Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal—i.e., men's-only—organization in the world. It promotes strong bonds among its members while fostering character development and personal growth. Its members are known for their dedication to philanthropy and support of the communities in which they live.

The words "Freemasons" and "Masons" are frequently used interchangeably, but "Freemasons" refers to the organization and its history, rituals and symbolism, while the word "Masons" means the members of that organization.

Freemasonry's origins are not known with any certainty. However, some people believe the organization is rooted in the traditions of medieval stonemasons, who built some of the world's most beautiful cathedrals and castles.

These medieval artisans often traveled to find work and used secret handshakes, signs and language to differentiate themselves and their skills from other laborers who also sought work.

It isn't easy to establish an exact timeline for the organization, but there was some activity in the 1600s. The year 1717 was important because the world's first grand lodge—the Grand Lodge of England—was established when several smaller lodges merged. (Lodges refer to a group of Masons who come together in fellowship and the building or room where they gather.)

Secrecy Within Freemasonry

Freemasonry is controversial largely because of its reputation as a secretive organization and the Catholic Church's opposition to it. Freemasons use passwords and have secret handshakes, which are based on a member's rank. Members also engage in secret rituals and use symbols.

One well-known symbol outside Freemasonry is the all-seeing eye, which is prominently featured on the U.S. $1 bill. It reminds us that God sees and knows everything. Another symbol consists of a square and a compass, which are builders' tools, and a "G" in the center. Some people believe the letter represents geometry, which was critical to early Masons, and others say it stands for God as the grand architect of the universe.

A less well-known symbol is a beehive, which represents industriousness or the idea that Masons were supposed to be as busy as bees.

What Do Freemasons Believe?

The four guiding principles of Freemasonry are integrity, friendship, respect and service.

1. Integrity. Freemasonry provides members with a structure that helps them build on their integrity. It gives them a sense of purpose and provides support and guidance. According to the United Grand Lodge of England, members bond with one another "through an understanding of unity and equitability—principles fundamental to Freemasonry."

2. Friendship. Being a Freemason means different things to different people, but many members benefit from the organization's sense of togetherness and belonging. Some friendships that Freemasons develop within the organization last a lifetime.

3. Respect. Freemasons come together regardless of race, religion or other perceived differences that divide society.

4. Service. Service is "at the very heart of Freemasonry," according to the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasons donate their time, skills and other resources to support events, fundraising for charity and volunteer work.

Who Can Be a Freemason?

Freemasons espouse religious tolerance and a thirst for knowledge, but their organization is not a religion or substitute for religion. Freemasonry doesn't intrude on its members' religious beliefs, although it does require members to believe in some sort of Supreme Being.

Besides believing in a Supreme Being, men interested in joining the organization must:

• Be an adult male (at least 18 years old or older in most areas and 21 years or older in others)
• Have a good moral character
• Join Freemasonry for reasons not related to personal gain or profit
• Apply to become members of their "own free will and accord"
• Have a favorable opinion of Freemasonry when joining
• Have a desire to gain knowledge
• Be willing to conform to the organization's ancient customs and practices

Why Do Catholics Oppose Freemasonry?

Freemasons come from many religious denominations, although Catholics and members of the Eastern Orthodox Church are prohibited by their churches from joining the organization.

The Catholic Church condemned Freemasonry in 1738 because of concerns over the organization's secret rituals and the belief that Masonic principles and practices were incompatible with Catholic doctrine.

Catholics were banned from becoming Masons in 1983, and the Vatican reaffirmed the decision in 2023. Those who defy the church are considered to be "in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion."

In 1933, the Eastern Orthodox Church echoed Catholics' concerns about Freemasonry and did not permit its members to join the organization. However, many Protestants and Protestant churches have no problem with Freemasonry.

Some Christians who oppose Freemasonry object to the idea of a Supreme Being rather than the God of the Old Testament. They also complain that Freemasonry treats all religions equally, saying that Christ sets Christianity apart from other faiths. Some say Freemasonry is indifferent to religion and spreads its indifference to Masons.

Others who object to the organization, whether Christian or non-Christian, argue that Freemasons exert excessive influence on politics, economics and culture. And some accuse the organization of religious prejudice against Jews and Catholics. Consequently, Freemasonry and Catholicism remain at odds.

Freemasonry is supposed to refrain from taking stands on religious or political issues, and members are not supposed to discuss religion or politics inside Masonic lodges. But sometimes they do.

The 3 Degrees of Freemasonry

The standard three degrees of Freemasonry are First Degree (Entered Apprentice), Second Degree (Fellowcraft) and Third Degree (Master Mason).

In the ceremony associated with First Degree Masonry, men are reminded that all people are equal and that those of us who are fortunate should help those who are less fortunate.

The next step encourages men to improve themselves through education and self-development. Candidates to become Third Degree Masons participate in a ceremony that focuses on living their lives wisely and creating a legacy that leads other people to remember them for the best reasons. Upon completing this step, members become Master Masons and full members of Freemasonry.

The three degrees are based on the journeyman system in which medieval artisans were educated. They also symbolize the three stages of human development: youth, adulthood and age.

Who Are Some of the Most Famous Freemasons?

Freemasons include a long list of prominent men. They include:

• Benjamin Franklin, a prominent inventor, scientist and U.S. Founding Father
• Winston Churchill, British prime minister during World War II
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt, U.S. president from 1933 to 1945
• Harry S. Truman, who was Roosevelt's successor as president
• Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co.
• Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon
• Rudyard Kipling, English novelist, poet and journalist

Freemasonry continues to be one of the most talked-about and often misunderstood organizations in the world. While its commitment to personal growth, community service, and fraternal bonds appeals to many, concerns remain—particularly among some Christian denominations—regarding its secrecy, inclusivity of all faiths, and perceived philosophical conflicts with traditional doctrine.

Despite the controversy, Freemasonry has played a significant role in history and still holds meaning for many of its members today. Like any institution with a long legacy, it invites both admiration and critique and understanding it fully requires a willingness to look beyond assumptions and into the facts.