What is Freemasonry?

No one  man, Lodge, or Grand Lodge can define Freemasonry.  Each man derives what he can from the Order and its teachings.  However, there are some basic facts with which to start a discussion on the subject.

Many people think that Freemasonry is a "secret society" with mystical rites and hidden agendas.  While some parts of the initiation process are considered "secret", they pertain mainly to the traditions of the Order and to means of recognition among its members.  A "secret society" would not post its emblems on buildings or advertise its meetings in the newspaper; nor would its members proudly wear emblematic jewelry and display Masonic license plates.

Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity of men who, as primary principles, have a firm faith in a Supreme Being (God), the brotherhood of men under the Fatherhood of God, patriotism, and, especially, charity.

Masons, through their various organizations, contribute about $750 million each year to charitable causes.  Perhaps the most famous are the Shrine Children's Hospitals and Burn Centers.  Among others are the Scottish Rite's children's shoe programs and speech and hearing therapy centers and the York Rite's eye foundation.  Local Lodges, commonly called "Blue Lodges", concentrate their efforts on needs in their individual communities.

Most people do not realize that our system of government - as well as those of other democratic societies around the world - owes a great deal of its organization and ideals to the Masonic Order.  Indeed, many of our Founding Fathers and other eminent personalities in our history were Masons.  During the nearly 300 years of the documented history of the fraternity, Masons have been instrumental in the development of our culture.

Masons can become members of other Masonic organizations (Appendant Bodies), such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Shrine, among many others.  Women and girls can join Rainbow Girls, Order of the Eastern Star, and others.  for young men, there is the Order of DeMolay.

Masons cannot solicit members; this mystifies those who, in the past, have been interested in the fraternity but were frustrated because no one asked them to join.  Those interested in becoming a member of the oldest and largest fraternity in the world must approach a current member and ask for a petition.