Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal organizations. It promotes moral development, personal improvement, charity, friendship, and service to the community through symbolic ceremonies and shared traditions.
2. Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not offer a path to salvation. Members are expected to have a belief in a Supreme Being, but people of different faiths can join and are encouraged to practice their own religion.
3. Who can become a Freemason?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally a candidate must:
Be an adult
Have good moral character
Join of their own free will
Meet the membership requirements of their Grand Lodge
4. What happens during a Masonic meeting?
Meetings typically include conducting lodge business, voting on membership applications, planning charitable activities, educational presentations, and performing degree ceremonies for new members.
5. Are Masonic rituals secret?
Freemasonry describes its ceremonies as private rather than secret. The lessons taught are publicly discussed in many books, while certain signs, words, and modes of recognition are reserved for members.
6. What do Freemasons do for charity?
Freemasons support hospitals, scholarships, disaster relief, medical research, children's programs, local community projects, and many other charitable causes. The specific charities vary by jurisdiction. Ancon Lodge supports Fundación Hogar Divino Niño, an orphanage in Panama City.
7. Do Freemasons worship in lodges?
No. Lodges may open and close meetings with prayers appropriate to the members' beliefs, but they do not hold religious services.
8. Why do Freemasons wear aprons?
The apron is the principal symbol of Freemasonry. It represents the working apron of medieval stonemasons and symbolizes honest labor, purity of conduct, and service.
9. What do the Square and Compasses represent?
The Square symbolizes morality and honesty, while the Compasses symbolize self-restraint and living within proper boundaries. Together they represent ethical living.
10. What does the letter "G" mean?
Its meaning varies by jurisdiction, but it commonly represents Geometry, regarded as the foundation of architecture, and also God or the Grand Architect of the Universe.
11. Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is better described as a society with private traditions than a secret society. Its meeting places, charitable work, and many members are publicly known.
12. Do Freemasons help each other get jobs or contracts?
Freemasons are encouraged to help one another as friends when appropriate, but they are expected to obey the law and act ethically. Membership should not be used to gain unfair advantages.
13. What are the three degrees?
The three symbolic degrees are:
Entered Apprentice
Fellow Craft
Master Mason
Each teaches moral lessons through allegory and symbolism.
14. Is Freemasonry political?
No. Political discussion is generally prohibited in lodge meetings to preserve harmony among members with differing views.
15. Is Freemasonry compatible with Christianity?
Many Christian denominations have members who are Freemasons, while some churches discourage or prohibit membership. Compatibility depends on the teachings and policies of the individual's religious denomination.
16. Why is the Bible used in Masonic lodges?
Many lodges place a sacred text on the altar. In predominantly Christian countries this is often the Bible, but other sacred books are used according to the beliefs of the members, such as the Torah, Quran, Bhagavad Gita, or others.
17. What is a Grand Lodge?
A Grand Lodge is the governing body for Freemasonry within a particular jurisdiction, such as a state, province, or country. It charters and oversees local lodges.
18. What is the difference between a Lodge and a Grand Lodge?
A local lodge is where members meet. A Grand Lodge governs all recognized lodges within its jurisdiction.
19. How much does it cost to become a Freemason?
Costs vary widely by jurisdiction and lodge. Candidates usually pay a one-time initiation fee and annual dues that help support lodge operations and charitable activities.
20. Can an atheist become a Freemason?
No. Candidates are required to profess a belief in a Supreme Being.
21. Why are there different types of Freemasonry?
Freemasonry spread around the world over several centuries. Different traditions developed, resulting in various Grand Lodges and systems that may or may not recognize one another.
22. What are the Shriners?
The Shriners International are a Masonic appendant body whose members are Master Masons. They are well known for supporting children's healthcare through the Shriners Children's.
23. Are the Scottish Rite and York Rite separate from Freemasonry?
No. Both are appendant bodies that Master Masons may choose to join after completing the three Craft degrees. They provide additional degrees and educational opportunities but do not replace the Blue Lodge.
24. Why do people join Freemasonry?
People join for many reasons, including:
Personal growth
Lifelong friendships
Community service
Leadership development
Learning history and symbolism
Preserving traditions
Supporting charitable work
