Who are Masons?
Masons, also known as Freemasons, are a fraternal organization or brotherhood that shares common moral ideals and esoteric values. While the Masons are not a religious institution per se, they do require a belief in a Supreme Being as part of their entry conditions. Masons maintain strict privacy about their practices, memberships, and rituals, which are based on the doctrine of "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth."
To be admitted to the Masons, a person must pass through a series of educational steps or degrees, which include Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. During their training, people learn ritual performance and organization laws, and are encouraged to gain a deep understanding of themselves and their Supreme Being, not matter how they imagine Him to be. The Masons often use the King James Version of the Bible as their official scripture, although many centers choose a different sacred text, depending on the religion of their members.
There are certain rules as to who can become a Mason. Most centers require a potential member to have either an invitation or a recommendation from a current member. Traditionally, Masons were only men over the age of 25, but more orders are now accepting women members or creating additional offices to accommodate women who wish to be part of the institution.
Once admitted to the Masons, a person must also promise to keep the institution's secrets, which include a series of passwords and signs that allows members to recognize each other and gain entry into meetings and lodges. Potential members must also agree to participate in charity activities and community service, as this is part of the Masons belief system. While Masons often concentrate on helping their own members, they also offer assistance to outsiders.
Many famous people through history have been associated or admitted to be Masons. The list includes: François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire), Sir Winston Churchill, Benjamin Franklin, Rudyard Kipling, and several US presidents, including George Washington, Andrew Jackson, James Buchanan, Gerald Ford, Andrew Johnson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman.
Written by Diana Bocco
