Become a Mason

Become a Mason

What is a Mason?

A Mason is a man who professes a faith in God. As a man of faith, he uses the tools of moral and ethical truths to serve mankind. A Mason binds himself to like-minded men in a Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, social, cultural, and educational differences.  We are a brotherhood, involved in our communities, and constantly working on developing ourselves through education, moral standards, and charity. We are guided by three enduring and relevant tenets of our Fraternal Order: brotherly love, relief, and truth.

While in fellowship with our Brothers, a Mason finds ways in which to serve God, his family, his fellowman, and his country. A Mason is dedicated. He recognizes his responsibility for justice, truth, charity, enlightenment, freedom and liberty, honesty and integrity in all aspects of human endeavor.  A Mason is such a man.

What Freemasonry does

As a fraternity, Freemasonry provides an opportunity for men to meet and enjoy friendly companionship. In the spirit of helpfulness and brotherly love and guided by strict moral principles it encourages goodwill toward all mankind. Freemasonry is of a personal nature in its private ceremonies. Its ritual dramatizes a philosophy of life based on morality. It promotes self improvement.

The tools of operative masons are used to symbolize and teach the basic principles of brotherly love, charity, and truth which Masons are encouraged to practice in their daily lives. Charity is a tangible way in which Masons help those whose circumstances in life fairly warrant it.  Through feeding homeless individuals, providing toys and gifts to mothers and children, as well as visiting our older members and seniors, Masons live out what we are to do when the division of our 24 hour schedule is accordingly managed.

Historical Background

Our traditions can be traced directly to the associations of Stone Guild Masonry. Some would even date Masonry back to the building of King Solomon’s Temple as represented in the Bible. Masons are men of outstanding character and high ideals, who at one time built the cathedrals, abbeys, and castles of the Middle Ages.  In the Middle Ages, the term “freemason” was used to define highly skilled stonemasons who were employed as free agents to build castles and cathedrals in England and Scotland.  Due to the dangerous work they did, stonemasons formed local organizations called lodges, to take care of those who became sick or injured as well as the widows and orphans of those who lost their life on the job.  Lodge members met in temporary buildings, which consequently were built next to cathedrals, to receive their pay, plan their work, and train apprentices as well as socialize.

In 1717, the first Grand Lodge was established in London, England.  In 1718, English Freemasonry spread to France and Spain.  In 1720, the roots continued to extend to India, Italy, Portland, Sweden, and other parts of Europe, and eventually the American colonies.  In 1733, the first American Lodge was established in Boston under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England.  Of the 39 individuals who signed the United States Constitution, 13 were Masons.  In 1776, once America declared its independence and became a Sovereign Nation, those Grand Lodges formed prior to, maintained their allegiance and connection to England.  However, this also allowed Freemasonry to be developed in America separate from England.

International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Incorporated was formed in 1950 based on the foundation of Freemasonry as originally conceived in 1717.  However, with the advent of technology, societal changes, culture, and customs in the United States being vastly different than England; a modernization of Freemasonry has evolved.  While the Landmarks, Oaths, Obligations, and Ritualistic practices have been maintained; some distinct difference exist between Ancient Freemasonry and Modern Freemasonry.  Today, more than 200 Grand Lodges worldwide have a membership of approximately six million Masons with practices similar to those of Ancient Times.