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Freemasonry in General

Freemasons (also referred to as Masons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Today, there are more than 80,000 Freemasons in Pennsylvania alone. Freemasons represent a wide variety of occupations and professions, yet within the Fraternity, all come together as equals. Masons may have diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. Masons come from varied religious beliefs and creeds, yet all believe in the existence of a Supreme Being.


Many important figures throughout America's history were Freemasons. Thirteen signers of the Constitution, nine signers of the Declaration of Independence, fourteen Presidents and eight Vice Presidents of the United States, 42 justices of the Supreme Court, and several American Revolutionaries, most notably George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Not only was Franklin a Mason, but he also served as the fourth Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1734.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry is how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, always conducting their affairs in harmony and friendship and calling each other "Brother."

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What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is a brotherhood of men who share one common goal: To help each other become better men. It is the oldest, largest, and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. Men from all different backgrounds and walks of life come together as equals and, using the tools and implements of ancient architectural craftsmen symbolically in a system of instruction, build their character and moral values by applying the timeless virtues of brotherly love, charity and truth to their everyday lives. Masonry teaches that each person, through self-improvement and helping others, has an obligation to make a difference for good in the world. Its singular purpose is to make good men better.

What are the qualifications for membership?

To qualify for membership, a petitioner must be male, at least 18 years of age, and have a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. He must be of good moral character, motivated to join for reasons unrelated to personal gain or profit, prompted by a favorable opinion of Freemasonry, interested in earning knowledge, and willing to be part of the long-standing traditions and customs of the fraternity. To become a Mason one must petition a particular Lodge. The Master of the Lodge appoints a committee to visit the applicant prior to the Lodge balloting upon his petition.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No. All who join Freemasonry must declare their belief in the existence of a Supreme Being and practice their own personal faith, but the fraternity is neither a religion nor a place to worship. Rather, it is a place where men of all monotheistic creeds can meet and focus on the shared values of peaceful human interaction that are common to all religions.

What is a Masonic Lodge?

The term “lodge” means two things: a group of Masons coming together in fellowship and, at the same time, the room or building in which they meet. No two Masonic lodges are the same; all have unique personalities driven by their members. The lodge typically consists of a room where official business and Masonic rituals are conducted, as well as several additional areas for brothers to share meals, spend time together and host social and charitable events. Masonic Lodges in Pennsylvania meet once a month (with the exception of July and August) to conduct regular business, vote upon petitions for membership, and bring new Masons into the Fraternity through three ceremonies called degrees. In the Lodge room Masons share in a variety of programs. Here the bonds of friendship and fellowship are formed and strengthened.

What are the degrees of freemasonry?

The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic lodge is divided into ceremonial stages known as “degrees.” There are three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. The degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate medieval craftsmen. At each educational stage, a craftsman was required to achieve proficiency before moving to the next stage. By advancing through the degrees, a Freemason learns the moral and ethical lessons of the Masonic rite.

What do Freemasons do?

Masonry encourages individuals to become better men: better husbands, better fathers, and better citizens. The fraternal bonds formed in the Lodge help build lifelong friendships among men with similar goals and values.
 
Beyond individual development and growth, Masons also help the community at large. Freemasons in North America alone contribute over $2 million dollars PER DAY to different charitable causes. Much of that assistance goes to individuals who are not Masons. The Shriners operate the largest network of hospitals for burned and orthopedically impaired children in the country, with no charge for treatment. The Scottish Rite Masons maintain a nationwide network of over 150 Childhood Language Disorder Clinics, Centers, and Programs.
 
Many other Masonic organizations sponsor a variety of organizations, including scholarship programs for children, and perform public service activities in their communities. Masons also enjoy the fellowship of each other and their families in social and recreational activities.

How can one become a Mason?

If you think you may be interested in becoming a member, you can contact a Lodge in your area or speak to a Mason directly. Additional information can be found by using our contact form, as well as on the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge website.

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