The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons is the oldest, largest and most
widely known fraternal organization in the world.
Some historians trace Freemasonry to the 10th Century B.C. during the building
of King Solomon’s Temple. Records reveal that Freemasonry was introduced
into England in 926 A.D.
Freemasonry is directly descended from associations of operative masons, the
cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe employing
the secrets and skills of their crafts.
In the 17th Century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds
of stone-masons, known as “Operative Masons” or “Free Masons”,
started to accept as members those who were not members of the masons’
craft, calling them “Speculative Masons” or “Accepted Masons”.
It was from these groups, comprised of “Adopted or Accepted Masons”,
that Symbolic Masonry or Freemasonry, as we know it today, had its beginning.
In 1717, four Lodges of Freemasons meeting in London, England, formed the
first Grand Lodge.
This first Grand Lodge chartered Symbolic Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges
in many countries, including the United States.
Today there are more than 150 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with
a membership of approximately 3,500,000.
In the United States, there are 51 Grand Lodges. They include 50 states and
the District of Columbia.
There are approximately 1,750,000 Freemasons in the 51 Jurisdictions of the
United States, nearly one half of the world’s total.
The basic unit of all Grand Lodges is the Symbolic Lodge, or “Blue Lodge”,
as it is commonly known.
It is the Symbolic Lodge that issues petitions for membership, acts on petitions
and confers the three Symbolic Degrees, known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft and Master Mason Degrees. As of August 31, 2003, there are 265 Symbolic
Lodges in the Jurisdiction of Mississippi, with a membership of 24,008.
Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications
and standards of character and reputation.
A man becomes a Freemason through his own volition. No one is asked to join
its ranks. When a man seeks admission to a Symbolic Lodge, it is of his own
free will and accord, the choice is his.
One of the customs of Freemasonry is not to solicit members. One seeking admission
must have a desire and must request a petition form from one whom he believes
to be a Mason.
The petitioner must be recommended by two members of a Masonic Lodge and pass
a unanimous ballot. The petitioner must be of legal age, 18 in Mississippi,
mentally and physically competent, of good moral character, and believe in the
existence of God.
Contrary to what many believe, Freemasonry is not a secret society. It does
not hide its existence or its membership.
There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonry.
It is an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Brotherly Love,
Relief and Truth.
Its constitutions are published for the world to behold. Its rules and regulations
are open for inspection.
It is true that we have modes of recognition, rites and ceremonies, with which
the world is not acquainted. In this regard, all human groups and institutions
have private affairs. For instance, families have discussions on subjects that
do not and should not concern their neighbors.
Freemasonry is not now, never has been, nor will it ever be a religion. It
is, however, religious in character.
It does not pretend to take the place of religion or serve as a substitute for
the religious beliefs of its members.
Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions.
An essential requirement is a belief in God.
Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society. It is not organized
for profit. However, the charity and services rendered are beyond measure.
It teaches monotheism. It teaches the Golden Rule. It seeks to make good men
better through its firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of
Man and the Immortality of the Soul.
Freemasonry is kindness in the home, honesty in business, courtesy in society,
fairness in work, pity and concern for the unfortunate, resistance toward evil,
help for the weak, forgiveness for the penitent, and, above all, reverence and
love for God.
Freemasonry is many things, but, most of all; Freemasonry is a way of life.