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What is Freemasonry or Mason?
Are there any Masonic functions that I can
attend as a non-Mason?
Who is the head of the Mason?
Are there dues, fees, etc. associated with being a
Mason?
I hear Masons refer to an "apron". What is that?
What is a "Masonic Funeral"?
What is a 33rd degree Mason?
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry (or
simply, Masonry) is a fraternal order whose basic tenets are brotherly
love, relief (philanthropy), and truth. We strive to enjoy the company
of our brother Masons, assist them in times of personal trouble, and
reinforce essential moral values. There is an old adage that Masonry
"takes good men and makes them better", which is our goal.
It has often been observed that men
are the products of everything they come into contact with during their
lifetime. Masonry offers a man an opportunity to come into regular,
enjoyable contact with men of good character, thus reinforcing his own
personal moral development. Of course, Masonry is also meant to be
enjoyed by its membership, so the order should not be viewed simply as a
philosophical club, but rather a vibrant fellowship of men who seek to
enjoy each other's company, a fraternity.
To maintain this fraternity,
discussion of religion and politics within the Lodge is forbidden, as
these subjects are those that have often divided men in the past. Masons
cover the spectrum of both religious and political beliefs and
encourages a man to be religious without advocating a particular
religion, and to be active in his community without advocating a
particular medium of political expression. While there probably are some
actual stone-workers who are Masons, Masonry does not teach is
membership the literal techniques of stonework. Rather, it takes the
actual "operative" work of Medieval Masons and uses it as an allegory
for moral development. Thus, the symbols of Masonry are the common tools
that were used by medieval stonemasons: the gavel, the rule, the
compass, the square, the level, etc. Each of these has a symbolic
meaning in Masonry. For example, Masons are said to meet "on the level",
meaning that all Masons are brothers, regardless of social status,
personal wealth, or office within the Lodge or in the world at large.
Similar symbolism exists for other tools.
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Masonry is distinguished from other
fraternal orders by its emphasis on moral character, its ornate rituals,
and its long tradition and history, which dates back to at least the
17th century in modern form, the 14th century (c. 1350-1390) in the
written evidence of its precursors, and back to the mists of antiquity
in its origin. Masonry has a continuously documented paper history
(i.e., Lodge to Lodge) since 1717, though historical analysis shows
Masonry to be much older.
There are also a great many things
that Masonry is NOT: a religion, a secret society, etc., and these will
be covered later in this FAQ.
There are three degrees in Masonry.
Other appendant bodies confer additional degrees, up to the 32nd (or the
honorary 33rd) of the Scottish Rite, but in symbolic Masonry (or Blue
Lodge Masonry) proper, there are only three. At the Blue Lodge, Masons
receive the degrees of Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft
(second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). Promotion generally
requires the mastery of a small body of memorized material, the contents
of which varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some
jurisdictions, only the signs, tokens, and grips of each degree must be
learned; in others, a longer amount of material.
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Of course, no Mason would ever look
down upon a Brother simply because he was of a lower degree-- the
degrees do not exist to create a pecking order or to confer rank.
Rather, they are a system of initiation that allows men to become
familiar with the august and ancient history and principles of Masonry
at a comfortable pace. Proceeding from Entered Apprentice to Master
Mason in the US can take as little as three months, while in England,
the degrees are spaced apart by a year's interval. Most Lodges have
regular communications (meetings) once a month, that are also referred
to as "business meetings". In the US, these are typically only open to
Master Masons. In England, these meetings are usually opened in the
first degree, and EAs may attend). Conferring of degrees is usually done
at other meetings during the month.
While conferral of degrees and mundane
business do take up a lot of a Lodge's time, there are a host of other
activities that Masons engage in within the fraternity. Charitable work
is often done, in the form of fundraisers, community volunteer work,
etc. And there are also a great many things done for the simple pleasure
of company: monthly breakfasts or dinners, picnics, card/chess matches,
lecturers on Masonic history, you name it. Masonry is a fraternity, and
its membership seeks to have fun.
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Local Masonic Lodges are organized
under Grand Lodges. In the United States, each state has its own Grand
Lodge, which is a peer with every other Grand Lodge. There is not
"Grandest Lodge"-- each Grand Lodge is supreme in its jurisdiction
(e.g., in the US, in its state) but has no authority elsewhere. Of
course, this does not mean that Masonry in New York is radically
different than Masonry in Scotland or New Mexico. Masons are very
traditional and the differences between Grand Lodges are usually minor.
The head of a Lodge is given the title
Worshipful Master. This, of course, does not imply that Masons worship
him; it is merely a stylish title. Masonic Lodges can be found in many
cities, of all sizes, around the world. There are presently
approximately 5 million Masons, half of which are in the United States.
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Freemasonry is the oldest, largest Fraternity
in the world. It's members have included Kings, Presidents,
Prime Ministers, Statesmen, Generals, Admirals, Supreme Court Chief
Justices, corporate CEOs, opera stars, movie stars, and probably, your
next door neighbor. And Masonry is always ready to welcome good men in
the Fraternity. It's ready to welcome YOU, if in your heart you can
answer yes to a few questions.
Do you believe that there is such a thing as honor, and that a man
has a responsibility to act with honor in everything he does?
 | Masons teach that principle. We believe that a life not founded on honor
is hollow and empty -- that a man who acts without honor is less than a
man. |
Do you believe in God?
| No atheist can be a Mason. Masons do not care what your individual faith
is -- that is question between you and your God -- but we do require
that a that a man believe in a Supreme Being. |
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Are you willing to allow others the same right to their own beliefs
that you insist on yourself?
| Masonry insists on toleration -- on the right of each person to think
for himself in religious, social and political matters |
Do you believe that you have a responsibility to leave the world a
better place than you found it?
| Masonry teaches that each man has a duty not only to himself but to
others. We must do what we can to make the world a better place. Whether
that means cleaning up the environment, working on civic projects, or
helping children to work or read or see -- the world should be a better
place because we have passed through it.
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Do your believe that it is not only more blessed to give than to
receive, it's also more fun?
| Masons are involved with the problems and needs of others because we
know it gives each of us a good feeling -- unlike any other -- to help.
Much of our help is given anonymously. We're not after gratitude, we're
more than rewarded by that feeling which comes from knowing we have
helped another person overcome some adversity, so that their life can go
on. Masonry is mutual help. Not just financial help (although that's
there, too) but help in the sense of being there when needed, giving
support, lending a sympathetic ear. |
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Do you feel that there's something more to life than financial
success?
| Masons know that self-development is more precious than money in the
bank or social position or political power. Those things often accompany
self-development, but they are no substitute for it. Masons work at
building their lives and character, just as a carpenter works a building
a house. |
Do you believe that a person should strive to be a good citizen and
the we have a moral duty to be true to the county in which we live?
| Masons believe that a country is strong as long as freedom, equality,
and the opportunity for human development is afforded to all. A Mason is
true to his government and its ideals. He supports its laws and
authority when both are just and equitably applied. We uphold and
maintain the principles of good government, and oppose every influence
that would divide it in a degrading manner.
|
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Do you agree that man should show compassion for others, that
goodness of heart is among the most important of human values?
| Masons do. We believe in a certain reverence for living things, a
tenderness toward people who suffer. A loving kindness for our fellow
man, and a desire to do right because it is right. Masonry teaches that
although all men are fallible and capable of much wrong, when they
discover the goodness of heart, they have found the true essence of
virtue. Masonry helps men see their potential for deep goodness and
virtue. |
Do you believe that men should strive to live a brotherly life?
| Masons see brotherhood as a form of wisdom, a sort of bond that holds
men together -- a private friendship that tells us we owe it to each
other to be just in our dealings and to refuse to speak evil of each
other. Masons believe a man should maintain an attitude of good will,
and promote unity and harmony is his relations with one another, his
family, and his community. Masons call this way of believing in the
Brotherhood of Man. It really means that every Mason makes it his duty
to follow the golden rule. This is why Masonry has been called one of
the greatest forces for good in the world. |
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IF YOU ANSWERED YES, YOU
MAY WANT TO CONSIDER BECOMING A MASON.
Freemasonry offers much to its members -- the opportunity to grow, the
chance to make a difference, to build a better world for our children. It
offers the chance to be with and work with men who have the same values
and ideals -- men who have answered YES to these questions.
It's easy to find out more. Just find a Mason and ask him about Masonry.
You probably know several Masons. Perhaps you've seen the Square and
Compasses on a pin or tie tack or bumper sticker. If you know where the
lodge is in your community stop by, or you can look up the number of your
local Masonic lodge in the phone book or a local newspaper in the meetings
section and find the secretary of the lodge. He'll be happy to help you.
Have you ever considered becoming a Mason? We'd like a chance to talk with
you. You can call, email, or visit us or any Mason, with any questions or
comments.
Contact Us
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Are there any Masonic functions that
I can attend as a non-Mason?
Yes. Many Lodges open their
installation of officers to the public. Once a year, a new Worshipful
Master takes office. The ceremony performed during his inauguration is
public. It is not the same ceremony as would be performed in a regular
Masonic ritual or degree, but it does have the flavoring of Masonic
symbolism and allows the public to "get a feel for Masonry" without
being Masons. NOTE: Not all jurisdictions have public installations.
Call or write your local lodge for details.
In addition, many Lodges sponsor
public functions throughout the year, such as dinners or charity
functions, designed to allow non-Masons who are interested in Masonry
the chance to talk with Masons and ask questions. For information, call
your local Lodge.
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Who is the head of the Masons?
No one. Each Grand Lodge has its own jurisdiction and is the
supreme
authority within that jurisdiction. Obviously, many Grand
Lodges have
regular communication with each other, but official policy
in one has no
effect in another.
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Are there dues, fees, etc. associated
with being a Mason?
Yes. Like all organizations, Lodges
must be able to pay their light bills. Typically, there is a one-time
fee for the three degrees of Masonry, as well as regular annual dues.
But these vary widely depending on the number of members, cost of living
(rent in Manhattan is higher than it is in rural Oklahoma), the actual
physical facilities of the Lodge, etc. The fees and dues, however, are
not prohibitively expensive (the author is a college student and has no
problem with them). Rather than give a single figure which may be very
different than your local Lodge charges, or publishing an extended table
of costs, it is easiest to simply refer the interested to their local
Lodge.
Incidentally, many Grand Lodge
jurisdictions provide for "life membership" after a Mason has paid dues
for a long period. For example, in Michigan a Mason is no longer asked
to pay dues after he has been a Mason for forty years. Other
jurisdictions allow members to pay a lump sum for life membership. As
with almost everything in Masonry, check with your local Grand Lodge or
Lodge for more information.
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I hear Masons refer to an "apron".
What is that?
During the ceremonies of his
initiation, each Mason is presented with a white apron. It is, to him,
an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. It has, in all ages,
been cherished by the rich, the poor, the high and the low. It is his
for life. He will never receive another one and has, therefore, been
cautioned to take it home and instructed in its care. While perfectly
satisfactory for him to do so if he desires, he need not bring it to
Lodge, as linen aprons are provided for his use meetings. (From a
pamphlet, "To the Lady and Family of a Mason")
The above applies to the US. In many
other countries, the Master Mason owns his regalia and brings it to the
Lodge.
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What is a "Masonic Funeral"?
Any member who was in good standing at the time of
his death is entitled to a Masonic funeral if he or his family requests
it. Such a request should be made to the Master of his Lodge who will
make the necessary arrangements with the family, the mortuary, and the
minister. A service is authorized by the jurisdiction in which you are
located, and consists of participation at the mortuary, the beginning at
the mortuary and the closing at the graveside, or graveside only.
Pallbearers will be furnished at the request of the family. In general,
the Lodge will do as much or as little as the nearest relative wishes it
to do. (From a pamphlet, "To the Lady and Family of a Mason")
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What is a 33rd degree Mason?
The Scottish Rite awards a special
honorary degree, the 33rd, to those it feels has made an outstanding
contribution to Masonry, the community as a whole, and to mankind. There
is no way to "achieve" this degree or "take" it, in the sense that one
takes the 4th through 32nd degrees in the Scottish Rite. It is a
singular honor, rarely bestowed, and greatly admired.
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Free & Accepted Masons
