Frequently Asked Questions about Freemasonry
1) What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the word's oldest and largest Fraternity. It aims to promote friendship, morality, and a sense of compassion and charity among its members; In a Masonic Lodge, men from every race, religion, opinion, and background are brought together to develop and strengthen the bonds of friendship.
There are more than 3 million members, meeting in nearly every free country in the world. Freemasonry proposes to "make good men better" by teaching - with metaphors from geometry and architecture - about building values based on great universal truths. Charity and community service are fundamental to Freemasonry and something we actively take part in.
2) Where can I get more information about the Freemasons?
If you would like to speak to a current member of Bellevue Masonic Lodge with questions about being a Mason, leave a message at the lodge 419-483-4410, or send an email to the webmaster through the contact form under the "How to Join" tab.
Additional information about Ohio Freemasonry can be found online at the website for the Grand Lodge of Ohio: http://www.freemason.com
3) What are the requirements to become a Mason?
Anyone meeting the following primary requirements may petition a lodge for membership:
a) You are an adult male (19 or older) and of good character (no felonies on record)
b) You believe in a Supreme Being. No atheist can become a Mason - but we are not concerned with specific theological
distinctions or your particular religious beliefs, or your church attendance record.
c) You are interested in becoming a Mason because you hold a favorable opinion of the institution; and, your decision to
apply is based on your own "free will and accord" - no one has talked you into joining.
4) How do I become a Freemason? (Ask!)
Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask? Do you have to be related to someone?
Most men become a Mason by simply asking another member - In general, men seek out a Lodge near their home or work (check the Ohio lodge locator at www.freemason.com ), or they ask a Mason they know to recommend a Lodge to them.
If you do not know a current member, that does not prevent you from joining. All lodge buildings are clearly marked, receive mail, and are listed in the local phone book(s) as well, and most have some sort of internet presence in these modern times. Once you've found a lodge you would like to join, let them know of your interest through personal contact, letter, phone message, or email and they will provide you with a petition, which will begin the membership process.
A persistent rumor is that you have to be related to a current member. Another frequent rumor is that you are only invited to join if you are of a certain affluence or status in the community. Neither of these are true.
5) What if I don't know a Mason who can recommend me?
If you find that you do not know any current members, contact your local lodge by phone, letter, or email and let us know of your interest, as well as the best times and methods of communications to get in contact with you. A member will establish contact with you, and you can pursue your membership from there by asking them for a petition. Do not feel awkward about approaching a Lodge this way--many long-standing members got their start in Freemasonry by this method.
6) What are the time and/or financial commitments of becoming a Mason?
Becoming a Master Mason with full voting priveledges takes several months from the time you complete your petition until you have finished your degrees, although the actual pace is entirely up to the new member and the time he has available to devote to his Masonic endeavors.
There is some side work that you will need to complete during the course of your degrees that amounts to a little bit of "homework". Every member of the Fraternity has gone through this degree "homework", and a Brother (or two or three, if necessary) will help you through the process. Once the degree work is completed and you have achieved the status of Master Mason, you will obviously want to attend your lodge's monthly meetings, and from thereon the amount of time and effort you devote to the organization is up to you. Freemasonry is a volunteer organization for everyone involved, even the Grand Lodge officers who oversee the entire state--so even if you lead a busy lifestyle with your current work and family obligations, there is still time for you to participate in some capacity!
Concerning financial obligations: There is a one-time initiation fee set by each lodge, and annual dues are required of members each year. These dues go towards maintaining your local lodge building as well as forming a financial base for any charitable causes the lodge takes up throughout the year. If your current finances preclude paying your initiation fee up front, we can arrange to have your fee broken up into smaller payments. You can pay for all three degree experiences at once, or pay for each degree as you become eligible to receive it.
7) What are the benefits of becoming a Mason?
There are numerous benefits to being a Mason, but they tend to be personal and they are also quite varied, and they can only be truly discovered for each man by becoming a member.
But to try and give you an idea: the greatest benefit for most would be the opportunity to experience camaraderie and fellowship with a group of men across the boundaries of age, race, religion, culture, and opinion. Being a member of a Lodge allows you to develop friendships with men in different professions and personal qualities than you may be unable to meet in your own private life.
Many members find great value and knowledge in our ritual ceremony and its use of symbolism and metaphor that remind us to live with good principles, ethics, and morality. Other men find great satisfaction participating in our charitable efforts. Those who take on leadership positions within their lodge appreciate the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills.
Many men, after joining, will often tell you that their biggest regret with Masonry is not getting involved sooner!
It should be noted that Freemasonry does not exist for the professional or financial benefit of its members. There are no immediate physical rewards to membership--you will not become rich, powerful, or politically influential due to your membership. The majority of the "perks" a man receives from the organization are internal, bringing them personal (not material) satisfaction.
8) Is Masonry a secret society?
No. It is sometimes said that Freemasonry is a "Society with secrets, not a secret society."
Masonry is a private organization, and therefore is entitled to keep some information private to members only-- like the business discussed in meeting minutes and financial reports of the lodge. This is not uncommon. Try to walk into a local country club shareholders meeting, condominium association, UAW Hall or local Teachers' Union meeting and demand to see their financial report and you're likely to get a similar response!
9) What about these secret handshakes and passwords I've heard about?
These traditions follow the practice of ancient stonemason guilds, where stonemasons used special handshakes, words, and symbols to identify themselves and protect the reputation of their respective guilds. Modern Freemasons maintain these traditions and re-interpret them in a symbolic sense. Symbols abound in Masonic tradition, and many common, everyday items and physical actions carry an additional symbolic meaning within a Masonic lodge. These handshakes and passwords continue to be taught more out of respect for tradition than for any practical use in the working world.
10) What is Masonic "ritual?"
"Ritual" is the term for the formal ceremonies of initiation-- the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason degrees. This "Ritual" takes the form of lectures and theater in the Lodge, and is used to teach new Masons the values upheld by the fraternity.
It is a term that is often given sinister connotations by Masonry's detractors, but there is nothing wrong with rituals. Rituals are common in our every day life--if you traditionally dine at the same restaurant on a Friday night, you are practicing a ritual--but that does not make you an evil person! The observance of every major American holiday, from Christmas to Memorial Day, is also a form of ritual.
"Ritual" just means that something is done a certain way every time an event occurs--"Ceremonial Tradition" is a close equivalent. Men who become Masons today are inducted the same way their fathers, grandfathers, and even great-grandfathers before them--that is all that is meant by the term "ritual".
11) Why aren't there any famous women who are Masons?
Freemasonry is, by definition, a fraternity, which means membership is restricted to men only (the reverse would be true for a sorority).
12) Is Masonry a Religion?
Masonry is not a religion. It is a place where men of all faiths - Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and every other faith - can come together, since it is open to all men who believe in a Supreme Being. Religion is never discussed at Masonic meetings. The purpose of requiring belief in a Supreme Being is to insure that trustworthy and dependable men seek membership. A central aspect of joining our ranks is to swear an oath to God (however your faith may address Him/Her) that you will uphold the values of our organization. Therefore, no atheist can become a Mason, because a promise to a God you don't believe in is just an empty promise.
Although Lodges open and close with a non-denominational prayer and Masonry encourages morality, Masonry cannot by definition be a church or a religion. This is because Masonry does not have a theology or dogma, it does not offer sacraments, and it does not offer the promise of Salvation through participation in its activities. Masons are encouraged to be active members in their own chosen houses of worship.
13) Why is your building called a "Temple" then, if it isn't a church?
Masonic Ceremony centers around the emulation of ancient stonemason guilds...simple men with no formal education, yet with their knowledge and cooperative teamwork were able to erect the most impressive architectural structures of their age, usually Cathedrals--many of which remaining standing today. Freemasons, not being stone masons in the physical sense, employ the same conduct and reverence for knowledge that our ancient predecessors displayed--but we labor to build our character instead of a physical structure--through service to our community, continual growth and self-improvement, and support of our fellow members and their families.
Masonic Temples, then, are named this way as an allusion to the worksites of our ancient bretheren--it is not meant to "take away" from a traditional house of worship, or allude to religious practice.
14) Is Freemasonry a charity?
No. But Masonic principles do teach the value of charity, and Freemasons do practice charity.
Masonic fraternities have set up several fully-functioning 501(c)3 charities, which are funded mainly by Masonic contributions--they are not directly controlled by lodges but rather by a traditionally elected board of directors and other relevant administration.
Among these are the Shriners Hospitals for Children which provide medical care for destitute families, The Scottish Rite Learning Centers for helping children with dyslexia; The Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation exists to support extreme cases of hardship throughout the State--whether the beneficiaries are Masons or not. For the past several years, Ohio Freemasons have been the leading donor for the Ohio Special Olympics, ($175,000 in 2014).
Many states, including Ohio, support Masonic Rest (or Retirement) communities. Additional appendant bodies of Masonry (clubs-within-a-club) adopt their own charitable causes as well, and every local lodge is encouraged to champion the needs of the unfortunate in their local communities.
There are numerous other local worthy causes and groups that local Lodges contribute to, often with little fanfare or public recognition. Engaging in charity is not the singular purpose of Freemasonry, but it is one of its facets of membership.
15) What are "appendant bodies" of Freemasonry?
Appendant bodies are what we call separate Masonic organizations that operate within the Masonic Fraternity. In order to belong to any of these groups, a man must first achieve the status of "Master Mason" (3rd degree), and after this point he may continue his Masonic involvement by joining these other organizations as his time and interest allows. There are two main appendant bodies of Freemasonry: the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. The York Rite Lodges operate very similarly to a Masonic "Blue" Lodge, but their initiation rituals are influenced more strongly by a religious subtext. The Scottish Rite is sometimes referred to as "the philosophical branch of Freemasonry", and consists of 28 degrees, which operate like theatrical presentations-- examining various moral and philosophical questions for Masons to contemplate.
The degrees of the York and Scottish Rite expand upon and delve deeper into the lessons taught in the first three degrees of Masonry--the are not considered to be "higher" degrees, nor is there any information taught in these degrees that is considered "secret" to regular 3rd degree Master Masons. These appendant bodies are excellent opportunities to expand your Masonic social circle, leadership opportunities, and knowledge of Freemasonry, but membership in these organizations is not specifically required of Master Masons.
adapted from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts website, www.askafreemason.org/topten/index.htm
Freemasonry is the word's oldest and largest Fraternity. It aims to promote friendship, morality, and a sense of compassion and charity among its members; In a Masonic Lodge, men from every race, religion, opinion, and background are brought together to develop and strengthen the bonds of friendship.
There are more than 3 million members, meeting in nearly every free country in the world. Freemasonry proposes to "make good men better" by teaching - with metaphors from geometry and architecture - about building values based on great universal truths. Charity and community service are fundamental to Freemasonry and something we actively take part in.
2) Where can I get more information about the Freemasons?
If you would like to speak to a current member of Bellevue Masonic Lodge with questions about being a Mason, leave a message at the lodge 419-483-4410, or send an email to the webmaster through the contact form under the "How to Join" tab.
Additional information about Ohio Freemasonry can be found online at the website for the Grand Lodge of Ohio: http://www.freemason.com
3) What are the requirements to become a Mason?
Anyone meeting the following primary requirements may petition a lodge for membership:
a) You are an adult male (19 or older) and of good character (no felonies on record)
b) You believe in a Supreme Being. No atheist can become a Mason - but we are not concerned with specific theological
distinctions or your particular religious beliefs, or your church attendance record.
c) You are interested in becoming a Mason because you hold a favorable opinion of the institution; and, your decision to
apply is based on your own "free will and accord" - no one has talked you into joining.
4) How do I become a Freemason? (Ask!)
Because Masons have not traditionally recruited members, and do not hold public meetings, there has long been confusion about how to join the Fraternity. Does someone ask you? Do you ask? Do you have to be related to someone?
Most men become a Mason by simply asking another member - In general, men seek out a Lodge near their home or work (check the Ohio lodge locator at www.freemason.com ), or they ask a Mason they know to recommend a Lodge to them.
If you do not know a current member, that does not prevent you from joining. All lodge buildings are clearly marked, receive mail, and are listed in the local phone book(s) as well, and most have some sort of internet presence in these modern times. Once you've found a lodge you would like to join, let them know of your interest through personal contact, letter, phone message, or email and they will provide you with a petition, which will begin the membership process.
A persistent rumor is that you have to be related to a current member. Another frequent rumor is that you are only invited to join if you are of a certain affluence or status in the community. Neither of these are true.
5) What if I don't know a Mason who can recommend me?
If you find that you do not know any current members, contact your local lodge by phone, letter, or email and let us know of your interest, as well as the best times and methods of communications to get in contact with you. A member will establish contact with you, and you can pursue your membership from there by asking them for a petition. Do not feel awkward about approaching a Lodge this way--many long-standing members got their start in Freemasonry by this method.
6) What are the time and/or financial commitments of becoming a Mason?
Becoming a Master Mason with full voting priveledges takes several months from the time you complete your petition until you have finished your degrees, although the actual pace is entirely up to the new member and the time he has available to devote to his Masonic endeavors.
There is some side work that you will need to complete during the course of your degrees that amounts to a little bit of "homework". Every member of the Fraternity has gone through this degree "homework", and a Brother (or two or three, if necessary) will help you through the process. Once the degree work is completed and you have achieved the status of Master Mason, you will obviously want to attend your lodge's monthly meetings, and from thereon the amount of time and effort you devote to the organization is up to you. Freemasonry is a volunteer organization for everyone involved, even the Grand Lodge officers who oversee the entire state--so even if you lead a busy lifestyle with your current work and family obligations, there is still time for you to participate in some capacity!
Concerning financial obligations: There is a one-time initiation fee set by each lodge, and annual dues are required of members each year. These dues go towards maintaining your local lodge building as well as forming a financial base for any charitable causes the lodge takes up throughout the year. If your current finances preclude paying your initiation fee up front, we can arrange to have your fee broken up into smaller payments. You can pay for all three degree experiences at once, or pay for each degree as you become eligible to receive it.
7) What are the benefits of becoming a Mason?
There are numerous benefits to being a Mason, but they tend to be personal and they are also quite varied, and they can only be truly discovered for each man by becoming a member.
But to try and give you an idea: the greatest benefit for most would be the opportunity to experience camaraderie and fellowship with a group of men across the boundaries of age, race, religion, culture, and opinion. Being a member of a Lodge allows you to develop friendships with men in different professions and personal qualities than you may be unable to meet in your own private life.
Many members find great value and knowledge in our ritual ceremony and its use of symbolism and metaphor that remind us to live with good principles, ethics, and morality. Other men find great satisfaction participating in our charitable efforts. Those who take on leadership positions within their lodge appreciate the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership skills.
Many men, after joining, will often tell you that their biggest regret with Masonry is not getting involved sooner!
It should be noted that Freemasonry does not exist for the professional or financial benefit of its members. There are no immediate physical rewards to membership--you will not become rich, powerful, or politically influential due to your membership. The majority of the "perks" a man receives from the organization are internal, bringing them personal (not material) satisfaction.
8) Is Masonry a secret society?
No. It is sometimes said that Freemasonry is a "Society with secrets, not a secret society."
Masonry is a private organization, and therefore is entitled to keep some information private to members only-- like the business discussed in meeting minutes and financial reports of the lodge. This is not uncommon. Try to walk into a local country club shareholders meeting, condominium association, UAW Hall or local Teachers' Union meeting and demand to see their financial report and you're likely to get a similar response!
9) What about these secret handshakes and passwords I've heard about?
These traditions follow the practice of ancient stonemason guilds, where stonemasons used special handshakes, words, and symbols to identify themselves and protect the reputation of their respective guilds. Modern Freemasons maintain these traditions and re-interpret them in a symbolic sense. Symbols abound in Masonic tradition, and many common, everyday items and physical actions carry an additional symbolic meaning within a Masonic lodge. These handshakes and passwords continue to be taught more out of respect for tradition than for any practical use in the working world.
10) What is Masonic "ritual?"
"Ritual" is the term for the formal ceremonies of initiation-- the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason degrees. This "Ritual" takes the form of lectures and theater in the Lodge, and is used to teach new Masons the values upheld by the fraternity.
It is a term that is often given sinister connotations by Masonry's detractors, but there is nothing wrong with rituals. Rituals are common in our every day life--if you traditionally dine at the same restaurant on a Friday night, you are practicing a ritual--but that does not make you an evil person! The observance of every major American holiday, from Christmas to Memorial Day, is also a form of ritual.
"Ritual" just means that something is done a certain way every time an event occurs--"Ceremonial Tradition" is a close equivalent. Men who become Masons today are inducted the same way their fathers, grandfathers, and even great-grandfathers before them--that is all that is meant by the term "ritual".
11) Why aren't there any famous women who are Masons?
Freemasonry is, by definition, a fraternity, which means membership is restricted to men only (the reverse would be true for a sorority).
12) Is Masonry a Religion?
Masonry is not a religion. It is a place where men of all faiths - Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and every other faith - can come together, since it is open to all men who believe in a Supreme Being. Religion is never discussed at Masonic meetings. The purpose of requiring belief in a Supreme Being is to insure that trustworthy and dependable men seek membership. A central aspect of joining our ranks is to swear an oath to God (however your faith may address Him/Her) that you will uphold the values of our organization. Therefore, no atheist can become a Mason, because a promise to a God you don't believe in is just an empty promise.
Although Lodges open and close with a non-denominational prayer and Masonry encourages morality, Masonry cannot by definition be a church or a religion. This is because Masonry does not have a theology or dogma, it does not offer sacraments, and it does not offer the promise of Salvation through participation in its activities. Masons are encouraged to be active members in their own chosen houses of worship.
13) Why is your building called a "Temple" then, if it isn't a church?
Masonic Ceremony centers around the emulation of ancient stonemason guilds...simple men with no formal education, yet with their knowledge and cooperative teamwork were able to erect the most impressive architectural structures of their age, usually Cathedrals--many of which remaining standing today. Freemasons, not being stone masons in the physical sense, employ the same conduct and reverence for knowledge that our ancient predecessors displayed--but we labor to build our character instead of a physical structure--through service to our community, continual growth and self-improvement, and support of our fellow members and their families.
Masonic Temples, then, are named this way as an allusion to the worksites of our ancient bretheren--it is not meant to "take away" from a traditional house of worship, or allude to religious practice.
14) Is Freemasonry a charity?
No. But Masonic principles do teach the value of charity, and Freemasons do practice charity.
Masonic fraternities have set up several fully-functioning 501(c)3 charities, which are funded mainly by Masonic contributions--they are not directly controlled by lodges but rather by a traditionally elected board of directors and other relevant administration.
Among these are the Shriners Hospitals for Children which provide medical care for destitute families, The Scottish Rite Learning Centers for helping children with dyslexia; The Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation exists to support extreme cases of hardship throughout the State--whether the beneficiaries are Masons or not. For the past several years, Ohio Freemasons have been the leading donor for the Ohio Special Olympics, ($175,000 in 2014).
Many states, including Ohio, support Masonic Rest (or Retirement) communities. Additional appendant bodies of Masonry (clubs-within-a-club) adopt their own charitable causes as well, and every local lodge is encouraged to champion the needs of the unfortunate in their local communities.
There are numerous other local worthy causes and groups that local Lodges contribute to, often with little fanfare or public recognition. Engaging in charity is not the singular purpose of Freemasonry, but it is one of its facets of membership.
15) What are "appendant bodies" of Freemasonry?
Appendant bodies are what we call separate Masonic organizations that operate within the Masonic Fraternity. In order to belong to any of these groups, a man must first achieve the status of "Master Mason" (3rd degree), and after this point he may continue his Masonic involvement by joining these other organizations as his time and interest allows. There are two main appendant bodies of Freemasonry: the York Rite and the Scottish Rite. The York Rite Lodges operate very similarly to a Masonic "Blue" Lodge, but their initiation rituals are influenced more strongly by a religious subtext. The Scottish Rite is sometimes referred to as "the philosophical branch of Freemasonry", and consists of 28 degrees, which operate like theatrical presentations-- examining various moral and philosophical questions for Masons to contemplate.
The degrees of the York and Scottish Rite expand upon and delve deeper into the lessons taught in the first three degrees of Masonry--the are not considered to be "higher" degrees, nor is there any information taught in these degrees that is considered "secret" to regular 3rd degree Master Masons. These appendant bodies are excellent opportunities to expand your Masonic social circle, leadership opportunities, and knowledge of Freemasonry, but membership in these organizations is not specifically required of Master Masons.
adapted from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts website, www.askafreemason.org/topten/index.htm