when the Masonic Fraternity was formed. A widely accepted theory among Masonic scholars is that it arose from the stonemasons' guilds during the Middle Ages. The language and symbols used in the fraternity's rituals come from this era. The oldest document that makes reference to Masons is the Regius Poem, printed about 1390, which was a copy of an earlier work. In 1717, four lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge of England, and records from that point on are more complete.
Within thirty years, the fraternity had spread throughout Europe and the American Colonies. Freemasonry became very popular in colonial America. George Washington was a Mason, Benjamin Franklin served as the head of the fraternity in Pennsylvania, as did Paul Revere and Joseph Warren in Massachusetts. Other well-known Masons involved with the founding of America included John Hancock, John Sullivan, Lafayette, Baron Fredrick von Stuben, Nathanael Greene, and John Paul Jones. Another Mason, Chief Justice John Marshall, shaped the Supreme Court into its present form.
Over the centuries, Freemasonry has developed into a worldwide fraternity emphasizing personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment via individual involvement and philanthropy. During the late 1700s it was one of the organizations most responsible for spreading the ideals of the Enlightenment: the dignity of man and the liberty of the individual, the right of all persons to worship as they choose, the formation of democratic governments, and the importance of public education. Masons supported the first public schools in both Europe and America.
During the 1800s and early 1900s, Freemasonry grew dramatically. At that time, the government had provided no social "safety net". The Masonic tradition of founding orphanages, homes for widows, and homes for the aged provided the only security many people knew.
Today in North America, the Masonic Fraternity continues this tradition by giving almost $1.5 million each day to causes that range from operating children's hospitals, providing treatment for childhood language disorders, treating eye diseases, funding medical research, contributing to local community service, and providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes.
The four million Masons worldwide continue to help men and women face the problems of the 21st century by building bridges of brotherhood and instilling in the hearts of men ideals for a better tomorrow.
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