What Is Freemasonry?

A “System of Morality”:

Freemasonry is described as a “beautiful and profound system of morality, veiled in allegories and illustrated by symbols.” It uses the tools of the stonemason’s trade such as the square and compass as symbols to teach members how to live virtuous lives.

Belief in a Supreme Being:

A fundamental requirement for membership in most forms of Freemasonry is a belief in a Supreme Being, often referred to as the “Great Architect of the Universe.” However, it is not a religion itself and does not dictate a specific faith. Members come from various religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Three Degrees:

A candidate for Freemasonry progresses through three degrees:

Entered Apprentice – Fellow Craft – Master Mason

Each degree involves ceremonies, often described as allegorical morality plays, that teach the principles of the fraternity.

Charity:

A central tenet of Freemasonry is charity. Lodges and Grand Lodges are actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting various causes in their local communities and beyond.

“A Society with Secrets”:

Freemasonry is not a secret society in the sense that its existence is hidden. Its buildings are often clearly marked, and members are generally open about their affiliation. However, it does have secrets, primarily relating to its “modes of recognition,” such as passwords, signs, and handshakes, which are used to identify other members.

Lodges and Grand Lodges:

The basic unit of Freemasonry is the local “Lodge.” These lodges are supervised by a regional governing body called a “Grand Lodge.” There is no single, international Grand Lodge that controls all of Freemasonry; each Grand Lodge is independent.

Additional Bodies:

After becoming a Master Mason, a member can choose to join various “concordant bodies,” such as the Scottish Rite or the York Rite, which offer additional degrees and teachings. These bodies are separate from the core Craft Freemasonry degrees.

Misconceptions:

Freemasonry has faced criticism and opposition throughout its history, leading to various misconceptions. It has been the subject of conspiracy theories and has been condemned by some religious institutions, most notably the Catholic Church.