INTRODUCTION TO MASONRY AND FREEMASONS

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Freemasonry is a Brotherhood of Men under the Fatherhood of God with the basic purpose of making good men better and the belief in the practice of the three principal tenets of Masonry: Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, using allegories and symbols to teach these lessons. Freemasonry is a system of thought, philosophy and action that has been handed down to us from the remote past, the oldest and most venerable of all human institutions.

It is also the oldest and largest fraternity with its history and tradition dating back to antiquity. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived over the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through centuries. Freemasonry (or Masonry) is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions which are based on the belief in one God or Supreme Being.

Freemasonry has for its members, respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and abide by the laws of the government under which they live. Freemasonry is also a fraternity of men of charity and good works who remain unchallenged as the "world's greatest philanthropy".

The mission of Masonry is the building of the ideal Temple and he who is a true Mason works to the plan of that Temple. He has to build himself and thereby contribute to the building of humanity. How to live is a problem each of us must solve.

How it all began

In the Middle Ages, the terms "mason" and "freemason" were used interchangeably. They were stonemasons who built castles and cathedrals in England and Scotland. Because of the inherent danger of their work, many stonemasons formed local organizations, called lodges, to take care of sick and injured members as well as the widows and orphans of those who were killed on the job. The masons also used Lodges as places to meet, receive their pay, plan their work, train new apprentices, and socialize.

In 1717, the first Grand Lodge was established in London. Within the next two decades, English Freemasonry spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the American colonies. The first lodge organized on American soil appeared in Philadelphia, Pennslyania around 1730. By 1733 a Provincial Grand Lodge was organized in Boston, Massachusetts. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and other founding fathers were among the first Masons in America. Of the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution, 13 were Masons.

From the Middle Ages to California Gold

During the Gold Rush of 1849, thousands of settlers came to California in search of fortune. Those who were Masons brought their rich traditions with them, soon establishing some of California's first Masonic Lodges in the mining towns of the Gold Country. In 1850 - the same year that California became a state - the Grand Lodge of California was established in Sacramento.

Masonry is the world's first and largest fraternal organization. It is a body of knowledge and a system of ethics based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.

As Masons, we lead by example, give back to our communities, and support numerous Masonic philanthropies. We invest in children, our neighborhoods, and our future.

Our values
Our Mission is guided by the enduring and relevant tenets of our fraternity--Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth--and our core values, which include:

• Ethics
  Our lives are based on honor and integrity, and we believe that honesty, compassion, trust, and knowledge are important.

• Tolerance
  The fraternity values religious, ethnic, cultural, social, and educational differences. We respect the opinions of others and strive to improve and develop as human beings.

• Personal growth
  Our continuous pursuit of knowledge, ethics, spirituality, and leadership brings more meaning to our lives.

• Philanthropy
  We make a difference in our communities through charitable giving, community service, and volunteerism.

• Family
  We strive to be better spouses, parents, and family members and are committed to protecting the well being of members and their families, especially when they are in need.

• Freedom
  Masons value the liberties outlined in the U.S. Constitution and continually promote freedom of speech and expression, freedom to worship a Supreme Being in an individual way, and other important liberties. We believe it is our duty to vote in public elections and to exercise all of our liberties within due and proper bounds.