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What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organisations in the world. It brings together men of good character from different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, who all share a belief in the brotherhood of mankind, and being the best versions of themselves possible. Freemasonry offers a system or blueprint for a good man to further improve his character and actions through its system of degrees and symbols.
How Many Freemasons Are There?
It is currently reported that worldwide membership totals more than 6 million Freemasons,
When Did Freemasonry Start?
Although modern Freemasonry is said to have been established in England in 1717. Which in all fairness, on the 24th June 1717 at the Goose and Gridiron Pub in London, saw the formation of the Grand Lodge of England as the first Masonic Grand Lodge and governing body. The oldest records held in the Library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland (formed 1736), are minutes of Lodge Aitcheson's Haven which commence on the 9th of January 1599.
Although its exact origins are lost in the unrecorded history of medieval times. Its roots are found in guilds of stonemasons that, from the end of the 13th century, regulated the qualifications of stonemasons.
As a stonemason grew in his craft, he was entered into the appropriate rank:
apprentice, journeyman (now called Fellow Craft) and master mason.
At each stage, the craftsman was entrusted with the secrets of each level, which include passwords and grips (or handshake) made known to him only upon due inspection of necessary proficiency by a master of the craft. This way, as stonemasons migrated across Europe to assist in building the next great cathedral, castle or palace, each man was assured proper pay and privilege commensurate with his skill level, and clients were assured of the quality of work.
Today, Freemasonry shares this same system of secrets, ritual and growth, though the work has shifted from building edifices to building oneself in good character.
What Are the Principles of Freemasonry?
At its core, Freemasons are a group of likeminded men committed to helping each other to the extent of their individual capabilities. We are bound and guided by our three core values.
Brotherly Love
Relief
Truth
The sharing of knowledge and experience through mentoring and coaching is seen as a key embodiment of our Masonic principles. In this modern, fast-paced and often isolating society, it is more important than ever that Masons endeavour to seek and share these basic truths and put them into action through a life that informs, influences and inspires others.
For hundreds of year, Freemasonry has provided a way for men all round the world to live up to their fullest potential along side other like minded men. Each mans dedication to his social, moral and intellectual development is something not common place within other modern organisations. Throughout history Masonic Lodges have been starting point for Masonic education, learning the values and tools required for self-improvement, enlightenment, and living a greater purpose. Through ritual, discussions and charitable works in the community, Masons strive to become the best versions of themselves possible, and just as importantly, help their brother Masons do the same.
What Is A Masonic Lodge & What Happens There?
A Masonic lodge is where local Freemasons meet and work. Though more than the building its self, a lodge is it's members and their collective approach to promote Masonic values and enjoy each others company.
The building itself can be as formal and auspicious as Freemason's Hall on George street in Edinburgh, or as simple as a single room in a local building. Each lodge meets on its own schedule and frequency, and lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private and open only to members. It is during these closed meetings that Freemasons will conduct the work of the meeting, this normally falls in two parts, as with any association there is a certain amount of administrative procedure - minutes of meetings, proposing and balloting for new members, financial matters, election of officers bearers, news and correspondence, and the second aspect of the meeting where Freemasons perform ritual and other teachings of the craft.
Every Freemason begins his masonic journey in the craft within a lodge, where he receives the three Degrees in Masonry.
Check the Daughter Lodge page to find a lodge in the Province near you.
What Are the Degrees of Freemasonry?
The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic Lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages that Masons call “degrees.” The three degrees of Freemasonry are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval Craftsmen. The ceremonies for conveying these degrees upon a Freemason are delivered in two parts, a slight dramatic instruction in the principles and lessons taught for that level of the Craft followed by a lecture in which the candidate's various duties are spelled out.
1st Degree
Entered Apprentice
This is a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the Fraternity, and like all Masonic ceremonies, it is a solemn and meaningful event. Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice ceremony, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.”
2nd Degree
Fellow Craft
The second Masonic degree exposes a Brother to more of the symbolism and philosophy of the Fraternity. For skilled Stonemasons, this degree would have marked a person’s progress from an apprentice to a journeyman.
3rd Degree
Master Mason
The last of the Lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree, makes a candidate a full member of the Fraternity, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership.