Who is a Freemason?

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Freemasons come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the fraternity, however, they all meet on an equal basis. They come from diverse political ideologies, but within the fraternity, they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasons are patriotic citizens who obey the governments under which they live. One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been how many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together, begin and end the meeting with prayer, always try to conduct their affairs in peace, harmony, and friendship, and call each other "Brother!" Everyone is WELCOME, regardless of race, colour or creed.

Members of the fraternity practice a sincere belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man.

No; Free Masonry's "secret" inheritance from the past is largely ceremonial. The Masonic Freemason fraternity meets in Masonic halls and temples, whose addresses are in the telephone book. Most Freemasons proudly wear their Masonic rings and Masonic lapel pins. Many of their vehicles sport Masonic emblems such as the Square and Compass, or the famous 2BlAskl,... To-Be-One-Ask-One bumper sticker. Newspapers and magazines record many of their activities and list their officers...and their charity work and events are not only very public, but very well attended. If membership in Masonry required secrecy, members would not wear or display insignia indicating their association with the fraternity. This is not to say that the MWPHGL in the Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction does not have secrets, but those secrets are almost exclusively related to recognition of others who are also members of the Craft. These modes of recognition permit strangers who share membership in the fraternity to sit together in lodge anywhere in the world and enjoy each other's fellowship.

The Masonic lodge (called the Blue Lodge) meets monthly to conduct its regular business and vote upon petitions for membership. It usually includes a speaker, traditionally followed by refreshments. It is here where the bond of fellowship is strengthened. The candidate will receive three degrees concluding the third or Master Mason Degree, the highest degree in Blue Lodge. The degree is solemn, enlightening and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here, where the principles of Freemasonry are taught. These principles teach respect for Deity, for each other, and ourselves. The Degrees also teach that one's family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry.

It's a FAMILY affair. While membership in Freemasonry is limited to men, many family activities occur year-round with a considerable number of special events of all types for members, their ladies and children. There are other organizations that exist alongside Freemasonry to which family members may belong. Order of the Eastern Star (Women) and Knights of Pythagoras (Boys).

Yes. After a member receives his Third (or Master Mason's) degree he may, if he so desires, become a member of a number of Masonic organizations within the Masonic "family" which are well-known for their charitable work. They include: Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite Masons and Shriners (AEAONMS). Some of these Masonic organizations (such as the Shrine) are much more visible in our communities than others. Several of the organizations within the Masonic "family" are much more socially oriented than is the Blue Lodge. It is, however, the strength of the principles taught in Blue Lodge that establishes the foundation and creates the real bond among Masons everywhere. No matter how many Masonic related organizations to which an individual belongs, he always holds to that bond of being first, last, and always a "MASON"! The individual Blue Lodges dispense charity in many ways within their own communities while, as its primary charity, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of the Province of Ontario and Jurisdiction provides scholarships to worthy students.

Free Masons help to build a better world through a unique and worthy process of building better men to live in it. The Free Mason Motto is: "Better men make a better world."

Brotherly Love

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

Relief

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.

Truth

Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives. Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

The basic premise of Freemasonry is "The Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God." With that thought uppermost in mind, Masons strive to learn how better to serve that "brotherhood of man" charitably, not just with money (although a recent survey revealed that over two million Masonic dollars are contributed EVERY DAY to philanthropies) but also through actions and deeds.

The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and to any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to his prime duty.

NO! Religion can best teach a man faith, hope, and charity. Freemasonry only endeavors to reinforce these teachings. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion It's essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings. Masonry has no creed, no priesthood, and no plan for salvation. Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden. The Fraternity is essentially an institution providing moral instruction and the rules of right conduct a member must follow are acceptable to all religions.

No. In fact, let's consider this at greater length. Entire countries and civilizations have come, gone and changed in the several hundred year period during which Freemasonry has existed.

If Freemasons were, in fact, attempting to take over the world, (having approximately 300+ years in which to accomplish such a feat), one could only come to the logical conclusion that these Masonic secrets are either tremendously well-kept (from both Freemasons and non-Freemasons) or... that after all this time, Freemasons aren't very effective planners. The lessons learned in Freemasonry are openly shared with wives, friends, coworkers and anyone who seeks their meaning on what the great fraternity is about. But, Freemasons are not boastful nor indolent in it's virtues and do not squander their opportunities to impart wisdom whenever possible. Practical duties of charity are planned for and carried out, personally and within a lodge. And lastly, but most importantly, the bonds of fidelity and brotherly love are practiced within the lodge and without towards all brothers and non-brothers alike, but with special consideration to brother master masons, where ever they may be.