About Freemasonry
Whenever we are asked “What is Freemasonry?”, the answer often includes much of the following...
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Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal society. It is dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. Although it is of a |
| religious nature, Freemasonry is not a religion. It encourages its members to be faithful and devoted to their own religious beliefs. Freemasonry is open to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. |
Freemasonry is a system of morality, not a system of faith or salvation and is complimentary to the belief of the individual. The essential qualification for admission is to be a man, with a belief in one Supreme Being, and to be of good repute before the world.
Freemasonry asks that each of its members shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow man. Its members, in varying degrees, are involved with numerous local, national and international charitable works, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and individual good works.
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which he works and lives. Nothing in Freemasonry conflicts with one's duty to God, country, neighbor, family or self.
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God and then, without detriment to his work or family, and to his neighbor through charity and service. None of these ideas are exclusively Masonic, but the setting in which they are practiced, the spirit of friendship which is prevalent among its members, the teachings of morality which are inculcated in it, and the opportunity for fellowship which is often lacking in today's society are the basis of the Masonic Lodge.
What does Freemasonry do for society in the present time?
In North America alone, Freemasonry contributes
over two million dollars a day to charitable causes through its
various concordant bodies. Most of that assistance goes to people
who are not Masons. Some of these charities are vast projects. The
Shrine Masons, known as Shriners, operate the largest network of
hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in the
country, and there is never a fee for treatment. The Scottish Rite
Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language
Disorder Clinics, Centers and Programs. The York Rite continues its
philanthropy in a variety of charities, including scholarship
programs for students, and perform public service activities in
their communities.