Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freemasonry?

Generally Freemasonry (or Masonry) is the world’s oldest and largest secular fraternal organizations, whose members are concerned with moral and spiritual values. The Fraternity aims to unite men of differing beliefs into a harmonious and productive community through the application of Masonic moral values and the practice of benevolence, intellectual development, and mutual respect. The necessary prerequisite for acceptance into the Masonic fraternity is the belief in a Supreme Being and membership is open to men of all races and religions who profess belief in deity and are of good repute.

Is Freemasonry a Religion?

No. While it is a requirement that each member believe in a Supreme Being, it is not important how one expresses that very personal belief.  Further, there is no dogmatic system in Freemasonry.  However, confusion about the secular nature of Freemasonry has been a common misconception for many years.  Most likely, this misconception is due to the Holy Book that sits on the altar in the middle of a Masonic lodge. This Holy Book does not have to be Christian, like the Bible, rather it can be any Holy Book that is important to the members of the lodge. In the U.S. where the population is mostly Christian, the Holy Book most often used in Lodges is the King James Version of the Bible.

Is It a Secret Society?

Absolutely not, Freemasonry operates very much in the open with many events open to the public. There are “modes of recognition” (passwords and handshakes) that members keep “secret” that represent a Mason’s ability to keep a promise, rather than to hide anything.

Can I join, and how? 

Freemasonry is a fraternity (for men) whose membership must be sought by the candidate. Contact our Brother Secretary at colonial.lodge.1821@gmail.com for more information.