What is Freemasonry?
History dating back centuries, core beliefs, lodge structure, degrees, charitable work, and everything you need to know about the world's oldest fraternity.
A Brief History
From medieval stonemason guilds to a global fraternity of over a million members
Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization. With roots stretching back to the medieval stonemason guilds that built Europe's great cathedrals, it has evolved into a global brotherhood united by shared moral principles, charitable work, and a commitment to personal growth. Today, an estimated 1.1 million Freemasons meet in over 10,000 lodges across the United States alone.
Freemasonry came to America with the earliest colonists. Benjamin Franklin published the first Masonic book in America in 1734. During the Revolutionary era, at least nine signers of the Declaration of Independence and thirteen signers of the Constitution were Freemasons. George Washington served as the Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 and took the presidential oath of office on a Masonic Bible.
The Three Great Tenets
Core principles that unite Freemasons across all jurisdictions and backgrounds
Brotherly Love
Every Mason is taught to regard the entire human species as one family, created by one Almighty Parent. Masons are expected to aid, support, and protect one another, and to extend compassion to all people.
Relief
Masons are taught to soothe the unhappy, sympathize with the misfortunes of others, and practice charity without expectation of reward. Masonic charitable giving in the US is estimated at over $1 million per day.
Truth
Masons are charged to practice sincerity and plain dealing, to be honest in their interactions, and to pursue knowledge and self-improvement throughout their lives.
Important distinction: Freemasonry is not a religion. It requires members to believe in a Supreme Being but prescribes no specific theology. Masons of all faiths — Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and others — sit together in lodge as brothers. Freemasonry encourages each member to be active in his own house of worship.
How Lodges Are Structured
From local Blue Lodges to appendant bodies and Grand Lodges
Independent Jurisdictions
Each U.S. state plus D.C. has its own sovereign Grand Lodge. There is no single worldwide governing body — each Grand Lodge is independent and self-governing. Explore Texas, California, Florida, and Ohio lodges in our directory.
Principal Officers
A Blue Lodge is led by the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, plus Treasurer, Secretary, and Deacons. Officers serve one-year elected terms.
Main Appendant Paths
The York Rite (Knights Templar) and Scottish Rite (4th-33rd degrees) offer additional degrees but do not confer higher rank than Master Mason.
Membership at 3rd Degree
A Master Mason is a full member of the fraternity regardless of any additional appendant degree work undertaken.
Beyond the Blue Lodge, Masons may choose to join appendant bodies that offer additional degrees and experiences. The two main paths are the York Rite (which culminates in the Knights Templar) and the Scottish Rite (which confers degrees from the 4th through the 33rd). These are voluntary and do not confer higher rank — a Master Mason is a full member of the fraternity regardless of any additional degrees.
The Three Degrees of Masonry
A progressive system teaching moral and philosophical lessons
Entered Apprentice
The candidate is initiated into the fraternity. This degree introduces the fundamental principles of Masonry and the working tools (the 24-inch gauge and common gavel). It represents youth and the beginning of the Masonic journey.
Fellowcraft
The Mason is "passed" to the second degree. This stage emphasizes education, intellectual development, and the liberal arts and sciences. The Fellowcraft climbs the Winding Staircase of knowledge. It represents manhood and active pursuit of learning.
Master Mason
The Mason is "raised" to the sublime degree of Master Mason. This degree contains the central legend of Freemasonry — the story of Hiram Abiff, architect of King Solomon's Temple. It teaches lessons about fidelity, integrity, and the immortality of the soul.
Learn more in our complete guide to Masonic Degrees Explained.
What Happens at Meetings
The structure and experience of a typical Masonic stated communication
Masonic meetings (called "stated communications") are held on a regular schedule, typically once or twice per month. Members participate in rituals, business discussions, charitable planning, and educational presentations.
Opening & Closing Rituals
The lodge is formally opened with a brief ritual that sets the meeting apart from ordinary life and reminds members of their obligations. The meeting concludes with a closing ceremony.
Lodge Business
The Secretary reads minutes, the lodge discusses business items, considers petitions from men seeking membership, and receives reports from committees.
Education & Degrees
Educational presentations are a regular feature. Members give talks on Masonic history, symbolism, or philosophy. Degree ceremonies involve dramatic presentations teaching moral lessons through allegory.
The Festive Board
After formal closing, members share a meal together called the "festive board" — often the most valued part of the evening, fostering brotherhood and camaraderie.
Masonic Charitable Work
One of the world's largest charitable organizations, giving over $2 million daily in the US
Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable organizations in the world. In the United States alone, Masonic bodies contribute millions of dollars annually to charitable causes. Major Masonic charities include the Shriners Hospitals for Children (a network of hospitals providing free orthopedic and burn care), the Scottish Rite Children's Language Disorders Clinics, Masonic scholarship programs, and local lodge community assistance.
Hospitals & Medical
Shriners Hospitals for Children operate a network of 22 hospitals providing orthopedic care, burn treatment, and cleft care free to children regardless of ability to pay.
Education
Masonic lodges fund scholarships, youth programs, mentoring, and direct support to public schools. Millions invested annually in student success.
Community Relief
Local lodges organize blood drives, food pantries, disaster relief, housing assistance, and community support programs year-round.
Beyond organized charities, individual lodges are deeply involved in their communities. The Masonic Service Association coordinates relief efforts during natural disasters, deploying resources to help affected communities.
Notable Freemasons
U.S. Presidents, astronauts, inventors, and leaders across every field
Freemasonry has counted among its members some of history's most influential figures. In American history, 14 U.S. Presidents were Freemasons: George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Gerald Ford.
Benjamin Franklin
Inventor, statesman, diplomat
John Hancock
First signer of Declaration of Independence
Marquis de Lafayette
Revolutionary War hero
John Glenn
Astronaut, U.S. Senator
Buzz Aldrin
Walked on the moon
Nat King Cole
Legendary musician
Duke Ellington
Jazz legend
John Wayne
Film icon
The fraternity's membership has always reflected a cross-section of society — from presidents and astronauts to teachers, farmers, and small business owners.
Common Myths About Freemasonry
Separating fact from fiction about the world's most misunderstood fraternity
Myth: Secret Society
Freemasonry is a society with private traditions. Lodge buildings are publicly listed and often prominently marked. Members wear rings and display car emblems. What remains private are certain modes of recognition and specific details of degree ceremonies — not unlike traditions in any organization.
Myth: Controls Government
While many government leaders have been Masons, Masonic lodges explicitly prohibit political discussion at meetings. Freemasonry has no political agenda and takes no positions on political issues. The presence of Masons in government reflects the fraternity's emphasis on civic engagement, not conspiracy.
Myth: Only for the Wealthy
Masonic dues are typically modest — often between $100 and $300 per year, comparable to a gym membership. The fraternity has always drawn from all walks of life. Many lodges offer payment plans and charitable assistance for members facing financial hardship.
Myth: Excludes Women
While traditional Freemasonry admits only men, several Masonic-affiliated organizations for women and families exist: the Order of the Eastern Star, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and Job's Daughters International. Co-Masonic organizations admitting both genders also exist worldwide.
Myth: Devil Worship
This is one of the most persistent myths with no basis in fact. Freemasonry requires belief in God and encourages members to practice their own faith. The fraternity's rituals draw from biblical narratives. Anti-Masonic devil worship claims originated from hoax documents in the 1800s that have been thoroughly debunked.
Myth: Not a Real Religion
Correct. Freemasonry is not a religion. It requires members to believe in a Supreme Being but prescribes no specific theology, offers no sacraments, and makes no claims about salvation. Members of all faiths are welcome and encouraged to practice their own religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about Freemasonry
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