Freemason

Freemasonry is a fraternal order of men, originally deriving from the medieval fraternity of operative stonemasons. It is believed that the society arose out of the fraternity and lodges of the English and Scottish freemasons and cathedral builders of the middle ages.

Freemasonry is cosmopolitan. It admits men of every nationality, religion, creed, and political persuasion; the qualifications for membership are few, such as a belief in a Supreme Being, good moral character, a fair degree of intelligence, and absence of injury or defect in body which would prevent the candidate from performing his duties as a Mason. Masonry insists that men must come to its doors of their own freewill, not as a result of solicitation. Their approach should be prompted by a variable opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to be of greater service to their fellow men. Masonry is not to be metered in the hope of personal gain or advancement or from mercenary or other unworthy motives. The institution of Masonry interferes with neither religion nor politics. It has for its foundation the basic principles of the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Man, has in it nothing inconsistent with one’s civil, moral, or religious duties. No atheist can become a Mason. Loyalty to one’s country is an essential qualification in Masonry and only those are acceptable who render a cheerful obedience to constituted authority. Masonry is not in any way an insurance society, nor does it pay benefits in case of unemployment, sickness, accident or death.