Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through allegory and symbolism.
Are you a Secret Society?
We are not, but the 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 for Masonic purposes. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Ritual? What's that all about?
The ritual is a shared experience which binds the members together. Its use of drama, allegory and symbolism impresses the principles and teaches more firmly in the mind of each candidate than if they were simply passed on to him in a matte-of-fact-way.
I've heard a Freemason has to take an oath, why?
New members take solemn promises concerning their conduct in Lodge and in society. Each member also promises to keep confidential the transitional methods of proving that he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a Lodge he is not known. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each other or to Freemasonry. Freemasons promise to support others in times of need, but only if that support does not conflict with their duties to God, the law, their family or with their responsibilities as a Citizen.
So Freemasons only look after each other?
No. from its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities. Since its inception, Freemasonry has provided support not only for widows and orphans of Freemasons but also for many others within the Communities they reside.
Is Freemasonry a Religion or a rival to Religion?
Emphatically not. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Higher Power and its principles are common to many of the world's great religions. Freemasonry does not try to replace or substitute religion. Freemasonry does not instruct its members in what their religious beliefs should be, nor does it offer sacraments. Freemasonry deals in relations between men; Religion deals in man's relationship with his God.
Is Freemasonry a Political Pressure Group?
Emphatically not. While individual members will have their own views on politics and state policy, Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on either. The discussion of politics (as with religion) are not discussed in Lodge.
Why can't women become Freemasons?
Freemasonry by nature is a Fraternity and tradition plays a strong roll in the Fraternity. However, Family and family values are an important part of a Freemason's life and families are frequently invited to take part in Masonic activity and the day-today workings of the Lodge. Freemasonry can provide men and their families with a fun and active social life with like-minded people from all walks of life. Freemasons are very appreciate of the support our partners and families give us as it is vital to our development as Freemasons, and as a whole.
My time is valuable, how much of it am I to give away?
Everyone's time is valuable and Freemasonry doesn't require a lot of time. That being said Freemasonry gives back as much as you put in. Beyond the Three Degrees and Three "Classes" you're obligated to take. (for each Degree, there are three of them, there is a "Class" to addend.) Your time is your time to spend in the Craft. If you can only give yourself to your Lodge one hour a month then that's your time to spend. If you can give yourself to your Lodge 40 to 50 hours a week that is also your time to spend. We're a volunteer origination in the end and how much time you wish to use at your Lodge is entirely up to you. There are members who work tirelessly at a Lodge and there are members who visit once a year and both of those types of Freemasons are just as good as everyone else.
I heard that I've got to pay dues, why?
Going back to the Fraternity aspect of Freemasonry annual dues are required for a few reasons, chief among them and more bluntly dues help keep the lights on. Next to that there are membership fees (dues) for your Gym membership. A Gym membership it is an outlet to build muscle and hone your health. Dues for Freemasonry is a-kin to the Gym membership, its an outlet to build character and hone your bonds with mankind.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through allegory and symbolism.
Are you a Secret Society?
We are not, but the 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 for Masonic purposes. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Ritual? What's that all about?
The ritual is a shared experience which binds the members together. Its use of drama, allegory and symbolism impresses the principles and teaches more firmly in the mind of each candidate than if they were simply passed on to him in a matte-of-fact-way.
I've heard a Freemason has to take an oath, why?
New members take solemn promises concerning their conduct in Lodge and in society. Each member also promises to keep confidential the transitional methods of proving that he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a Lodge he is not known. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each other or to Freemasonry. Freemasons promise to support others in times of need, but only if that support does not conflict with their duties to God, the law, their family or with their responsibilities as a Citizen.
So Freemasons only look after each other?
No. from its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities. Since its inception, Freemasonry has provided support not only for widows and orphans of Freemasons but also for many others within the Communities they reside.
Is Freemasonry a Religion or a rival to Religion?
Emphatically not. Freemasonry requires a belief in a Higher Power and its principles are common to many of the world's great religions. Freemasonry does not try to replace or substitute religion. Freemasonry does not instruct its members in what their religious beliefs should be, nor does it offer sacraments. Freemasonry deals in relations between men; Religion deals in man's relationship with his God.
Is Freemasonry a Political Pressure Group?
Emphatically not. While individual members will have their own views on politics and state policy, Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on either. The discussion of politics (as with religion) are not discussed in Lodge.
Why can't women become Freemasons?
Freemasonry by nature is a Fraternity and tradition plays a strong roll in the Fraternity. However, Family and family values are an important part of a Freemason's life and families are frequently invited to take part in Masonic activity and the day-today workings of the Lodge. Freemasonry can provide men and their families with a fun and active social life with like-minded people from all walks of life. Freemasons are very appreciate of the support our partners and families give us as it is vital to our development as Freemasons, and as a whole.
My time is valuable, how much of it am I to give away?
Everyone's time is valuable and Freemasonry doesn't require a lot of time. That being said Freemasonry gives back as much as you put in. Beyond the Three Degrees and Three "Classes" you're obligated to take. (for each Degree, there are three of them, there is a "Class" to addend.) Your time is your time to spend in the Craft. If you can only give yourself to your Lodge one hour a month then that's your time to spend. If you can give yourself to your Lodge 40 to 50 hours a week that is also your time to spend. We're a volunteer origination in the end and how much time you wish to use at your Lodge is entirely up to you. There are members who work tirelessly at a Lodge and there are members who visit once a year and both of those types of Freemasons are just as good as everyone else.
I heard that I've got to pay dues, why?
Going back to the Fraternity aspect of Freemasonry annual dues are required for a few reasons, chief among them and more bluntly dues help keep the lights on. Next to that there are membership fees (dues) for your Gym membership. A Gym membership it is an outlet to build muscle and hone your health. Dues for Freemasonry is a-kin to the Gym membership, its an outlet to build character and hone your bonds with mankind.