So what is this "Freemasonry" all about, anyway?
The old, traditional definition is "a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols." Doesn't tell you much, does it?
Freemasonry is multi-faceted and complex, and thus doesn't lend itself to a simple definition. It is, first and foremost, a fraternity. It's a group of men who embrace its traditions steeped in antiquity, as well as its tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth which are just as relevant and compelling here in the 21st Century.
Our symbols are part of the foundation of Masonry and are much-loved by Masons. The allegories in Masonic ritual are meaningful and moving echoes of lessons passed down through the centuries.
Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity, with over one million members in the United States alone.
By the way, the words "Freemason" and "Mason" are used interchangeably. Both refer to a Brother of our Craft.
Freemasonry is multi-faceted and complex, and thus doesn't lend itself to a simple definition. It is, first and foremost, a fraternity. It's a group of men who embrace its traditions steeped in antiquity, as well as its tenets of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth which are just as relevant and compelling here in the 21st Century.
Our symbols are part of the foundation of Masonry and are much-loved by Masons. The allegories in Masonic ritual are meaningful and moving echoes of lessons passed down through the centuries.
Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity, with over one million members in the United States alone.
By the way, the words "Freemason" and "Mason" are used interchangeably. Both refer to a Brother of our Craft.
I've heard that Masons are a secret society.
Many Masons proudly proclaim their affiliation! We wear golf shirts, rings, baseball caps...you name it, emblazoned with Masonic emblems. They appear on our cars and trucks. Lodge 693 meets in a clearly marked building just outside of downtown Palm Springs. Heck, now we even have a website! Hardly a secret society.
We are, rather, a "society with secrets." The secrets are in our modes of recognition, our rituals, and the knowledge we acquire through Masonic practice.
We are, rather, a "society with secrets." The secrets are in our modes of recognition, our rituals, and the knowledge we acquire through Masonic practice.
What are the requirements to become a Mason?
One must be a man of good character and believe in a Supreme Being. Age and residency requirements vary from state to state. Here in California, one must be at least 18 years of age and have lived in California for 12 months.
So, Freemasonry is a religion then?
No. Freemasonry is most definitely not a religion, but rather encourages men to follow their own faith. We welcome men of all faiths: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism...even one's own unnamed, undefined spirituality. It's open to men who believe in a Supreme Being because spirituality is central to the Masonic experience. We do open and close Lodge meetings with a prayer, but religion is not discussed in Lodge. There are no Masonic sacraments and Masonry does not claim to offer a path to salvation.
How did Freemasonry begin?
It is widely maintained that Freemasonry originated in the craft guilds of the stonemasons who built the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe and Great Britain. The brotherhood, the guidelines of honorable conduct, and the ideals attracted even non-stonemasons to these "lodges." The images, rituals, and modes of recognition they employed have evolved into the landmarks of today's Masonry.
The first organized affiliation of Lodges - and the foundation of today's Masonry - occurred in London in 1717, when 4 independent Lodges got together and declared themselves the "United Grand Lodge of England."
There is evidence, however, that Masonry of some form existed well before then. There are documents called the "Old Charges" dating back to the 14th Century indicating a structure for Masonic institutions. Some Masonic scholars contend that the roots of Freemasonry go back as far as the era of the Old Testament and even Ancient Egypt.
So, the specific origins of Masonry are hidden in the mists of time. They continue to be the subject of ongoing discussions and speculation by researchers and enthusiasts of Masonic history.
The first organized affiliation of Lodges - and the foundation of today's Masonry - occurred in London in 1717, when 4 independent Lodges got together and declared themselves the "United Grand Lodge of England."
There is evidence, however, that Masonry of some form existed well before then. There are documents called the "Old Charges" dating back to the 14th Century indicating a structure for Masonic institutions. Some Masonic scholars contend that the roots of Freemasonry go back as far as the era of the Old Testament and even Ancient Egypt.
So, the specific origins of Masonry are hidden in the mists of time. They continue to be the subject of ongoing discussions and speculation by researchers and enthusiasts of Masonic history.
Why do men still choose to become Masons in 2012?
Men are drawn to Masonry for a variety of reasons. The ideal of "making good men better" attracts many. For some, it's the desire to be part of a centuries-old tradition embracing brotherly love for all mankind, regardless of faith, race, heritage, or social rank. Other men find satisfaction in participating in the charitable work supported by Masonic bodies.
Many Masons, once initiated into our Craft, are fascinated by its history, secrets, rituals, symbols, and certainly, its mystique. Perhaps they've read the novel The Lost Symbol or seen the movie National Treasure and have been intrigued by the Masonic elements in these stories. You can see movies or explore websites, but the lessons, nuances and gifts of Freemasonry are unquestionably best experienced from within.
Finally, many men are drawn to Masonry simply because of good old fellowship! The brotherhood of Masonry engenders meaningful friendships that can last a lifetime. Being a Brother of a Masonic Lodge is just plain fun!
Incidentally, many men taking their first steps into Freemasonry have neither a clear idea of what the Craft is about nor a clear reason why they're becoming a Brother. So, if that's the case with you, please know that your uncertainty has been shared by millions!
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