Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. 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 neither a forum for, nor a place of , worship. Instead, it is a friend to all religions which are based on the belief in one God.
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Who are Freemasons?

Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons--George Washington, the Marquis de LaFayette, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Paul Revere, John Paul Jones, Rufus King, James Otis, Baron von Steuben, and Joseph Warren--as were 13 signers of the Constitution. Fourteen Presidents, beginning with Washington, and 18 Vice-Presidents were Masons. Five Chief Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court--Oliver Ellsworth, John Marshall, William Howard Taft, Frederick Vinson, and Earl Warren--were Freemasons, and the ranks of Masonry have included a majority of Supreme Court Justices, of Governors of States, of members of the U.S. Senate, and a large percentage of members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Famous Masons include Simon Bolivar, James Boswell, Robert Burns, Edward VII, Giuseppe Garibaldi, George VI, Goethe, Rudyard Kipling, Haydn, Mozart, Will Rogers, Sir Walter Scott, Jean Sibelius, Voltaire, and many others.

Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other “Brother.”
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Where did Freemasonry come from?

Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation about its roots. Over the years, researchers have never been able to conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was born. The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages, but certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and Masonry to the time of ancient Egypt, and some historians say that Masonry has its real roots in antiquity. The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 could mark the beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These “Accepted” Masons eventually adopted more enlightened philosophies, and turned what was a tradesmen’s organization into a fraternity for moral edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and gentlemanly socialization. (Q&A from the www.massfreemasonry.org)
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What do Freemasons believe in?

All Freemasons believe in one God and respect for each other.

What do Freemasons do?

Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as “the world’s greatest philanthropy.”

The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.

What are the qualifications for being a Freemason?

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better.” Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity).
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How does a man become a Freemason?

In most Masonic Jurisdictions, an individual must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him for membership. He must sign a petition, stating his age, occupation, and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot which, in most Jurisdictions, must be unanimous.
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What is a Masonic Lodge?

Most Masonic Lodges meet at least one evening a month to conduct their regular business and vote on petitions for membership. It is here that the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.
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What are the Masonic Degrees?

A Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason’s) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his livelihood are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.
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What Freemasonry is not. . .

It is often necessary to point out some things that Freemasonry is not and has never claimed to be:

Freemasonry is not a religion. It has a philosophy of its own that is in harmony with churches, schools, and all other worthy institutions. The teachings of the Fraternity transcend all denominational and sectional divisions. Its sympathies are as broad as humanity.

Freemasonry is not, itself, a charitable institution. One of the fundamental principles of Freemasonry is the practice of charity and a Mason necessarily contributes to the relief of the afflicted according to his ability, but this and similar modes of conduct must proceed from a purity of life and conduct that is one of the great objectives of all Masonic teachings.

Freemasonry does not insure its members against the detrimental effects of old age, provides no sick benefits, issues no policies on the lives of its members, and pays no death benefits of any kind. The matter of individual relief is confined to those cases where it is necessary, in spite of all the efforts of a brother or of his family to maintain economic independence. A member’s part in this procedure is far more likely to be that of a contributor rather than a beneficiary.

Freemasonry does not lend itself as a means of promoting selfish interests. Any underlying purpose of such a nature will eventually become apparent to other members and one will eventually suffer the loss of their respect as a result.

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DISCLAIMER: This page in no way constitutes an official statement of any Masonic body. The opinions expressed herein are the author's own, and are not to be considered as representative of Freemasonry in whole or in part.