Freemasonry 101

Freemasonry 101

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest world wide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being that teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge to men. It is a Fraternal Order that makes a good man a better man through the practices of brotherly love, relief, and truth.  Although of a religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It urges its members, however, to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs. It is the world’s largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization.

We are not a secret society, but lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private and open ONLY TO MEMBERS. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. Meeting places are known and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

New members are asked to make a solemn oath and obligate themselves concerning their conduct in the Lodge and in Society. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving that he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a lodge where he is not known. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each other or to Freemasonry. We practice charity in those communities where we have Lodges, Families, or Communities we have adopted. The State of Florida does a lot of charitable and community services activities to expand the mission and purpose of Freemasonry.

Freemasonry embraces all men who believe in God. Our membership includes Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and others. The use of descriptions such as the Great Architect prevents disharmony. The Great Architect is not a specific Masonic god or an attempt to combine all gods into one. Thus, men of differing religions pray together without offence being given to any of them.