What Are Masons?

Masons, or Freemasons, belong to a fraternity of like-minded men dedicated to morality and the betterment of mankind. Though shrouded in arcane rituals and a certain amount of mysticism, they remain an enlightened and benevolent organization. Many of America's Founding Fathers were Freemasons, and the organization has established a number of charities and philanthropic groups dedicated to helping the less fortunate. There are currently about five million members, most of whom can be found in Great Britain, France, Canada, Australia and the United States.

Origins

The origins of Masonry are somewhat nebulous. Some have suggested that they grew out of workers' guilds in the Middle Ages, while others maintain they began in biblical times with the rise of King Solomon. Whatever the truth of the matter, they were well-established by the mid-17th century. The Grand Lodge of London was created in 1717, and this is generally regarded as the official founding of the movement. Masonic groups spread quickly throughout the civilized world, with the first American Lodge appearing in Boston in 1733.

Lodges and Meetings

Masons refer to their meeting places as "Lodges." There, they conduct ceremonies, share meals and interact in an official capacity. Lodge meetings typically take place once a month, and entail discussions of lodge business, induction of new members, and study of the various tenets and teachings upon which the organization is built. Each lodge is more or less an independent entity, and there is no larger organization above it. Lodge masters, called Worshipful Masters hold authority over those members beneath them, and a single Grand Lodge holds authority over a given geographical area.

Traditions

Many Masons cite the age-old traditions of their order as part of the appeal of membership. Indeed, Masons place a great deal of emphasis on the formality of these traditions, which include handshakes, type of clothing worn during meetings and a certain structure to the ceremonies. Because of such customs, and the privacy involved, Masons may seem somewhat cultish to outsiders. In truth, there's nothing sinister about their practices. Their adherence to tradition honors the Masons who came before them and reminds current members of their duties to the organization.

Philosophy

Above all, Freemasons stress the fraternity of man and the need to better the human condition through knowledge and goodwill. Members must exhibit compassion toward others, tolerance of alternate points of view, adherence to high moral standards and devotion to improving the community in which they live. Beyond that and a non-factional belief in a "Supreme Being," a Mason need only be an adult and dedicated to the organization itself.

Activities

Besides the meetings, Masons are most devoted to acts of charity, by which they hope to improve mankind's lot. They volunteer in their local communities, donate money to charitable organizations, and focus their attention on the sick, the aged and those without the means to care for themselves.