Frequently Asked Questions

Here is provided a list of questions often asked of Masonry:

What is the origin of Masonry?

It is largely believed by academics and scholars that Freemasonry formed out of medieval stonemasons' guilds. These guilds were responsible for designing and constructing glorious cathedrals and impressive castles. Masonry's formal organization began in 1717, when four lodges combined in London to create England's first Grand Lodge, which survives to this day. Masonic lodges can be found in almost every community throughout the United States and Brothers from all over the world are welcome into the lodges found spanning the entire geopgraphy of inhabitable Earth.

How did Masonry travel from Great Britain to America?

Masonry first traveled the world on the beat of horse hooves and the sails of ships. Masonry expanded west through the Americas as Americans pushed into the wilk unknown, yet several lodges had already formed in many of the American Colonies. Early Masons that played legendary parts in the founding of America include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, Joseph Warren, and John Hancock. Masons played roles in the Revolutionary War, but more importantly, they were inseperable from the Constitutional Convention which framed the firm foundation of this nation through the Bill of Rights. Many debates surrounding the Bill of Rights occured in Masonic Lodges.

Is Masonry a religion?

In short, the answer to this question is no, Masonry is not a religion. Masons do participate in ritual, and when the Lodge is meeting a Volume of Sacred Law is present and open. From this fact arises much confusion about Masonry and religion. While Masonry is not a religion it does incorporate beneficent aspects of religion, and no atheist may be made a Mason. All Masons share a belief in God. Freemasonry, however, in no way dictates what religion its members should subscribe to. This is the decision of individual members, and between he and God. That is the function of his house of worship, not his fraternity, and Masonry is a fraternity, not a religion.

Are Masons involved in philanthropies?

While Masonry chiefly concerns itself with making good men better there has always been a respect for the ability to help our fellows. Every day, over $2 million in charitable contributions are passed from Masons to philanthropic organizations. Shrine Masons, also known as Shriners, operate the nation's largest system of hospitals for treating children that are the victim of burns and orthaepedic challenges, all without charge to the patient, while the Scottich Rite Masons operate over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs. Lodges also participate in local charities as well as scholarship programs for students. The public, and largely non-Masons, benefit a great deal due to the charitable work of Freemasons from all over America and beyond.

Why is Masonry so secretive?

Freemasonry truly has few secrets. You will not find Masonic Lodges hidden from the public. In fact, Masonic Lodges are often prominent fixtures of communities. Masons wear Masonic jewelry, put decals and tags on their vehicles, and openly discuss their Masonic affiliations. Masons host public picnics and philanthropy events quite often. The secrets of Masonry can be broken into two categories. The first category speaks of how Masons recognize one another, by way of grip and password. These are secrets, quite naturally, to protect the organization from the intrusion of men who would seek to take advantage of others, not offering an ounce of assistance to his fellows. The second category is harder to define, but consists of the way in which a man looks upon the world once accepting responsibility for his own life, and he becomes exceptionally aware of his happiness being rooted in the assistance of others. These secrets simply cannot be explained easily, though one might think of the feeling you get from observing a beautiful sunset or listening to music that charges and invigorates the senses. Secret societies became very popular in the lates 1800s and early 1900s. Many of these societies were modeled after Masonry and took it upon themselves to keep secrets. Unfortunately the public lumps Masons into the same category as those organizations.

Why is the square and compasses a symbol of Masonry?

The square and compasses are the most prominently displayed symbols of the Fraternity. The Square and Compasses are essentially the mark of Masons. When one passes a building and sees the Square and Compasses he knows that Masons meet in that building. Like all symbols, this also has meaning. The Square symbolizes things of the earth, and it also symbolizes honor, integrity, truthfulness, and other ways that we should relate to the earth and other people. The Compasses symbolizes things of the spirit, and the importance of a well-developed spiritual life, and also the importance of self control. The "G" stands for Geometry, the science of which the ancients believed most revealed the glory of God and His works in the heavens. It also represents God, who is at the center of all our thoughts and works, all of our accomplishments and efforts.