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| About Freemasonry |
| Freemasonry
is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world.
It applies the tools of the ancient stonemason in symbolic usage
to better the individual. The Craft, as it is sometimes called,
has officially existed in its present form since the early 1700's,
although the "operative" form existed for centuries prior in the form
of medieval trade guilds. Masons meet together in lodges, a term also used to describe the members themselves, as a group. In the lodge, we enjoy good fellowship, and we refer to one another as brothers. The Brothers meet for scheduled assemblies, known as stated communications, on a monthly basis, although there are times when the lodge is assembled to initiate, pass, or raise a candidate or brother through the three principle degrees of Freemasonry. When a candidate first joins a lodge, he is refered to as an Entered Apprentice. After learning the central tenents of this degree, the brother will be passed to a Fellowcraft. Upon proving himself proficient in understanding the important elements of the Fellowcraft degree, the brother will raised to the highest degree of a regular lodge, known as a Master Mason. He may then choose to get in line to enter one of the lodge offices. The head of the lodge is refered to as the Worshipful Master, and he is head of the lodge for one year. Workings inside of a regular lodge, also called a blue lodge, are rather democratic in practice. Virtually all events involving a lodge are voted on by the members. Freemasonry does not solicite membership, so to become a Mason, you must ask one. While Freemasonry does not espouse any particular religion, a belief in a Supreme Being is necessary, along with being a male, of good moral character, and a desire to assist one's fellow man. |