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Freemasonry is the leading fraternal organization in the world, founded on Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Discover its rich history & moral teachings.

Skip to main content Hit enter to search or ESC to close Close Search About What is Freemasonry? Awards Leadership Letter from the Grand Master GLO Store Masonic Organizations FAQ Freemasonry in Ohio Joining Ohio Freemasonry Membership Grand Lodge of Ohio Leadership Charities This is Ohio Freemasonry Join How to Join Background Check Museum & Library Charities Masonic Relief Fund Masonic Model Student Assistance Program Ohio Masonic Communities Veterans and First Responders Fund Scholarships Museum and Library 1st Lady’s Charity Donate Lodge Locator Member Portal Blog Contact Verify Status Office Contacts Twitter Facebook Linkedin search WHAT IS FREEMASONRY Freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. It unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind. Freemasonry offers a system or blueprint for the good man to further improve his character and actions through its system of degrees, symbols, and fellowship opportunities. The United Grand Lodge of England reports that worldwide membership totals more than 6 million Freemasons, 1.1 million of whom are in North America. With over 60,000 Masons and 430 local Lodges, Ohio has one of the largest Masonic memberships of any state in the country. Visit our Join page to begin your journey to becoming a Master Mason. WHEN DID FREEMASONRY START? Modern Freemasonry was established in England in 1717, although its exact origins are lost in the unrecorded history of medieval times. Its roots are found in guilds of stonemasons that, from the end of the 13th century, regulated the qualifications of stonemasons. As a stonemason grew in his craft, he was entered into the appropriate rank: apprentice, journeyman (now called Fellow Craft) and master mason. At each stage, the craftsman was entrusted with the secrets of each level, which include passwords and grips (or handshake) made known to him only upon due inspection of necessary proficiency by a master of the craft. This way, as stonemasons migrated across Europe to the next job, each man was assured proper pay and privilege commensurate with his skill level, and clients were assured of the quality of work. Today, Freemasonry shares this same system of secrets, ritual and growth, though the work has shifted from building edifices to building oneself in good character. HOW MANY FREEMASONS ARE THERE? According to the United Grand Lodge of England, there are 6 million Freemasons worldwide. WHAT ARE THE VALUES OF FREEMASONRY? The values of Freemasonry are brotherly love, relief and truth Brotherly Love: Caring for Each Other and Our Communities Relief: Help and Assist Those in Distress Truth: Using Knowledge and Understanding to Improve Ourselves, Our Families and Our Communities As Freemasons, we recognize that knowledge gained should be knowledge shared; that investing time, knowledge and experience through mentoring and coaching is one of the better ways to live our Masonic principles. In our modern, fast-moving and often isolating society, it is more important than ever that Masons endeavor to seek and share these basic truths and put them into action through a life that informs, influences and inspires others. LEARN MORE WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BECOME A MASON? Throughout history, Freemasonry has provided a way for men throughout the world to live their lives to their fullest potential in association with other like minded men. This focus on the social, moral and intellectual development and well being of the individual man is unique among modern organizations. For centuries, the Masonic Lodge has been the launchpad for Masonic education, learning the values and tools required for self-improvement, enlightenment, and living a greater purpose. Through ritual, discussions and working in the community, Masons work on becoming better versions of themselves, and as importantly, helping brother Masons do the same. LEARN MORE WHAT ARE THE DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY? The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic Lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages that Masons call “degrees.” The three degrees of Freemasonry are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. They are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval Craftsmen. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood and age. 1st Degree: Entered Apprentice This is a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the Fraternity, and like all Masonic ceremonies, it is a solemn and meaningful event. Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice ceremony, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.” Learn more about the Entered Apprentice degree. LEARN MORE 2nd Degree: Fellow Craft The second Masonic degree exposes a Brother to more of the symbolism and philosophy of the Fraternity. For skilled Craftsmen, this degree woul...

What is Freemasonry? - Freemasonry