Freemasonry is the most widely recognized fraternal society in the world. It is a centuries-old brotherhood of men from different religious, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. It requires each member to believe in God, while accepting that his fellow members may hold very different beliefs than his own. Freemasonry respects each man’s success and place in society while treating him as an equal in the lodge room. It encourages members to take the lessons learned in the lodge, such as tolerance, integrity, civility, and charity, and apply them outside the lodge for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their communities. Thus, good men build character and become even better friends, citizens, husbands, fathers, and brothers. Today, Masonry has over 3 million members, with more than 1 million residing in North America.

Freemasonry functions on at least three levels:

1) Philosophically, Freemasonry is a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. This classic definition is used by many grand lodges around the world. Morality encompasses ethical principles of right and wrong, and adherence to these principles is one reason that Masons are often considered trusted leaders, employees, and volunteers.

2) Organizationally, Freemasonry is a nonprofit, private association that operates as a grand lodge with a network of subordinate Masonic lodges. In these lodges, members are received and cared for, lessons and ceremonies are conducted, and social events and fellowship opportunities are held.

3) Freemasonry is also a “way of life” for good men–Freemasons–who apply Masonic principles to their daily activities, both personal and professional. By so doing, men work to become the best they can be for themselves, their families, and their communities. Most of the fellowship and service to humanity that is inspired by Masonic teachings happens at this level of individual action.

The origins of Freemasonry are lost in the unrecorded history of the Middle Ages, and they are subject to speculation, unproven claims, and even conspiracy theories. However, we know that lodges of working or operative stonemasons existed from early times to support great building projects, like castles, fortresses, churches, and cathedrals. Many Masonic scholars believe that as these massive building projects became less frequent, lodges of working stonemasons began accepting men of good character, reputation, and rank as honorary members into their guilds. These accepted Masons found that the legends, skills, and knowledge of the building trades (especially their moral code, emphasis on merit, and application of geometry and the liberal arts and science to daily life) provided value and meaning to its members’ social and professional connections. Over several generations, the number of operative Masons declined and accepted Masons increased, until the lodge became an early version of the fraternal organization we know today. These independent lodges have been documented in England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Learn about the physical and symbolic meanings behind the operative Masonic working tools still used in Freemasonry today.

Four of the existing independent lodges in London, England, formally united or organized during the early 18th century. The Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, soon recognized as the Grand Lodge of England, was the first organized grand lodge in modern Freemasonry. Grand lodges in Scotland and Ireland soon followed. From these humble beginnings, Freemasonry rapidly spread to more countries in Europe and throughout the English colonies, including those that became the United States.

No. Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. However, it is an organization of men who all profess a belief in a Supreme Being, and it includes spiritual or religious elements in its ceremonies. While it is built on the premise that the universe and all life are creations of a deity, Freemasonry deals more with man’s relationship with his fellow man rather than his relationship with his God.

From a 21st century point of view, lodge ceremonies may have a sacred or timeless feel to them. Freemasonry, however, does not judge or interpret or in any way attempt to change the religious beliefs of its members. There are no religious discussions in lodge meetings.

Because of its origins in Great Britain and Western Europe, many of the symbols and allusions to God used in the lodge are taken from the Bible, which can always be found in the lodge, open to a different passage in each of the three degrees. Each man, however, is free to interpret these passages according to his conscience.

No. Our meetings, like those of many other organizations, begin and end with a nondenominational prayer. God is often referred to as the Great Architect of the Universe. It is a descriptive title that allows each member to think of the Supreme Being according to his own beliefs and convictions, uninfluenced by but respectful of those around him. Thus, Christians, Jews, Muslims, men of different religions, and men who are spiritual but not affiliated with a particular religion, can sit together in lodge and share a common prayer while each worships his God in his own way.

Around the world, every regular grand lodge requires that there be a Bible or other sacred book–often referred to as the Volume of Sacred Law–in the lodge room. The choice of a holy book may be based upon the predominant faith of the country where the lodge meets, the particular religious belief of the candidate who is participating in a lodge ceremony, or some other practice of the grand lodge in question. Ohio is a member of the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North American, and the volume of sacred law is defined as an indispensable part of the furniture of the lodge.

From the standpoint of Masonic principles and teachings, there is no such thing as a Masonic Bible. Over the years, many publishers have produced and marketed versions of the Bible with added content in introductions that refers to Masonic ceremonies. Such versions often include illustrations of King Solomon’s Temple, for example. None of these versions is approved by the Grand Lodge. They are the work of private companies.

Yes, or on whichever Holy Book he holds sacred. In each of the three degrees, a Mason takes on an obligation that relates to the welfare of the organization, to his relationships with his fellow Masons, and to their mutual care and support.

These obligations are very old—truly medieval in character—and they include references to punishments from the Middle Ages. These punishments are understood to be strictly symbolic of the emotional distress an honest man would feel if he broke his sacred promises to his fellow men.

Many churches approve of Freemasonry, and there are priests, ministers, elders, and deacons who belong to the fraternity, there are also churches and other religious denominations that object to Masonic membership.

Freemasonry never asks a man to ignore his church’s teachings. Rather, he must follow his conscience in choosing whether to be a Mason, and that choice is respected.

No. Political discussions and activities are prohibited in the lodge. Masonic philosophy follows its own non-political course, which expresses values that may be interpreted as liberal or conservative or both.

As citizens, members of a lodge may be encouraged to educate themselves on the issues of the day and to exercise their right to vote, but that is likely to be the only acceptable reference to politics made in a lodge meeting.

In addition, Ohio Freemasons are prohibited by our rules from belonging to or promoting subversive organizations that advocate the overthrow of the government of the United States by force or other illegal means. Membership in such groups is a disqualification for membership, and it results in the expulsion of current members.

Freemasonry, often called the “Craft” by its members, employs metaphors of architecture. Following the practice of the ancient stonemason guilds, Freemasons use special handshakes, words, and symbols to not only to identify each other, but to help, as William Preston said in 1772, “imprint upon the memory wise and serious truths.”

Although every Freemason takes an obligation — and vows to keep the secrets of Masonry — it doesn’t matter to him that you can find the secrets in print; what matters is that he keeps his promise. And the secrets he is protecting are only used to help Masons become better men; and there’s certainly no secret surrounding what it takes to be good and true.

The nature of Masonic ritual is both complex and beautiful. “Ritual” is a formal ceremony of initiation which recites certain tenets and truths that have been passed down for generations — mostly from mouth to ear. This “Ritual” takes the form of lectures and theater in the Lodge, and is used to teach new Masons the value of true friendship, the benefits of knowledge, and the necessity of helping those in need.

It speaks to the power and impact our ritual has on men’s hearts and minds because it has stood the test of time for more than 300 years. Although our world has changed dramatically during that time, our ritual is virtually the same.

Not everyone will want to learn the ancient ritual — as it takes great time and study — but those Masons who chose to learn it are rewarded with the satisfaction of upholding a great tradition and helping their fellow brothers further their Masonic understanding.

Finally…

Just because the secrets have been made public doesn’t mean everyone knows the mystery of Masonry. In fact, much of the appeal of the Craft is that the great truths revealed in Masonic ritual can take years to understand. Like the building of any great structure, the powerful metaphors and symbols of Masonry build character — and sometimes greatness — one stone at a time.

Yes. Masonic principles teach the value of relief (charity), and Freemasons give more than $2 million A DAY to charitable causes, along with countless man hours. More than 70% of these donations support the general public. Among their works are the Shriners Hospitals for Children, with 22 sites throughout North America that include world renowned burn centers and orthopedic facilities; almost 225 Learning Centers that help children with dyslexia, speech and hearing disorders; the Masonic Youth Child Identification Program (MYCHIP), and the Masonic Angel Foundation, providing modest assistance to children and adults in local communities who do not fit the criteria for usual social-services. Throughout America and world, there are numerous other worthy causes and groups that local Lodges contribute to and help in their communities.

Over the last four centuries, Freemasonry seems to have flourished during times of great enlightenment and change. It is no coincidence that Freemasonry rose to prominence during the Age of Enlightenment in both Europe and America. That was the time when a new generation believed it could discover ways to gain personal improvement, bring order to society, and understand the whole universe. This statement is perhaps even stronger today than it was in the 18th century.

Today, men seek out Masonry for the same reasons — to better themselves and improve society in the company of like-minded brothers. As we learn more about how our physical world works, there’s also new interest in those things we don’t understand — especially things bound around tradition or that have a more mystical nature.