What Is Freemasonry?

 

 

 

Below is a brief over-view of "what is Freemasonry" The notes below are only intended to be a guide, more detailed information can be obtained from the following links below :-

 

 

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. It's members are taught it's precepts by a series of ritual dramas which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.

The essential qualification for admission and continuing member-ship is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a substitute for religion. It's essential qualifications opens it to men of many religions an its expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at meetings.

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principals

 

Every true Freemason will show tolerance for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures

Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals

Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives

 

Freemasons believe that these principals represent a way of achieving higher standards in life. From the earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums have been given to national and local charities.

Freemasonry demands from it's members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. It's principals do not conflict with his duty as a citizen which must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons.

The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with it's traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society. It's constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secrecy about it's aims and principals. Like many other societies, it regards some of it's internal affairs as private matters for it's members.

A Freemason is encouraged to do is duty first to his God (by what ever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice, and then without detriment to his family and those dependant on him, to his neighbor through charity and service.

None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.