What is Freemasonry?
"Freemasonry has been defined as a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols..." The most frequently quoted definition of this fraternal order is a condensed description of all that Freemasonry is - organizations of men found all over the world; dedicated to the principles of friendship, morality, and brotherly love; men of any faith or religion.
Where did it begin?
The origin of Freemasonry is actually lost in antiquity. There is some evidence to suggest that it existed at the building of King Solomon's Temple around 965 B.C., in the form of Craftsmen's Guilds. Certain symbols and other signs exist that suggest that it was a part of the culture of many ancient countries. It was clearly in existence among the guilds of skilled craftsmen in Europe who built the cathedrals, castles and monuments which still stand today throughout the continent. Written records exist showing that lodges existed in 674 A.D. in England, but it was not until 1717 that the first Grand Lodge of England was formed, which is the ancestor of all "Grand Jurisdictions" and lodges now existing in America.
What do Masons really believe in?
The truth is much more simple than some would have you think. Since Freemasonry is not a cult, or religion, or secret society, the foundations of our beliefs are very simple to understand. Click on the following link, Foundations of Masonic Thought and Beliefs to see the principles by which we try to live.
Masonry is often referred to as Ancient, Free & Accepted. In Arkansas we speak of it as Free & Accepted. The ancient Craftsmen were "free" to travel into other countries when ordinary citizens could not, because of their needed skills. The term "Accepted" comes from the fact that men accepted into the Fraternity in later ages were not craftsmen, or operative masons. The operative masons actually used the tools of masonry to build. Later, when non-craftsmen were 'accepted' into the Fraternity, Freemasonry came to be referred to as "Speculative" or "Symbolic" Masonry, in that the principles in the building of temples became symbolically applied to the building of the temple of man.
Several Grand Jurisdictions - Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia and Alabama - issued charters to various lodges in Arkansas, and in 1838 four of those lodges met together to form the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. Blocher Lodge #247 traces its heritage all the way back to one of the ancient Scottish lodges... back to the early fifteenth century.
Is Freemasonry a Secret Society?
There are only two areas of secrecy in Freemasonry - Our methods of recognition, and our methods of teaching. There are no other secrets in this fraternity. For a brief description of what Masonry teaches, Click Here
Is Freemasonry a Religion?
Freemasonry is not a religion, church, sect or cult... but it is religious in nature. There are no conflicts between Freemasonry and religion, nor does it pretend to take the place of religion. It is not a substitute for a church or the religious beliefs of its members, but encourages its members to maintain a firm belief in Deity, and to be active in their own church. Men of any faith or religion can become members of the Fraternity; atheists cannot. More importantly... Freemasonry is NOT a satanic cult - virtually all of our teaching rituals are drawn from Bible passages; We are NOT a "secret" organization - its membership rolls are no secret; our members are proud of their affiliation; many public, benevolent works are done in the name of Freemasonry; We are NOT a conspiratoral political group - we don't assassinate people, we don't try to influence government, except by our right to vote... indeed, one of our Landmarks is to support and defend established law; We don't allow religious dissension in our Lodges through the promotion or degradation of any specific religion or religious belief; We don't offer salvation - we encourage our members to seek it, according to whatever doctrine their religion expresses. We don't make good men... we try to make good men better.
Why has no one asked me to join?
Membership is strictly voluntary. No one is ever invited or 'recruited' to join the Craft... he must seek admission himself and come of his own free will and accord, without persuasion or hope of gain except those obvious benefits derived from associating with men of good character and reputation. Other appendant or Masonic-oriented organizations may solicit members for their rites and Orders. These organizations serve as sources of greater education about Masonry, or as means of putting Masonic beliefs into practice, but membership in the Symbolic Lodges of Freemasonry must be voluntary.
Who is eligible to join?
In Arkansas, any adult male 21 years old or more who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation can ask any Mason for a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry. A petitioner must be recommended by two Master Masons. After his petition is received by the Lodge, he is investigated as to character, reputation and beliefs. If accepted, he becomes a member of a Symbolic Lodge through a series of degrees.
What are the degrees of Freemasonry?
The basic tenets of Freemasonry are taught in the conferral of three Degrees - the Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and the Master Mason - which comprise all of "Blue Lodge Masonry." Each candidate takes part in the ceremonies of initiation with dignity and solemnity. The degrees are serious and dignified in nature, without levity or horseplay of any kind. In order to advance through each degree, a candidate must prove a knowledge of the preceeding degree, that he may better understand the moral teachings which have been given him. Knowledgeable Masons help him through this process, which is a very interesting course of study.
There are other degrees which can be attained, but there are none higher than that of Master Mason. The "Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A." or simply Scottish Rite for short, is an organization of Master Masons, which confers the 4th through the 32nd Degrees. The York Rite, or Royal Arch Masonry, confers another 11 degrees - the last being the Knight Templar.
--- Adapted from several Masonic education pamphlets
published by the Masonic Information Center, Silver Spring, MD