What is Freemasonry?

     Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most devise political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God.

Many of our nation's early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of the United States, beginning with George Washington.
     Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
     One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other "Brother!"

All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.

 Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as "the world's greatest philanthropy!"
     The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.

 Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of "making good men better." Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity).

   Anyone seeking membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

The Masonic Lodges usually meet twice a month to conduct regular business and vote upon Petitions for membership. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened

The Candidate attends three meetings to receive the three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principles of Freemasonry are taught and where the new member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a "Brother" in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.

 The words, "Friend to Friend" capture the essence and the spirit of Freemasonry. Just as the operative masons built the magnificent cathedrals centuries ago from stone to stone, Freemasonry has been built through the centuries from friend to friend. Within this unique and honorable Fraternity there exists a very special bond between men of all walks of life that has survived the most divisive political, religious and military conflicts in history.

     The principles of Freemasonry consist of the moral fiber that strengthens a society. To preserve these principles and to enhance their practice is to make the world a better place. Freemasons do this as a way of life.

     We, as Freemasons, look with pride to "Centuries Past" and to the positive impact we have made on the preservation of freedom and good in society. The contributions of the famous Masons of the past depicted on the above graphic are historic.

     We look with confidence "through Centuries to Come," knowing that the principles of Freemasonry will be as important for the good society in the future as they are now, and as they always have been. We know that wherever mankind may go, even into space and beyond, Freemasons will be there, as was a very courageous lunar astronaut and Brother Buzz Aldrin, the first Mason to walk on the moon. Brother Aldrin's patriotism, courage and immeasurable contributions to mankind distinguish him as one of the most famous heroes of all time, and the most logical Freemason to symbolically represent "Friend to Friend" and Freemasonry's hope for the future.

     All Freemasons know that when we join hands in unanimity we generally accomplish our mission. Few Freemasons, however, because of complacency, know how serious a threat we face due to membership losses. Analysts predict that, if the present rate of decline continues, within just 25 years, Freemasonry will have relatively little significance in society!

     If we are to preserve this great Fraternity, we must join hands now. There are countless numbers of men who are just as qualified as we are to be Freemasons. Many of them know virtually nothing about the Masonic Fraternity. That is our fault! That is complacency! To know about Freemasonry would surely inspire many good men to want to be associated with it.

     The Friend to Friend Program has been carefully designed to help Freemasons everywhere enlighten their friends about Freemasonry in the most simple and effective manner. The Friend to Friend texts online enable every Mason to share our proud heritage while explaining in concise terms who we are, what we believe in and what we do.

     Every Freemason surely knows at least several non-Masons who would be welcomed into the craft. It is time for each of us to stop and think about those friends. It is time to think about membership. It is time to change complacency into active participation. It is time to join hands and spread the word - from Friend to Friend. If we do this now, if we do this together, Freemasonry will come alive with a renewed spirit of friendship, fellowship, brotherly love and camaraderie unprecedented in modern times. We owe this to the Freemasons of the past and to the good men who will live in centuries to come.

     To be a part of "Friend to Friend" is to be an important part of Masonic history. Decide today to join with your Brother Freemasons all across North America and around the world to "turn the tide" by becoming a true builder of the craft. Please help in every way you can to demonstrate what good men can do when their cause is just and laudable - more especially, when those men are Freemasons.

Copyright 2005   Key West, Florida  F&AM