Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Freemasonry is a society of men working together in the interest of serving mankind. It is also the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world.

Literally thousands of books have been published about Freemasonry, but its organization and philosophy are still misunderstood by many. If you care to read any of these books you will find some in most public libraries. You may also check out various ones from the library at our local Masonic Center or Temple.

Freemasonry is charity for all mankind; practice of the Golden Rule; love of country; service to God with reverence; treating the home and family with tenderness and affection; being humble; helping the weak and lowly; adherence to the cardinal virtues; and greeting everyone on the same level of human understanding. These and many other ways constitute Freemasonry as a Way of Life.

Masonic meetings are announced publicly. Masonic buildings are marked clearly and are listed in phone directories, and Masons proudly wear jewelry identifying their membership. Freemasonry inherited a tradition of trade secrets from the cathedral building gilds of medieval Europe and is still a society which has a few secrets, though the society itself is not secret. The “secrets” still belonging to modern Masonry are traditional passwords, signs of recognition, and dramatic presentations of moral lessons (our degrees).

As a fraternal association dedicated to making good men better, Freemasonry respects the religious beliefs of all its members. Freemasonry has no theology and does not teach any method of salvation. In particular it does not claim that good works gain or guarantee salvation. All Masons must profess a belief in one Supreme Being and in life after
death. Masonry encourages each of its members to worship according to his own belief in the church, synagogue, or mosque of his choice. Masonry is not a religion, but all of Masonry and Masons are religious.

Fellowship through bonding with other members and their families is one benefit Masons plan many activities for the entire family. Our families generally share our interests and goals. Masons assist distressed brother Masons and the wives, widows and children of Masons. We consider Brotherly love is both an obligation and a privilege.

All men who are 18 years of age or older, who are of good moral character, meet mental and physical requirements, and who come well recommended, and who believe in a Supreme Being may petition to become a Mason. They must meet certain residential requirements (living in the jurisdictional area of the Lodge to which applying), and be recommended by at
least two Masons, one of whom must be a member of the Lodge to which he is applying, who have known him for at least six months.

Freemasonry admits men only, but many Masonic-related organizations, such as the Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job’s Daughters,
Rainbow for Girls, and DeMolay for Boys, offer ample opportunities for women and youth.

The satisfaction of joining with others to better yourself morally and helping those in need and knowing that future generations may be better off because of your efforts.

Most Masonic Lodges and Masonic affiliated bodies provide funds and services for those in need. Some of these activities include helping children who are crippled or burned, persons with speech or hearing disabilities or visual problems, and in medical research in areas such as cancer, heart disease, etc. In addition to National and Statewide programs, help is extended to solve personal problems, such as paying medical bills, restoring fire or flood damaged homes and assisting those with handicaps. Many of those assisted have no Masonic affiliation. Masons believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. Lodge secretaries can assist in locating help for those needing it.

Masons assist public schools and other public bodies in a variety of ways. Masons and members of Masonic affiliated bodies assist as tutors. Some Lodges and Most Grand Lodges have scholarship programs, student recognition programs and activities recognizing achievements by students and teachers. Masons serve as volunteers for many community projects. The reason you may not have learned about this involvement is that most Masons seek only to provide service not recognition.

Masons are prohibited from making improper solicitations regarding membership. If you were to be asked to join, you might consider it coercion and that would be improper. We want you to first know what we do and how we act and then you make your own decision. We want only those who seek membership because of their favorable impression of us. If you should become a Mason, we want you to be proud of being our Brother and we want you to participate in our work. If, after you have examined us, you have a favorable opinion and would like to share in our work and privileges, ask any Mason for a petition for the Degrees of Masonry.

One of the unquestioned Landmarks of Freemasonry is that a candidate for initiation must be a man. This of course prohibits the initiation of a woman.

Speculative Masonry is but the application of Operative Masonry to moral and intellectual purposes. Thus, since only hale and hearty men were employed in the construction of the ancient edifices of the Craft, so modern Lodges lay down the indispensable requirement that the candidate for Freemasonry must be a man, capable of performing such work as the Master
shall assign him.