What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal society. It’s core values are Integrity, Goodwill and Charity. It supports a great number of worthy charities such as the recent bushfire appeals and subsidised homes for the elderly. It allows men of all nationalities, creeds and status to meet as equals in a bond of fellowship.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
My guess is that you found your way to this website either via a Google search or a member has handed you a card with the address on it. On this site, you will have seen where and when we meet and how you can contact us. If Freemasonry really was a secret society then we really suck at it.
In truth, there are secrets in Freemasonry. But then, Coke won’t tell you their formula; KFC won’t reveal their “11 secret herbs and spices” and the accountant at your workplace won’t tell you how much the boss gets paid. All organisations have things that they keep confidential.
Is Freemasonry a religion and, if not, why do you swear on a bible?
Freemasonry is not a religion. Indeed, the discussion of religion or politics is forbidden in the lodge due to its divisory nature. In our lodge, there is a Christian Bible placed on the master’s pedestal. However, this is because the primary religion in our area is Christianity. Brothers of other faiths are encouraged to have their own Holy Books as well. Many lodges contain copies of the Koran, Tora and similar texts. Whatever the book, it will always be referred to as The Volume of the Sacred Law. It is the concept (not the specific text) that we are swearing upon. That is also why you will always hear the Divine referred to as “The Great Architect of the Universe”.
Is Freemasonry really thousands of years old?
We’re unsure. Stonemasonry, obviously, began in prehistoric times but the precise point at which stonemason’s lodges evolved into freemason’s lodges is unknown. Records show that Freemasonry was in existence in the mid-17th century. Some like to believe that Freemasonry has existed since the days of the Knights Templar or even the Egyptian Mystery schools. Either way, it’s existence prior to 1646 has never been conclusively proven or disproved and so most people tend to believe what makes them happy 🙂
What can Freemasonry offer me?
Freemasonry has much to offer. It is a place where:
- You can find new friends who have excellent qualities
- You can network with wide ranging group of people over dinner and drinks
- You can escape from the house (or your life [or your wife]) for a while
- You can feel the emotional pleasure that philanthropy brings
- You can be a part of a very select organisation
- You have an excuse to get dressed up (my wife complains that I dress better for masonic meetings than I do when I take her out)