About Freemasonry
There have been a number of definitions of Freemasonry. Perhaps the most direct is employed by our English brethren: “Freemasonry is a beautiful system of morals, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” Freemasonry’s mission, and therefore its mission statement, is “To Make Good Men Better.” Everything undertaken in Masonry is directed toward that one mission of making a good man better.
The system of morality referred to undoubtedly includes principles with which the candidate was more or less familiar before his entrance into Masonry. He will, nevertheless, find these presented in new ways and under forms different from those with which he has known in the past. The essence of morality is to be found in the utter simplicity (though not the ease) of its requirements.
Symbolism reaches a high degree of development in Freemasonry, and is largely responsible for its universality. Men of different tongues often may find it difficult to reach a common understanding; but symbols enable all men to comprehend each other without the necessity of any spoken word. The symbolism of Freemasonry deals with the intellectual, moral and spiritual values of life.
The elemental principles of Freemasonry are exemplified in the three degrees of the Symbolic (or Blue) Lodge. When one speaks of a “Masonic Lodge,” it is ordinarily the Blue Lodge that he has in mind. There is one or more Blue Lodge in nearly every community of any size in the United States and the same is true in many other parts of the world.
There is nothing of a light and trifling character in Masonry. Any intimation you may have had to the contrary is false. As you cross the threshold of the Masonic Lodge, it should become for you a sacred place wherein you should be content to love and serve your brethren, honor your God, and learn the many lessons that Masonry seeks to teach.
What is Freemasonry?
Learn about the world's oldest Fraternity!
What Freemasonry is Not!
It may be well to point out some things that Freemasonry is not and has never claimed to be:
(a) Freemasonry is not a charitable institution, as such. One of the fundamental principles of the institution is the practice of charity, and a Mason necessarily ministers to the widows and the fatherless in their affliction. But these and similar modes of conduct must proceed from that purity of life and conduct that is one of the great objectives of all Masonic teachings.
(b) Freemasonry does not insure its members against the vicissitudes of old age, provides no sick benefits as such, issues no policies on the lives of its members, and pays no death benefits of any kind. The matter of individual relief is confined to those cases where it is necessary, in spite of all the efforts of a brother or of his family to maintain economic independence. Your part in this procedure is far more likely to be that of a contributor rather than a beneficiary.
(c) Freemasonry is not a religion. It has a philosophy of its own, that is in harmony with the church, the school, and all other worthy institutions. The teachings of the fraternity transcend all denominational and sectional divisions. Its sympathies are as broad as humanity.
(d) Freemasonry does not lend itself as a means of promoting selfish interests. Any under- lying purpose of such a nature will eventually become apparent to your brethren, and you will inevitably suffer the loss of their respect.
