Frequently Asked Questions about Masonry
A Brief Explanation of Freemasonry in question form. "Masonry" or "Freemasonry" is called the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It started in the medieval trade guilds of stonemasons. Masonic groups are called lodges
What is the mission of Masonry? Freemasonry's singular purpose is to make good men better. For nearly three hundred years it has attrac
ted men of high moral character who support the tenets of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice. The most widely used symbols of Freemasonry are the tools of the stonemason -- a square and compass. When and where was Masonry first recorded? The organization was formally created in London in 1717, and quickly spread to the American colonies and across Europe. Is Masonry a religon? Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place of worship. It is not a religion nor does it teach a religious philosophy. Freemasonry is not affiliated with any religious group, but members are required to profess belief in a supreme being. Is Masonry a Secret Society? Freemasonry has been called a secret society and even a political conspiracy or religious cult. But Masons believe that what little secrecy they have is simply so members of the fraternity can identify each other by things like handshakes and passwords. The rituals of Masonic Lodge meetings are used to reinforce the central values of the organization, such as morality and belief in a Supreme Being. Many Masonic activities (especially charitable works) are open to the general public. How about Masonic Lodges and Politics? Masonic lodges do not support political campaigns, and they discourage political discussion inside the lodge. Who can become Masons? Men who are Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Parsees have become Freemasons. Masonic ritual refers to the supreme being as the "Great Architect of the Universe", to avoid disharmony between different religions. Have there been some famous Masons? There are many notable Freemasons. Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, astronaut Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, writer Leo Tolstoy, comedian Richard Pryor, and at least 14 U.S. presidents, including George Washington.
