Frequently Asked Questions
There are many rumors surrounding Freemasonry
and it's secrets. The truth is, the Masons are not a secret
organization, but an organization with secrets. For example, we
have certain handshakes where we may know another Mason. Below are
some other common questions. When ready to learn more, jump over
to the contact us page.
Is Masonry a Religion?
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 powerful tradition and helping
their fellow brothers further their Masonic understanding.
Is Freemasonry a Charity?
Masonic principles teach the value of relief - or charity - and Freemasons give more than $2 million A DAY, of which 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, including a burn center in Boston and an orthopedic facility in Springfield; almost 225 Learning Centershelping children with dyslexia and 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. There are numerous other worthy causes and groups that local Lodges contribute to and help in their communities.
Where Did Freemasonry Come From?
Part of the mystique of Freemasonry can be attributed to speculation
about its roots. Over the years, researchers have never been able to
conclusively determine exactly when, where, how, and why Freemasonry was
born.
The order is thought to have arisen from the English and Scottish guilds
of practicing stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages, but
certain Masonic documents actually trace the sciences of geometry and
Masonry to the time of ancient Egypt, and some historians say that
Masonry has its real roots in antiquity.
The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 could mark the
beginning of the Modern (or “Speculative”) era of Freemasonry, when
members were no longer limited to actual working stonemasons. These
“Accepted” Masons eventually adopted more enlightened philosophies, and
turned what was a tradesmen’s organization into a fraternity for moral
edification, intellectual recitation, benevolent service, and
gentlemanly socialization.
Are Women Allowed in Freemasonry?
Freemasonry
is, by definition, a fraternity that aims to promote Brotherly Love and
Friendship among its members. It is a worldwide organization that draws
together men from every country, race, religion, ethnicity, opinion, and
background, and helps cultivate and promote better relationships and
bonds of friendships among them. Freemasonry doesn’t focus on Friendship
and Brotherly Love because it believes that only relations between men
are important, or that relations between men and women are unimportant,
but because hope for peace and harmony in the world is improved when men
can put aside their differences and come together as friends. Masons
also appreciate and value relations with women. We sponsor and
participate in Masonic related organizations such as the Order
of Eastern Starand
the Order
of Rainbow for Girls,
whose members include women and girls respectively.
Is Masonry a Religion?
Masonry is not a religion. But it is one of the few platforms where men of all monotheistic faiths - Christians (including Catholics), Jews, and Muslims - can come together because it is open to all men who believe in a Supreme Being; but religion is not discussed at Masonic meetings. Although Lodges open and close with a prayer and Masonry teaches morality, it is not a church or a religion. Masonry does not have a theology or dogma, it does not offer sacraments, and it does not offer the promise of salvation.
