About Freemasonry

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity. It is a brotherhood of men committed to self-improvement, charity, and service to their communities. Freemasonry uses the tools and symbols of the stonemason's craft to teach moral and ethical lessons — lessons about integrity, kindness, honesty, and personal responsibility.

Freemasonry is not a religion, though it requires a belief in a Supreme Being. It is not a secret society — it is a society with traditions. Masons meet openly, their buildings are clearly marked, and their charitable work is a matter of public record. The "secrets" of Masonry are simply the modes of recognition between members and the details of our ritual ceremonies.

Who Are the Freemasons?

Freemasons come from every walk of life. Doctors, teachers, laborers, businessmen, artists, soldiers, and public servants. What unites them is a shared commitment to being better men, better fathers, better citizens. From George Washington to Henry Ford, from astronauts to your neighbor — Masons are everywhere, quietly making a difference.

Masonic working tools — the square, level, and plumb

Brothers at a charitable event

What Do Masons Do?

At our core, Masons gather to: practice and preserve our ritual ceremonies (passed down for centuries), support each other as brothers through life's challenges, give back to our communities through charity and service, and pursue personal growth and self-improvement.

Masonic charity is vast. In the United States alone, Masonic organizations contribute over $2 million per day to charitable causes — including hospitals (like Shriners Hospitals for Children), scholarships, disaster relief, and community programs.

The Three Degrees

Masonry is taught through three progressive degrees, each building on the last:

Entered Apprentice — The first degree. An introduction to Masonic principles, the beginning of the journey. The candidate learns the fundamentals of the craft.
Fellowcraft — The second degree. A deeper exploration of knowledge, science, and the liberal arts. The winding staircase.
Master Mason — The third and highest degree in Craft Masonry. The completion of the symbolic journey. The legend of the Temple.

How to Become a Mason

Freemasonry does not recruit. The tradition is that a man must come of his own free will. The Masonic motto for prospective members is simple: 2B1ASK1 — "To be one, ask one."

Requirements

Be a man, at least 18 years of age
Believe in a Supreme Being (Masonry welcomes men of all faiths)
Be of good moral character
Be recommended by a current Mason (or reach out to us — we're happy to talk)
Have a sincere desire for self-improvement and service to others

What to Expect

When you express interest, you'll be invited to meet with members of the lodge. This is a conversation — we want to get to know you, and we want you to get to know us. There is no pressure. If it's a good fit, you'll petition the lodge, and after a favorable vote, you'll begin your Masonic journey with the Entered Apprentice degree.

2B1ASK1 — To Be One, Ask One

"Masonry does not ask: 'What church does a man go to?' But rather: 'Does he go to any church at all?'"

Beyond the Blue Lodge

After becoming a Master Mason, many brothers choose to continue their Masonic journey through appendant bodies.

Scottish Rite

The Scottish Rite confers the 4th through 32nd degrees, exploring philosophy, history, and ethics through elaborate dramatic ceremonies.

York Rite

The York Rite includes the Royal Arch, Cryptic Council, and Knights Templar — a Christian-focused chivalric order.

Shriners

The Shriners (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) are known for their philanthropy, especially the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Common Questions

Is Freemasonry a secret society?

No. Masonry is a society with traditions. Our meeting places are marked, our members are known, and our charitable work is public. The only "secrets" are our modes of recognition and the details of our degree ceremonies.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No. Masonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being but is not itself a religion. It has no theology, no sacraments, and does not claim to offer salvation. Men of all faiths are welcome.

Can women be Masons?

Traditional Freemasonry is a male fraternity. However, there are related organizations for women, including the Order of the Eastern Star, which welcomes women with Masonic family connections.