Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal societies. Volumes have been written about it but even in today’s modern high-tech age, to many, it remains shrouded in myth, mystery and misconceptions
Freemasonry is not, as many perceive it to be, a Secret Society. It is a body that operates openly for Charitable Purposes and is secular in nature. It is not a religion and does not seek to replace it or serve as a form of substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. It is multi-racial, multi-cultural and is non-political and as such has no associated agenda or affiliations. Indeed, the discussion of politics at Lodge Meetings is strictly forbidden.
Freemasonry is directly descended from associations of operative stone masons, the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who travelled throughout Europe employing the skills and secrets of their craft.
In was in the 17th century when the building of cathedrals was in decline, that many guilds of stonemasons, known as “Operative Masons”, or “Free Masons”, began to admit members who were not members of their craft, calling them “Speculative Masons”, or “Accepted Masons”. Towards the end of the century these “Accepted Masons” had become predominant, and Lodges began to emphasize and teach moral philosophy and spiritual values rather than the technical and operative aspects of earlier ages. Tools and customs of stone masons are still however used today in the Lodge as allegorical guides.
The substantial funds raised annually by Freemasonry, from its members and activities, is used for a wide range of charitable purposes including medical research, disaster relief, community care, education and work with young people.
You may see Freemasonry described as a way of life, but it is perhaps more accurately an approach to life. That approach places family first but embodies morality, thoughtfulness, honesty, courtesy and fairness with a deep concern for the less fortunate and the provision of help and care for those in need.
