What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry (or Masonry) is the oldest fraternal organization in the world. Though its origins can be traced to the stonemasons and cathedral builders of Medieval times, Freemasonry remains a vital force in the daily lives of millions of men across the globe.
Through a series of degrees and ceremonies, the values of Freemasonry are passed from generation to generation, Mason to Mason, in a timeless and tireless effort to make good men better. These degrees provide a framework that affects every aspect of modern life and are based on the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Every year in virtually every city and town across America, thousands of men join the ranks of Freemasonry. Men of honor and integrity. Of charity and obligation. Each with a vow to be the best they can be. To be more than just a man. To be a Mason.
What Is A Freemason?
A Freemason is a man who has taken an obligation to uphold our timeless principles of Brotherly love, relief, and truth. Beyond these basics, being a Freemason means so much more. A Freemason is a man who is committed to bettering himself and his community, having taken a solemn vow to help and mentor his Masonic Brothers do the same. A Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.
There are three degrees in Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Most men advance to the level of Master Mason, some over the course of months; others may accomplish this goal over years. But once a man has taken his first obligation as an Entered Apprentice, he is, once and forever, a Freemason.
Principles of Freemasonry
The core ethical principles of Freemasonry are about compassion and tolerance for all mankind. Freemasons do not use their position in the fraternity to advance an agenda, whether it be political, professional, religious, or secular.
THE THREE TENETS OF FREEMASONRY INCLUDE:
BROTHERLY LOVE -Devotion to and caring for each other and our community
RELIEF - Concern for and selfless giving to those in distress
TRUTH - Using knowledge, honesty, and understanding to build ourselves into better men
What Is A Masonic Lodge?
The term "lodge" itself comes from the structures which the stonemasons built against the sides of the cathedrals during construction. In winter, when building had to stop, they lived in these lodges and worked at carving stone.
But a Masonic lodge is more than a building; it is a living, breathing organization made up of and sustained by the members themselves. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life.
Above all, a Masonic lodge represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time.
Masonic Symbolism
Freemasonry is rife with symbolism, and, while much has been made about the secrets and mysteries of the craft, most of its famous symbols are straightforward in meaning.
Of the many symbols of Freemasonry, the most prominent is the square and compasses. The unofficial trademark of Freemasonry, these symbols are said to have descended from the stonemasons, or operative masons, of old and represent the actual tools they used as builders.
In modern-day Freemasonry, the square represents honor, integrity, truthfulness, and the ways in which we should relate to the people around us. The compasses represent the importance of self-control and of leading a truly spiritual life. The G stands for God, who must reside at the center of our thoughts and deeds as Freemasons.
Using these symbols is an easy way to remind ourselves as men and Freemasons of the obligation we have to lead a true and virtuous life.
Freemasonry & Charity
The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. We gather together to help each other become better men and to forge a better world.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick, and the aged. This work continues today. More than 2.6 million dollars is raised each day to help people in need with large donations given to national and local charities.
Join with men of honor and integrity. Of deep caring with a devotion to helping others. Each with a vow to be the best they can be.
Freemasonry Degrees
Entered Apprentice
As a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity, this degree is intended to be an introduction to Masonry. It is, like all Masonic ceremonies, a solemn and meaningful event. The Entered Apprentice is entrusted with secrets of the Masonic Order, which are all moral and ethical in nature, and is expected to honor them in accordance with Masonic law.
Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice degree, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.”
Fellowcraft
Fellowcraft is a term used by the ancient Guilds of Operative Masons that refers to skilled members of the craft – a literal ‘fellow of the craft.’ Within Freemasonry, the Fellowcraft references a more advanced search for Masonic wisdom, symbolism, and philosophy. For skilled craftsmen, this degree would have marked a person’s progress from an apprentice to a journeyman, which brings with it increased responsibility, learning, and work. Once completed, the candidate may advance to the third and final degree.
Master Mason
The third degree symbolizes man’s maturity in life or age and his increase in knowledge and wisdom. The last of the lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree completes the initiation ceremonies into the fraternity, and the new Master Mason may enjoy both the rights and responsibilities of membership. A Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world, sharing in fraternal fellowship with like-minded men who now share a common bond.
Family of Freemasonry
Beyond the symbolic lodge, there are a number of additional Masonic-affiliated organizations.
The three most well-known appendant bodies are:
-
Shriners International
-
32º Scottish Rite Freemasonry
-
York Rite
Each of these appendant bodies hold as its membership prerequisite that a man remain a Master Mason in good standing.
32º Scottish Rite Freemasonry
32º Scottish Rite Freemasonry supplements and amplifies the teachings conferred in the symbolic lodge (also known as blue lodge). The Scottish Rite allows any Master Mason to journey deeper into the ethical teachings and philosophy taught in the symbolic lodge, which consists of the first three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Through 29 additional degrees, Scottish Rite Masons come together for fellowship, fraternity, and the opportunity to explore the core values of Masonry. 32º Scottish Rite Freemasons put these teachings into action through an unwavering commitment to charitable works, and an equal dedication to self-improvement.
York Rite
The York Rite, also known as the American Rite, is based on the early remnants of Craft Masonry and consists of the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Council of Royal and Select Master, and Commandery of Knights Templar. While these three bodies are governed independently, they are all considered to be a part of the York Rite.
The York Rite provides the opportunity for Master Masons to continue the journey of self-improvement through degrees based on Biblical and medieval history and charitable activities.
Masonic Youth Leadership
Beyond the symbolic lodge, there are a number of additional Masonic-affiliated organizations.
In addition, two world-class masonic youth leadership organizations include DeMolay International and Job's Daughters.
DeMolay International
DeMolay, the premier international youth leadership organization, strives to shape young men into leaders of character.
By epitomizing timeless values, and accepting the challenge of leadership - both of character and of action - the young men of DeMolay transform themselves into citizens of the highest caliber.
Each young man takes ownership of his DeMolay experience. From generating ideas, planning events, coordinating logistics, and executing their plans, each DeMolay Chapter is responsible for defining their success. All of this is accomplished under the mentorship of trained Advisors, selected from the local community, enabling each Chapter to be uniquely tailored to support the interests of its members.
DeMolay is an inclusive organization that only asks of young men interested to believe in a higher being.
Job's Daughters
Job’s Daughters International (JDI) is a Masonic youth organization for girls between the ages of 10 and 20. JDI has chapters called “Bethels” in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines.
Job’s Daughters is a premier organization for young women that teaches the values of leadership, public speaking, charity, respect for parents and elders, and teamwork. Members participate in a variety of activities such as: bimonthly meetings, fundraisers, service projects, leadership workshops, theme parties, dances and so much more.
Members are girls and young women who are related to or are sponsored by a Master Mason and believe in a higher power.
Daughters of the Nile
Daughters of the Nile is an international fraternal organization for women 18 years of age or older. They are related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason, or a Daughters of the Nile. They may also be a majority member in good standing of a Masonic-related organization for girls, or a former patient at a Shriners Hospitals for Children® (with or without a Masonic relationship). Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1913, Daughters of the Nile members total over 15,000 in 126 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. Our members are proud of their long association with Shriners International and their continuing support of Shriners Children’s™.
The Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent funds to benefit Shriners Children’s™. The Daughters of the Nile Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charity) administers funds in the United States. In Canada, the funds are administered by the Daughters of the Nile Canadian Trust Foundation.
Our one and only charitable endeavor is Shriners Children’s™ and their network of medical facilities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are renowned for providing the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and many other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family centered, and collaborative care environment. Shriners Children’s™ also provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals and cutting-edge research into new treatments and procedures to improve the lives of children and their families.
The Daughters of the Nile maintain two permanent funds to benefit Shriners Children’s™. The Daughters of the Nile Foundation (a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charity) administers funds in the United States. In Canada, the funds are administered by the Daughters of the Nile Canadian Trust Foundation.
Our one and only charitable endeavor is Shriners Children’s™ and their network of medical facilities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They are renowned for providing the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, cleft lip and palate, and many other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family centered, and collaborative care environment. Shriners Children’s™ also provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals and cutting-edge research into new treatments and procedures to improve the lives of children and their families
Order of the Eastern Star
The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated men and women who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good by giving their time to meaningful projects that benefit mankind.
The origins of the Order of the Eastern Star dates back to the mid-19th century. Dr. Rob Morris was a Freemason, Master Mason and Poet Laureate of Masonry, who made it is his mission to share the principles of Masonry with women. He and his wife, Charlotte Mendenhall Morris, developed the concepts and beliefs that formed the foundation for the Order of the Eastern Star.
The foundation of the Order utilizes beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of all Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to build an environment for our members, and our Order, that is truly dedicated to Charity, Truth, and Loving Kindness by uplifting each other and through service in our local communities.
The real origin of the Order of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of “Female Masonry” or “Androgynous Degrees,” i.e., degrees for both men and women. There appeared at that time to be a demand for “Side Degrees” or Degrees conferred on ladies and quite a list sprang up: “Heroines of Jericho,” “Danger in the Dark,” “Tall Cedars of Lebanon,” and others. These were extensively used, but soon fell into decay due to lack of lasting worth.
The real origin and honor of the Eastern Star initiatory degrees belongs to Dr. Rob Morris and this origin comes under the First Era. It wasn’t until 1850, while confined to his home after an accident, that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees. During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism, the significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers. He also established the Order’s signs and passes; the colors and emblems; and defined the fundamental principles that have remained unchanged throughout the years. The so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives. Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.
Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry and founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, was also never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men. Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family, but the laws of the ancient Order of Masonry did not allow women to be eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought to develop a method by which women could share with the Masonic Brothers the same inspiration that “prompts man to noble deeds” and the basis for the Order of Eastern Star was born.
The First Era of the Order of Eastern Star extended from 1850 to 1866, under Dr. Morris’ leadership. In 1850, Dr. Morris selected the Biblical heroines representing the heroic conduct, high moral values and noble principles of this fledgling Order. The Second Era extended from 1866 to 1876, under the leadership of Robert Macoy of New York. The Third Era, 1876 to the present time, saw the establishment of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Of these Eras, the first is perhaps the most important as it prepared the way for the other two.
The first ceremony book for the Order was compiled and published under the title of “The Rosary of the Eastern Star.” In 1866, Dr. Morris became associated with Mr. Robert Macoy, who took over the planning and organization of the Order. In 1867 and 1868, Mr. Macoy compiled and published a Ritual, using Dr. Morris’ Rosary as a guide. This was the beginning of the organization of the Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in the United States, as well as internationally. The first Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Michigan in 1867.
While the Order of the Eastern Star has evolved over time, its tenets, ceremonies and fundamental principles have remained relatively unchanged. The Order is an active and successful worldwide fraternal, non-profit, charitable service organization with dedicated members who are making a positive difference in their local communities and ultimately, the world.
Widows Sons
The Widow Sons Masonic Riders Association is an international association comprised of Master Masons in good standing who are members of their local Widows Sons Chapter.
The Widow Sons was founded in 1999 with the intention to offer aid and assistance to Masonic Widows and Orphans. Still holding strong to that commitment, the Widow Sons offer regular charitable donations to Masonic and other charities to help benefit a broad base of society throughout the world.
Widow Sons do not speak for nor represent any specific Masonic body. Each Widows Sons governing body is independent of other Widows Sons governing bodies.
-
The focus of Widows Sons is to:
-
Contribute to the relief of Widow's and Orphans;
-
Introduce the sport of motorcycling to fellow Masonic Brothers;
-
Raise Masonic awareness in the world of sport motorcycling;
-
Support our Blue Lodge through regular attendance and assisting with lodge events; and
-
Represent the fraternity in a positive light at all times.
