Public Info

Masonry is not a “secret society” but a society with secrets. A secret society is one of which the membership, aims and ideals are unknown. There is no secret about who is, and who is not, a Freemason. Lodges publish their rosters. Contact Us. Many Grand Lodges publish the names of their members in Annual Proceedings. The world at large knows that the aims and ideals of Freemasonry are religious, charitable, friendly, and fraternal. See related links in About Us.

What is secret in Freemasonry is well phrased in the Ninth Landmark as adopted by the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. “The legend of the third degree; the means of recognition; the methods of conferring degrees; the obligation of those degrees and the ballot of every brother are, and must continue to be, inviolably secret.”

NB Notes: In one of my readings, I came across this well-phrased explanation as to the issue of secrecy or secretiveness, etc. “In this regard, all human groups and institutions have “secrets”, or better still, PRIVATE affairs which for good reasons they do not wish to be made public. Families have discussion on subjects which do not, and should not, concern their neighbors. Governmental bodies meet behind closed doors to resolve problems affecting the state without publicity. Church councils convene apart from the general congregation, permitting a more direct approach to situations demanding prompt action. … While all these are done privately – “secretly”, if you will – this is hardly evidence that the subjects under discussions, or resolutions made, are in any way unwholesome. Thus, if families, governmental bodies, church councils, civic organizations, and directors of industries have private matters which they wish to discuss away from the public, it is only reasonable that a lodge of Freemasons should want to meet behind tiled doors while peacefully engaged in the lawful pursuits of Freemasonry.

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Why are we called “Freemasons”? What is Free?

There are many theories: a man was a Freemason because his ancestors were not slaves nor was he a slave; he was so called because he was free within his Guild, or free of the Guild’s laws and could thus “travel to foreign countries” and work where he would; he was a Freemason because he worked in freestone, which is any stone that can be cut, smoothed, carved in any directions; he was free when he had passed his apprenticeship and became a Fellow of the Craft; he was free when he had left the status of serf or villein* and legally became free.

Probably, at one time or another, masons were called Freemasons for any of these reasons or for all of them. The consensus leans to the theory that the Freemason was such because of his skill, knowledge and abilities which set him free of those conditions, laws, rules and customs which circumscribed masons of lesser abilities in the building of the Cathedral.

NB Notes/Definition

Villein - any of a class of feudal serfs who by the 13th cent. had become freemen in their legal relations to all except their lord, to whom they remained subject as slaves.

Note that the craftsmen of the olden times (Renaissance in Europe before and after) traveled from workplace to workplace building cathedrals and other edifices. In the allegory, one must have KS passport to travel to Ethiopia, hence some were not “free” to travel until the completion of the Temple.

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Is Freemasonry a religion or has it a religion?

No to both questions. “A” religion connotes some particular religion. Freemasonry is nonsectarian. Before its altar Christian, Jew, Mohammedan, Buddhist, Gentile, Confucian may kneel together. If the question be phrased "is Freemasonry religious" then the obvious answer is that an institution "erected to God" which begins its ceremonies and ends its meeting with prayer; which has a Holy Book upon its Altar; which preaches the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, of course has a religious character, although. let it be emphasized again, wholly nonsectarian. All Grand Lodges require their initiates to express a belief and trust in God. No atheist can be made a Mason.

NB's Opinion: The focal point of a tyled (tiled) lodge is the Masonic Altar with the "Volume of the Sacred Law". This is the more appropriate term to use when explaining this issue to the uninitiated. Be conscious and sensitive to the non-Christian brethren (or to a future brother). We refer to one Great Light as the Holy Bible. Yes... for predominantly Christian countries. Remember though, that we have brothers from the Islamic, Judaic and other monotheistic faiths.

Why do Masons wear Apron?

The apron is said to more ancient and honorable than certain orders and decorations. The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded by Philip, Duke of Burgundy in 1429.

The Roman Eagle was Rome’s symbol and ensign of power and might a hundred years before Christ. The Order of the Star was created by John II of France in the middle of the 14thCentury. The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III of England in 1349 for himself and 25 Knights of the Garter. The Masonic Apron is more ancient than these is a provable fact. In avering that it is more honorable, the premise “when worthily worn” is understood. The apron is “more honorable than the Start and Garter” when all that it teaches is exemplified in the life of the wearer.

Symbol of honorable labor. The material of the Masonic apron – lambskin – is the symbol of innocence, as the lamb has always been. But for “innocence” do not read “ignorant”. The word describes those who do no injury to others, not those to whom injury maybe done because they know little.

There is special symbolism in the different ways in which Freemasons are taught to wear their aprons, emblematic of a progress from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge.

The use of the apron is extremely old, not, as with operative Masons, as a protector of clothing and body against tools and stone, but as a badge of honor. It was so used by the priest of Israel, by the candidates for the mysteries of Mithras in Persia, by the ancient Japanese in religious worship. Ethiopia knew aprons as did Egypt. In all times and climes, it has been a badge of distinction. It is such that a Mason wears it.

Color and material are important in its symbolism but Masonry admits the “symbol of the symbol” – as for instance, and electric light in place of a candle. Hence a Mason has ore than once been “properly clothed” when the lambskin aprons of the lodge were all in use and he came through the tiled door clad in a white handkerchief! Click here for the Masonic Apron Presentation. Back to the List

What are Ancient Landmarks?

Various Grand Lodges have “adopted” various “list of Ancient Landmarks” and thus have given the tenets in the list the force of law in those Grand Lodges. But no Grand Lodge can make or unmake a landmark; any more than the Congress of the United States can make or unmake a law of nature. Congress might pass a law saying that the law of gravitation was hereafter to be inoperative, but presumably an apple rolling from a table would still fall to the floor.

Grand Lodges which leave landmarks undefined and unrestricted by listing seem to have a better practice, just as those churches which do not list “the moral law” clause by clause seem to have better grasp of what it is.

The late great Charles C. Hunt, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, put this point of view in a few words:

“The Masonic conception of a landmark is fundamental law of Masonry which no body of men or Masons can repeal. Anything that can be adopted can be repealed. If a Grand Lodge has power to adopt, it has the power to repeal. It is the very fact that they are unalterable which makes the landmarks similar to scientific laws which cannot be changed or altered by any man or body of men.”

It is probable that all English speaking Grand Lodges will agree that at least seven Masonic fundamentals are landmarks. These are:

a. Monotheism, the sole dogma of Freemasonry (one God).

b. Belief in immortality, the ultimate lesson of Masonic philosophy

c. The Volume of the Sacred Law, an indispensable part of the furniture of the lodge.

d. The legend of the Third Degree

e. Secrecy.

f. The symbolism of the operative art.

g. A Mason must be a freeborn male adult.

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What is meant by “Esoteric Masonry”?

The secret portion of Masonry, which is hidden emblems, symbols, allegories, legends, and other forms of mystery, and wholly apart from monitorial teachings

Posting Lecture of the Degrees – What is the practice of Freemasonry in this matter?

Esoteric Masonry, the ritual and ceremonies of the different degrees of Symbolic Masonry, are conferred in emblems, symbols, allegories, legends, and must be committed to memory by the candidate following each degree and before advancing to the succeeding degree. Some brother gives the candidate instructions in private. From time immemorial it has been required that before accepting a candidate for the advancing degrees he must pass a creditable examination on the work of the previous degree in open lodge. The necessity for an adequate comprehension of the mysteries of each degree before passing to the succeeding degree, of proficiency in the work through which the candidate has already passed, is absolutely essential.

Why is the Masonry of today called "speculative"?

The word is used in the sense that the Masonry of today is theoretical, not practical, building; that it is a pursuit of knowledge, not of the construction of edifices (or buildings). Speculative masonry began with the practice of admitting to membership in operative lodges men who were not practical builders, stonecutters, architects, etc. but who were interested in the moral, ethical and philosophical teaching of the Fraternity.

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What distinction is attached to this principle of “brotherly love” among Masons?

The principle of brotherhood and the obligation of a distinct affection for fellow-members are characteristics of any organized society of men. Too often, however, brotherly love is a mere abstraction, an indefinable something that is not practiced, or if any effort is made to practice it, the individual is governed by selfish interest. In the Masonic Fraternity, the candidate for the mysteries of Freemasonry is impressed with the fact that the great principles of the Order are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth in the initiatory Rites, and throughout his advancement. The mode and manner for the practice of these principles are detailed in words and illustrated in symbols, so there can be no cause for error in understanding or failure in practice.

Certainly no Mason can fail to be fully acquainted with the Five Points of Fellowship; he should understand their symbolic meaning; the interesting incidents that accompanied their explanation can never be forgotten; and so long as he is controlled by this knowledge and retains this remembrance, he can not fail in his duties in the Practice of Brotherly Love.

Following prayers, why do we say "So Mote it be" after "Amen"?

"So Mote It Be" are final words in the Regius Poem. "Mote" is old English for "may." Masons have used the phrase since the beginning of the written history of the Craft. Freemasonry includes many other words, now obsolete, which bring the sanctity of age and the continuity of ritual from ancient days to modern times.

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Why do we call our leader “Worshipful Master”?

Few Masonic matters are less understood by the non-Masonic public than this. The word “worchyppe” or “worchyp” is Old English and means “greatly respected.” In the Wyclliffe Bible “Honor thy father and thy mother “ appears as “Worschyp thy fadir and thy modir.” English and Canadian mayors are still addressed “Your Worship.” In some of the Old Constitutions of Masonry is the phrase “Every Mason shall prefer his elder and put him to worship.”

“Worshipful” therefore in modern Masonry continues an ancient word meaning “greatly respected.” A Grand Master is “Most Worshipful”, that is “Most greatly respected” (Except in Pennsylvania where the GM is RW, as are Pennsylvania’s and Texas PGM).

Why are discussions of politics and religion forbidden in lodge?

The prohibition goes back to the early history of the Fraternity. It is written in the second paragraph of the sixth “Old Charge” (Behavior after the Lodge is over and the Brethren not gone); “No private Piques or Quarrels must be brought within the Door of the Lodge, far less any Quarrels about Religion or Nations, or State policy, we being only, as Masons, of the Catholick Religion above-mentioned; we are also of all Nations, Toungues, Kindreds, and Languages, and are resolved against all Politicks as what never yet conduc’d to the Welfare of the Lodge, nor ever will. This Charge has been always strictly enjoin’d and observ’d, but especially since the Reformation in Britain, or the Dissent and Secession of these Nations from the Communion of Rome.”

Freemasons today hold that the Old Charge prohibits lodge discussions of politics in the sense of partisan politics and religion in the sense of sectarian religion.

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Why do we have Rituals?

“Ritual is important! Our ceremonial rituals teach us of the history, heritage, and the principle and tenets of our Masonic Brotherhood. They inform us of our duties and obligations as men and as Masons. To strive to execute the rituals correctly, to cross the “Ts” and dot the “Is” in every case also teaches discipline, the discipline we need in every aspect of our lives to be God-fearing, God-serving men and Masons. No doubt, correctly executed ritual is impressive and absolutely necessary to impart the lessons it is to teach, especially to our candidates for membership.

The learning of the rituals of the degrees and orders require study and experience. Sessions and/or meetings to study and practice the rituals afford, in my opinion, an excellent time for the fellowship that strengthens our brotherhood, and it is an excellent time to grow our understanding and knowledge of who we are as a fraternity, where we came from, and what our purposes are. Also, and of prime importance, the ability to correctly confer ritual rightfully adds to the pride we have as members of our Masonic organizations.

The preparation for a monthly meeting to study and practice the ritual of a Commandery Order or any degree or order requires relatively little work. The operative word here is “relatively.” Schedule the meeting, arrange for inspectors and instructors, announce it, spread the word (talk it up), arrange for light refreshments, and then DO IT, and do it regularly. Participate. You and your fratres will like it.”…

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St. John the Baptist: why is he one of the patrons of Freemasonry?

The firm integrity of Saint John the Baptist, which induced him to forego every minor consideration in discharging the obligations he owed God; the unselfish firmness with which he met martrydom rather than betray his duty to his Master; his steady reproval of vice, and continued preaching of repentance and virtue, make him a firm patron of the Masonic Institution. His festival is celebrated on the 24^th of June.

St. John the Evangelist: why is he the other patron of Freemasonry?

The constant admonition of this Apostle, in his epistles, to the cultivation of brotherly love, and the mystic nature of his Apocalyptic visions, sometimes similar to the mystic communications of Freemasonry, are reasons for his veneration among Masons and for adopting him as a worthy patron. His festival is on the 27^th of December.

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What are the major working tools? How do meet, act and part?

Further information can be obtained of the working tools of a Fellowcraft Mason. It is half revealed and half concealed in the association of the level with the Senior Warden, the plumb with the Junior Warden and the square with the Master, particularly in the ceremonies of closing the lodge.

In a lodge, all brethren meet on the level of exact equality which is not concerned with brains, or education, or wealth or position, men are equal in a lodge in manhood and in Masonic right and Masonic character. We meet on the level means just what it says; Masons trust each other because they are, Masonically on the level with each other.

We “act by the plumb” in accord with Amos VII – the plumb line God said He would place “in the midst of my people Israel.” In other words, they were to be judged by their own plumb line, not another’s. Masons are to judge their fellows, if at all, by their fellow’s plumb line, not their own. One brother must not condemn another by personal standards; only when a brother is false to his own standards can he judge him.

To “part upon the square” signifies that while a square points in different directions, and men “part” to go each his own way, it is a known way, not a devious way, a wrong way, a bad way, but a “square” way. The Mason who goes his own way, so it is the square way, is never alone, even if out of sight oh his lodge and his brethren.

The square is the fundamental tool of the operative Mason; without its use no building would stand. It is the fundamental tool of the Speculative Mason; without square thoughts and actions, no spiritual building can stand.

How does one wear the ring?

No Grand Lodge has legislated upon the subject except North Carolina whose law states that a Mason should wear a ring so the tips of the compasses are pointed towards him. But this is suggestive, not mandatory. The consensus is that if a Masonic ring is worn to advise those see it that the wearer is a Master Mason, the tips of the compasses should be pointed towards the tips of the fingers. If the ring is worn to remind the wearer that he is a Master Mason, the ring should be worn with the tips of the compasses pointed towards the wrist. This, to remind him that wears, of where those vitals tenets of Masonry are contained.

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What are the Cardinal Virtues?

Some authorities think of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice only as moral principles, the use of which is Masonically taught. The consensus, however, is that they are symbolic in that their meanings can be extended beyond mere definitions. Thus temperance, usually taken to mean care in use of stimulants, Masonically means more, just as it did to Socrates, hundreds of years before it was woven into Freemasonry. Temperance means caution in action, speech, thought, feeling, judgment, life and living. Fortitude implies physical bravery, but Masonically, moral courage far more than physical. Prudence is not only selfish determination of “what is good for me” but use of common sense, reason, logic, in meeting a problem. Justice, a civic concept, is

Masonically allied with that with which it cannot really exist-mercy. Justice is a strict interpretation of the law which is an expression of the greatest good to the greatest number. Mercy is actually a tampering with, as well as a tempering of justice and implies that in special cases justice is insufficient. This moral dilemma of philosophy is not indicated ritualistically, but is implied by the fact that the first three cardinal virtues do have symbolic as well as a moral meaning.

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