What is Freemasonry?

Question

What is Freemasonry? The dictionary says it's the institution of Freemasons, but the dictionary says Freemasons are members of Freemasonry.

Does anyone have a simple answer to what Freemasonry is?

Answer 1

I am a freemason.

Freemasonry is a social fraternity that teaches morality through ritual, symbol and allegory. Its main beliefs are faith, hope, charity and brotherhood.

Is that simple enough? Do you have further questions? If so, please let me know.

Answer 2

Freemasonry is an oath bound fraternal order of men which derives from the medieval fraternity of Freemasonry. We adhere to many of the Ancient Charges, laws, customs and legends of operative Freemasonry. We are loyal to the civilian government under which we exist. We inculcate moral and social virtues by symbolic application of the operative stonemason's working tools and by allegories, lectures and charges. Freemasonry obligates its members to obey the principles of brotherly love, equality, mutual aid, secrecy and confidence. We have secret modes of recognition that permit members to recognize each other as brothers. We require a through examination into the mental, moral and physical qualifications of a petitioner and we admit men into the fraternity by secret ceremonies based in part on legends of the Craft.

Once a person has decided to apply for membership he fills out a petition signed by 2 members of the Lodge he desires to join. He gives this petition to one of the members along with the required initiation fee. This petition is read at the Lodge's next stated meeting when the Worshipful Master will appoint an investigating committee who will interview the petitioner in person. The investigating committee will report back to Lodge at the following Stated Meeting when the members present will vote to accept or reject the petitioner. Upon being elected the petitioner becomes a candidate and is given the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and then raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. There are certain requirements a candidate must meet before he can proceed from one degree to the next.

One must obtain the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason before he can wear any Masonic jewelry.

One must have a Belief in a Supreme Being.

The Tenets of the Masonic Fraternity are " Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. "

The Masonic Fraternity is NOT Secret Society but rather a Society With Secrets like all other Fraternal Orders such as the Eagles, Elks, Moose, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, etc. etc.

Suggest if you are a male over legal age and are interested in pursuing becoming a Mason you contact a man whom you know is a Mason for an application and further information. If there is no local Masonic Lodge available then you can contact the Grand Lodge of Masons for the State in which you reside as the Grand Lodge Officers will be more than happy to assist you. If you are under legal age you can inquire about the DeMolay Order.

Answer 3

Freemasons were basically the first union. Masons were the people who built large structures like Churches and Castles. Since their skill was so sought after by kings and clergy alike, they were allowed to travel freely from countryside to countryside to build structures ,hence the term free mason. This was a huge thing during feudal times (the dark ages) as you could be imprisoned or killed for being an outsider. They eventually formed groups to share ideas and philosophies (and to protect one another)and it kind of built up from there.

Answer 4

Its a really really old society of people who gather together at masionic temples. To be honest I am not sure what exactly they do in modern times,

I do know that instead of saying a temple is "closed" they say it is "dark"

Answer 5

Don't know too much
They are a Secret Society
Shriner's are part of their
establishment(Shriners Hospital)
They help burn victims