Freemasonry FAQ

• What is the difference between Masonry and Freemasonry?
  
• Why do some Freemasons not recognize other Freemasons?
  
• Is Masonry a religion?
  
• Then what is a Masonic Bible?
  
• And what about a Masonic funeral?
  
• Is Freemasonry a secret society?
  
• When did Freemasonry begin?
  
• Can women be Freemasons?
  
• What other Masonic organizations are there?
  
• Who are some famous Freemasons?
  

What is the difference between Masonry and Freemasonry?
The distinction between these two terms is very tricky to nail down, but a proper understanding of this distinction is the first step in comprehending Masonry. Freemasonry refers to the organization of Masonry, namely the lodges, Grand Lodges, Grand Orients, etc. The term Masonry refers to the sometimes abstract teachings that we as Freemasons attempt to learn and apply to our daily lives. Thus it can be said that Freemasons practice Masonry. It is freely admitted by most Freemasons that anyone, regardless of their affiliation or lack thereof, can practice Masonry. However, we are obligated to officially recognize only those men who have followed the formal procedure to become Freemasons. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that a person was a "Mason" if he (or even she) embodied the teachings of Masonry. But in order to be officially recognized by other Freemasons, a person MUST belong to a Freemasonic body that is recognized as such. TOP

Why do some Freemasons not recognize other Freemasons?
Every Freemason is affiliated with some governing body or lodge. Typically, a group of lodges are organized under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge or Grand Orient. For Freemasons from one Grand Lodge to recognize those from another Grand Lodge as "brethren," both Grand Lodges must extend official recognition to each other. This recognition is not always extended between "Grand" bodies, so as a result, individual Freemasons from each Grand body are not allowed to communicate with each other about Masonry. TOP

Is Masonry a religion?
The answer to this one is simple...NO! Religion serves the purpose of establishing the nature of its respective god or gods, and proposes a plan of salvation to its followers. Religions teach specific doctrines that tell how one's soul is to be saved from damnation and/or elevated to paradise. Masonry does not have a plan of salvation. Nor does it presume to tell its followers that their religion is wrong. While one of the requirements to become a Freemason is the expression of belief in a Supreme Being, the nature of that belief is not questioned. By limiting membership to those who express belief in a god, Freemasonry naturally attracts religious men. Freemasonry, therefore, can be called a society of religious men who associate with each other, but do not practice their respective religions together. In fact, Freemasons are strongly urged in their Masonic lectures to be good and faithful members of their own faith, whatever that faith may be. TOP

Then what is a Masonic Bible?
A Masonic Bible is simply a normal bible, usually the King James Version. It has no special modifications to it, and contrary to some naysayers, the name Jesus is NOT deleted from it. The only real difference between a Masonic Bible and the ones most people are accustomed to is that a Masonic Bible often has a few added pages in the front. These pages usually include an area to record the owner's Masonic history. They also typically contain an outline of all the scriptural verses we refer to in our degree work. Some Masonic Bibles (mine for one) also identify the American presidents who were Freemasons. There is NOTHING secret in a Masonic Bible, nor have we changed any of the text. TOP

And what about a Masonic funeral?
Masonic funerals are open to the public, and usually held in the presence of many people (Masons and non-masons alike). These services are simply our way of showing our brotherly love and respect for one of our number who has passed on. Some of the elements of the service have similarities with the normal ritual of the lodge, and like the lodge service, it is NOT a religious ceremony. The Masonic funeral is a solemn opportunity for Masons to express their feelings for their departed brother, and offer official, public condolences to the family. TOP

Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Technically, no. Our society is not a secret. Members of our fraternity often wear rings, lapel pins and hats. They put bumper stickers on their cars and publish web sites declaring their membership. Freemasonry IS a society that has a few secrets. But these secrets are nothing more than signs of recognition such as handshakes, passwords, and references that only initiated members would understand. The secrets help us identify each other, as well as impostors trying to reap the benefits of Masonic membership. Besides, in today's Information Age, any talk of secrets is absurd. There are no true secrets remaining in Freemasonry. The modern fraternity tends to practice secrecy in these matters out of a sense of tradition. TOP

When did Freemasonry begin?
Masonry declares that it has existed since time immemorial. If we adhere to the definition of "Masonry" as a philosophy or way of approaching daily life, this statement ceases to be as overzealous as it sounds at first. Freemasonry as we know it today had its formal beginning in 1717 A.D. when groups of men who had been meeting in lodges with some degree of secrecy prior to that point, made themselves known and established the first Grand Lodge. Historians disagree about how long the institution of Freemasonry existed before 1717. Some people claim heritage with the ancient guilds of stonemasons. Others have had a greater degree of success in trying to prove that Freemasonry grew out of the old outlawed order of the Knights Templar, hence the need for secrecy. There are volumes on this subject sufficient to fill a reasonably large library. TOP

Can women be Freemasons?
Freemasonry is a "fraternity" in every true sense of the word, and, as such, only admits men. However, there are many organizations that have close Masonic ties which are open to women. A Freemason, Rob Morris, who wanted the men of the fraternity to be able to share some of their activity with their wives established the Order of the Eastern Star, where men and women can attend together. In fact, in this order, the chief officer is the Worthy Matron. Other co-masonic bodies exclusively for women exist as well, but most do not enjoy recognition by most Masonic bodies. TOP

What other Masonic organizations are there?
Too many to list here completely. Some organizations that are open to all Master Masons include: The York Rite Chapter, Council and Commandery; the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; The Shrine; The Order of Judas Maccabeus; and the MOVPER Grotto. The Order of the Eastern Star is open to Master Masons and their immediate female relatives. The Order of the Amaranth is open to women. There are even Masonic bodies for children, such as the International Order of DeMolay, Job's Daughters, and the Rainbow Girls. TOP

Who are some famous Freemasons?
George Washington, Paul Revere, Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Teddy Roosevelt, John Hancock, Roy Acuff, Buzz Aldrin, Gene Autry, Gen. Omar Bradley, Ty Cobb, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry Ford, Ben Franklin, Rudyard Kipling, Charles Lindbergh, Thurgood Marshall, Mozart, Goethe, J.C. Penny, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne. TOP