-A Fraternal Order – only men and related women
-believe in a Supreme Being – has no pre-defined belief system: member beliefs and opinions are their own
-to make good men better
-to teach moral codes through symbolism and allegory
-a vehicle to practice community service
There are approximately 6 million members worldwide, 3 million in the United States
History – It was originally stone masons/master masons after sometime the respected citizenry joined. The Grand Lodge of England was formed in 1717. Before this it was a secret society. It first came to the United States in 1736.
Some of the U. S. Presidents who were members: George Washington, James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, James Polk, James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, James Garfield, William McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, Warren Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Gerald R. Ford.
The Masonic structure is as follows:
Blue Lodge – the mother lodge, must join to become a master mason
Related bodies –
Scottish Rite – theatrical rite
Shrine - shriners are master masons
York Rite – Knight’s Templar
Order of the Eastern Star – women’s group related to masons through their husband
DeMolay – Young men’s auxiliary, 12-19 year olds, related to masons
Job’s daughters – relationship to Master masons
Rainbow girls – do not need to be related to Master mason but only recommended by one.
3 degrees – this is the highest degree, master mason
33rd degree – means special recognition
Traditions – no discussion on religion or politics. It is a religious organization but not a religion
Common Masonic Symbols
