What is Freemasonry?
Friend to Friend
The picture depicts King Solomon and some of the most famous Freemasons of all time: President and Brother George Washington, Brother Benjamin Franklin, Confederate General an Brother Lewis A. Armistead being aided by Union Captain and Brother Henry H. Bingham (as depicted by the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial at Gettysburg), President and Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt, President and Brother Harry S. Truman, U.S. General and Brother Douglas MacArthur and U.S. Lunar Astronaut and Brother Buzz Aldrin.
What Freemasonry Is
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. It’s 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 divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Free masonry is not a place for worship, instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God.
Who Freemasons Are
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 then four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all meet as equals. They come from diverse politic ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
What Freemasons Believe In
All Freemasons believe in a God and respect for each other.
What Freemasons Do
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 worlds greatest philanthropy!” These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity. The Freemasons of America contribute more than $2 million dollars every day to charitable causes.
Membership In Our Fraternity
In most Masonic Jurisdictions, one must ask a masonic friend to recommend him for membership. He must sign a petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot, which, in most Jurisdictions, must be unanimous.