The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. 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. Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society.

It is a non-profit organization involved in charitable, educational and civic projects. It is not a secret society, 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. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.

Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions. An essential requirement is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute.

It teaches the "Golden Rule." It seeks to make good men better through its firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man and the immortality of the soul. The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings. Masonry has no creed, no priesthood, and no plan for salvation. Neither is it an offspring of any church, ancient or modern. It espouses none of them nor is it subservient to any. While Masonry does require a belief in a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity), each Mason worships in his own fashion according to his religious faith, whether he be Christian, Jew, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Buddhist or Hindu.

Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must ask or have (depending upon Masonic Jurisdiction) a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

A Masonic (Blue) Lodge will meet one or two evenings per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon Petitions for Membership. And which a Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (Master Mason's) Degree. It is here, where the principals of Freemasonry are taught. There is no higher degree in Freemasonry than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:

Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Freemasons are taught to practice 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. 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.

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.

Masonry does not solicit members. No one is asked to join, and a man must seek admission of his own free will, he must ask. A man interested in becoming a Mason, should consult a friend whom he believes to be a Freemason to secure his good counsel and recommendation concerning this important undertaking.

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

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 ay way conflict with its member'studies 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 dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

"Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold and silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are earned and paid in their dealings with one another; sympathy that begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason."

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)