What is Freemasonry?

Published by the Board of General Purposes of the United Grand Lodge of England
Introduction

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. This text is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas. The explanation may correct some misconceptions. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.

The Essential Qualification for Membership

The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and are of good repute.

The Three Great Principles

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:

• Brotherly Love — Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
• Relief — Freemasons are taught to practise charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
• Truth — Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.

Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

Charity

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Freemasonry and Society

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else’s business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

Secrecy

The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. Since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. Its aims and principles are well known and documented. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.

Freemasonry and Politics

Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.

Other Masonic Bodies

Freemasonry is practised under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England. There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters. These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England as being masonically regular, and masonic contact with them is forbidden.

What we stand for

There are indeed many public perceptions of what Freemasonry is, we are sometimes perceived as being detrimental to the welfare of society, we have also suffered over the years, because of our ‘dignified silence’ when being derided by the waves of public opinion. We are also rightly perceived as being hard working, philanthropic and socially conscientious.

We as masons, are taught from a very early ‘Masonic’ age, that we should strive to achieve all the ideals which are good in man, to advance our personal understanding of our lives and how best we can enrich them by service to our fellow man and the community, and to advance, as individuals, and to bring a greater understanding and meaning to our relationship with God, whoever we perceive him to be.

What we do

We meet in our Lodges four, five or more times a year, normally in a purpose built building. During the meetings we, like any other charitable organisation, read the minutes, discuss propositions, discuss charitable and philanthropic matters and perform ceremonies as required within the order to advance people by merit to the higher degrees. These degrees being the attainable goals with which were are all set. We also try to advance our knowledge of ancient history and the purposes of Freemasonry by listening to lectures.

Roles in a ‘lodge’

There are various “offices” or “positions” within a lodge and the post is traditionally held for one year. There are a set number of offices, which have to exist but there are also some, which are not required as a normal part of the functioning of the lodge.

There are various officers who have very specific tasks, for example the Secretary and Treasurer, whose offices need no further explanation here, there is also the ‘chairman’, he is called the Worshipful Master. His duty is to preside over the lodge and to conduct all matters arising within the lodge.

There are officers who are responsible for ensuring the management of the lodge itself, these officers are called the Director of Ceremonies and his assistant.

There are officers who deal with the brethren who are taking part in our ceremonies, they are called Deacons, there are also the officers who are responsible for the security of the lodge, they are called the Inner Guard and the Outer guard or Tyler.

There is also a very important set of officers who responsibility is to ensure the comfort of our guests and visitors and to ensure that they are made comfortable and welcome, these fine body of men are called the stewards.

The offices which not required, but take great place of pride within a lodge, are the Almoner, whose responsibility is to see to the welfare of the members and their families, and the Charity steward, whose responsibility is to encourage the membership to contribute to the various charities which we support.

Conclusion

A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to God (by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service. None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.