Freemasonry: An International Fraternal Order

Freemasonry: An International Fraternal Order

Discover the History and Traditions of Freemasonry in the UK

Freemasonry is a global fraternity that originated from the guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders in the Middle Ages.

It has evolved into a men-only society that is devoted to moral discipline, mutual assistance, and fellowship. Freemasonry remains popular in the British Isles and in countries that were formerly part of the British Empire, but it has also spread to other parts of the world.

Historically, some lodges of operative (working) masons began to accept honorary members to boost their membership when cathedral building declined.

From a few of these lodges developed modern symbolic or speculative Freemasonry. Freemasonry has encountered opposition from organized religion, particularly from the Roman Catholic Church, and from various states throughout its existence.

Despite not being a Christian institution, Freemasonry has often been mistaken for one. It contains many elements of a religion and its teachings enjoin morality, charity, and obedience to the law of the land.

Freemasonry is open to adult male applicants who believe in the existence of a Supreme Being and in the immortality of the soul.

However, some lodges have been accused of prejudice against Jews, Catholics, and nonwhites. Freemasonry is divided into three major degrees, entered apprentice, fellow of the craft, and master mason, with additional degrees varying from country to country.

Apart from the main bodies of Freemasonry that originated from the British tradition, there are also numerous appendant groups that are primarily social or recreational in character, and have no official standing in Freemasonry.

They are prevalent in the United States, and among those known for their charitable work are the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also known as the "Shriners."

There are separate lodges restricted to women in Britain and certain other countries, and female relatives of master masons may join the Order of the Eastern Star.

Boys may join the Order of DeMolay or the Order of the Builders, while girls may join the Order of Job’s Daughters or the Order of the Rainbow.

English Masons are forbidden to affiliate with any of the recreational organizations or quasi-Masonic societies, on pain of suspension.

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