What is Freemasonry?

The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. The explanation may correct some misconceptions. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.

Freemasonry is not an insurance or beneficial society. It is a non-profit organization involved in charitable, educational and civic projects. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.

Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, regardless of religious convictions. An essential requirement is a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute. 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. The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings. Masonry has no creed, no priesthood, and no plan for salvation. Neither is it an offspring of any church, ancient or modern. It espouses none of them nor is it subservient to any. While Masonry does require a belief in a Supreme Being ( atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity), each Mason worships in his own fashion according to his religious faith, whether he be Christian, Jew, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Buddhist or Hindu.

Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must ask a Masonic friend to recommend him. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous. A Masonic (Blue) Lodge will meet one or two evenings per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon Petitions for Membership. And which a Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (Master Mason's) Degree. It is here, where the principals of Freemasonry are taught.

There is no higher degree in Freemasonry than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:

Brotherly Love

Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and
understanding to his fellow creatures.

Relief

Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Truth

Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives. Freemasons
believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

Masonry does not solicit members. No one is asked to join, and a man must seek admission of his own free will -- he must ask. A man interested in becoming a Mason, should consult a friend whom he believes to be a Freemason to secure his good counsel and recommendation concerning this important undertaking.

Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.


Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in ay way conflict with its member'studies as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.

On the Wages of a Mason by a great Mason:

"Masonic labor is purely a labor of love. He who seeks to draw Masonic wages in gold and silver will be disappointed. The wages of a Mason are earned and paid in their dealings with one another; sympathy that begets sympathy, kindness begets kindness, helpfulness begets helpfulness, and these are the wages of a Mason."

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

What is Scottish Rite?

The Scottish Rite is one of the two appendant bodies of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed after he has completed the three degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry. Scottish Rite work amplifies and elaborates on the lessons of Blue Lodge degrees. As with Freemasonry, Scottish Rite is not a religion, and it is nondenominational, although it does require a belief in a Supreme Being.

A Master Mason may achieve 29 degrees -- the fourth through thirty-second -- in the Scottish Rite. A 33rd Degree is bestowed on men who have given outstanding service to Freemasonry or to their communities. The Scottish Rite, sometimes called the "College of Freemasonry," uses extensive drama and allegory to emphasize the message of its degrees.

What is York Rite?

The York Rite is the other appendant body of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed to supplement and amplify the Blue Lodge degrees, affording historical background on the work and meaning of Freemasonry.

The York Rite takes its name from the old English city of York. It is said that Athelstan, a British king, was converted to Christianity in York and that he granted the original charter to the Masonic guilds in that city nearly a thousand years ago. Although the York Rite is not a religion in itself, it does develop themes based on the Christian Crusades.

In the York Rite, a Master Mason may become a member of three bodies -- a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, a Council of Royal and Select Masters, and a Commandery of Knights Templar.

What is a Shriner?

Members of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America are members of the Masonic Order and adhere to the principles of Freemasonry -- Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Freemasonry dates back hundreds of years to when stonemasons and other craftsmen on building projects gathered in shelter houses or lodges. Through the years these gatherings changed in many ways until formal Masonic lodges emerged, with members bound together not by trade, but by their own wishes to be fraternal brothers.

There is no higher degree in Freemasonry than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree).

However, for those men who would like to receive additional instruction and explanation regarding the allegory and symbolism learned in the Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite or the York Rite bodies elaborate on the basic tenants of Freemasonry. A Master Mason must have achieved the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite or the Knights Templar degree in the York Rite before he can petition to become a Noble of the Mystic Shrine (except in Mexico and the Philippines).

Shriner are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of philanthropy. With almost 600,000 members the organization has a buoyant philosophy which has been expressed as "Pleasure without intemperance, hospitality without rudeness and jollity without coarseness."

Thirteen Masons organized the first Shrine Temple in 1872 -- Mecca Temple in New York City. They knew they needed an appealing theme for their new Order, so they chose the Arabic (near East) theme. The most noticeable symbol of Shrinedom is the distinctive red fez that all Shriners wear at official functions.

Shriners are men who enjoy life. They enjoy parades, trips, circuses, dances, dinners, sporting events and other social occasions together. Furthermore, Shriners support what has become known as the "World's Greatest Philanthropy", Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Through fellowship and philanthropy, Shrinedom strengthens the soul and adds inner-meaning to daily life. It thus spreads a glow of joy through one's entire family.

Men from all walks of life and all levels of income find fun, fellowship and relaxation in their individual Shrine Temples and its activities. There are also regional Shrine Clubs in many communities, family picnics, dances and scheduled trips to near and far -- just to mention a few of the activities available.

For the Noble desiring even more activity, there are various Units that he can join, such as: Tin Lizzy Corps., Drum & Bugle Corps, Oriental Bands, Motor Patrols, Horse Patrols, and Clown units. Every effort is made to be sure a Noble has a variety of activities from which he may choose.

There are 191 Shrine Temples located in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama. And there are informal Shrine Clubs located all around the world.

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Throughout its history, the Shrine has always been involved in charitable endeavors. However, in the early 1920s, the membership decided to develop and support an official philanthropy. They fulfilled this desire in the establishment of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Today, the Shrine operates 22 state-of-the-art childrens hospitals. With 19 orthopedic hospitals and 3 burns institutes where children up to their 18th birthday, regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Shriner, receive excellent medical care ... absolutely free.

Since 1922, Shriners have substantially improved the quality of life for approximately 600,000 crippled and burned children. Millions more have benefited as recipients of treatment and techniques developed at Shriners Hospitals.

"Editorial Without Words"

The photo known as the "Editorial Without Words" is probably one of the best recognized symbols of Shriners Hospitals, yet it was taken almost by accident. Randy Dieter, the photographer, recalled that in 1970, he had been on assignment covering Hadi Temple's annual outing for handicapped children at the now-defunct Mesker Amusement Park in Evansville, Indiana.

"I was taking shots of the midway and was using my telephoto lens," Dieter said. "I saw a local Shriner walking by carrying a little girl in one hand and her crutches in the other. My camera wouldn't fire. Then they were too close for my lens. I ran past them, but the camera jammed. I had to take my last shot as they walked by. It was the end of the roll. If I had to think about it, I wouldn't have come up with something like that. Fate guides you."

"It still seems unreal," said Bobbi Jo Wright, the little girl in the photo. "I have many wonderful memories of the years I was a patient at the St. Louis Shriners Hospital and remember all the fun activities. I was born with cerebral palsy, which resulted in many orthopedic problems that made walking difficult. I had many surgeries at the St. Louis Hospital. They greatly improved my ability to walk."

Bobbi Jo received her B.A. in English from Anderson University. She is active in her church and teaches Sunday School. "I use a cane when I go shopping," she said. "If I'm walking on grassy areas, I use crutches."

Today, the famous photo is an integral part of the Shriners Hospitals logo, and has been reproduced on stained-glass windows, mosaics, tie tacs, pins, and in statues. A larger-than-life replica of the "Editorial Without Words" stands outside the International Shrine Headquarters building in Tampa. Photographer Randy Dieter presently serves as graphics editor for the Kentucky Post

Above is Randy Dieter's original photo of Shriner Al Hortman (formerly of Evansville, Indiana, now living in Georgia), carrying Bobbi Jo Wright. The older girl on the left (in the above photo) is Hortman's daughter, Laura, who was a patient at Shriners Hospital in St. Louis. After Laura began receiving treatment at Shriners Hospitals For Children, Hortman himself joined the Shrine.

The photo on the right is of Bobbi Jo Wright the "little girl" being carried in Dieter's famous photo (above). Ms. Wright is now in her thirties and lives with her mother in Evansville, Indiana.

"No Man Stands So Tall

As When He Stoops To Help A Child"

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