Freemasonry (or simply, Masonry) is the world's oldest and largest fraternal society...
No one knows with certainty WHEN, WHERE or even WHY the fraternity was started. Generally,
it can be said of Freemasonry:
- It began in Scotland or England
- For an uncertain length of time it was a truly "secret" society, it's existence known
only to it's own membership - The Fraternity announced it's existence to the world in 1717 when four lodges in
London formed the first "Grand Lodge" and publicized that fact
Anything else is speculation and often the fanciful imaginings of the person making the
claim. One thing is certain: From its earliest beginnings until the present day, Masonry has
been involved in making good men better, charity toward the less fortunate and the
betterment of the world in which we live
"Freemasonry is a science which is engaged in the search after
TRUTH and which employs symbolism as its method of
instruction."
Is Masonry a Secret Society?
Freemasonry is often called a "Secret Society" but the term could hardly be less accurate. In
most parts of the world members proudly wear identifying rings, pins or other jewelry (some
members, exhibiting rather poor taste, walk about festooned with pins and medals). Often,
Masons put identifying badges or decals on their cars and the buildings where they meet are
clearly and plainly marked.
The only true secrets of Masonry are the "modes of recognition" (grips and passwords) and
even these have been documented to the world at large for nearly 3 centuries. Almost
concurrent with the fraternity's public acknowledgement of its existence, sensational
(sometimes lurid) accounts of the "inner workings" of the Lodge have been published by
those who were well-meaning, gullible or unscrupulous. Despite these disclosures,
Freemasonry's rituals remain unchanged. Masons continue to protect these "secrets" from
the uninitiated because of their traditional importance to the Craft and because the integrity of
the individual member is paramount. Taking (and honoring) an obligation to maintain the
private nature of the fraternity's rituals continues the traditions of the past and pays homage
to those who have gone before us.
In most parts of the world, no one will ever ask you to join the fraternity. Masons believe that
a man must come to the Craft "of his own free will and accord" and that to solicit a
prospective member makes it impossible for him to truthfully say that he sought admission
free of undue influence or mercenary motives. The expression "2 B 1 ASK 1" is employed by
many in the fraternity as a (somewhat) subtle way of letting those outside of the organization
know that if they desire to join, they must seek out a member and ask for an application.
"So far as I am acquainted with the principles and doctrines of
Freemasonry, I conceive it to be founded in benevolence and
to be exercised for the good of mankind."
- George Washington
Freemasonry, I conceive it to be founded in benevolence and
to be exercised for the good of mankind."
- George Washington
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