About Freemasonry

Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Put simply, it is a universal society of friends who seek to become better people through their association with one another. Among its watchwords are fellowship, integrity and good citizenship. Its origins, however, are somewhat obscure. Some trace the beginning of Freemasonry to the master masons who created the great churches and cathedrals of medieval Europe; some argue that its birth was linked to Knights Templar, a military and religious order who rose to prominence during the Crusades. The oldest written records of Freemasonry can be traced back to Lodges in Scotland.

Still others say that Freemasonry's roots go further back than that - to the time of King Solomon and the building of the great temple at Jerusalem, if not before.

It should be made abundantly clear that Freemasonry is not a religion, though many religous leaders are Freemasons and many Christian ideas and ideals are important to Masons. It is what Freemasons term a Fraternal Order, whose basic tenants are Brotherly love and relief. Brotherly love requires that Masons be tolerant, respectful, kind and understanding. Relief refers to the active practice of charity and commitment to other forms of philanthropy, and truth. The essential qualifications all Masons should share is a belief in a single Supreme Being. Membership, is therefore, open to men over the age of 18 years of any race or religion who can fulfil this qualification and are of "good character and repute".