What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a way of life. It is fraternal in organization, religious in character, based on the belief in the Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of man and immortality of the soul.

Freemasonry is NOT a secret society as many surmise. It is a voluntary association wherein the interested one comes of his own free will and accord.

Freemasonry is NOT a religion as many claim it to be.

Freemasonry, in its every effort and purpose, strives to do charitable work within its membership and for society and, through its teachings, seeks to make good men better men. The lessons conveyed by our ritual are based on the Golden Rule.

Freemasonry is a band of men bound together in the bonds of brotherly love and affection that extends throughout the world.

Freemasonry is: Kindness in the home - honesty in business Courtesy in society - fairness in work Resistance toward the wicked - pity and concern for the unfortunate Help for the weak - trust in the strong Forgiveness for the penitent - and, above all, Love for one another - and reverence and love for God. "Freemasonry is a way of life"

Freemasonry as a Society is: Charitable - it is devoted to the welfare and happiness of mankind. Benevolent - teaching that the good of others is of primary concern. Communal - recognizing that Society is made up of individuals, it impresses upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and responsibility, enlightens them in those things which make for human welfare; and inspires those feelings of charity and goodwill toward all mankind leading to practical application of those cherished principles. Educational - its authorized ceremonials teach a system of morality and brotherhood based upon Sacred Law. Religious - it acknowledges a one and caring Deity. Neither secular nor theological, reverence for a Supreme Being is ever present in its ceremonials. The volume of the Sacred Law, appropriate to its members, is open upon its Altars whenever a Lodge is in session. Social - in so far as it encourages the meeting together of men for the purpose of its primary objectives: education, fellowship and charity.

To these several ends It Teaches - and stands for, the individual's worship of a Supreme Being; truth and justice; fraternity and philanthropy; enlightenment and liberty - civil, religious and intellectual. It Charges - each of its members to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance, and to be obedient to the laws of any state in which he may reside. It Believes - that the attainment of these objectives is best accomplished by laying a broad basis of principle upon which men of every race, country, sect and opinion may unite, rather than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those of certain races, creeds and opinions can assemble. Holding these beliefs and in the knowledge that the true Freemason will act in civil life according to his individual judgments and the dictates of his conscience.