Glandore Masonic Lodge 551

What is Freemasonry?

A simple enough question that has been answered in many ways by many people.

George Washington described it thus:-

"The grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race."

A grand objective indeed.

Dr. Dodd had a different perspective when describing freemasonry:-

"Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilisation of mankind, and whose everlasting glory is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality."

The Grand Lodge of Ireland describes Freemasonry as one of the world's oldest fraternal societies that has flourished in Ireland for more than 300 years bringing together men of goodwill, integrity, tolerant of the beliefs of others, charitable in disposition and striving to achieve high moral standards in every aspect of life.

Freemasonry can be many things to many people. It is an inclusive organisation welcoming men from many religious faiths, but it's not all inclusive, since it excludes atheists and agnostics. Its purpose is to make good men better.

In 1869 a brother tried to explain what a Freemason is in letter to a London Newspaper:-

Sir,

What is a Freemason? This question is often asked.

I will tell you what he is.

He is a dutiful child, an affectionate parent, a tender husband, a faithful servant, a good master, a peaceful neighbour, a loyal subject, a wise king, a just ruler, and a true friend.

He is full of affection to his brethren, faithful to his friends, generous to his enemies, warm and compassionate to the unfortunate, self denying to little private interests and happiness, magnanimous without being proud, humble without being mean, just without being harsh, on whose words we can rely entirely, whose professions of kindness an effusions of the heart; one in whom independently of any view of advantage, we should choose for a superior, could trust as friend, and could love as a brother from the same parent

This is freemasonry according to Freemasonry

Your fraternally

A Brother

The origins of Freemasonry are not well documented, but is commonly believed that Freemasonry evolved out of the guilds of stone-masons dating from the middle-ages.

As the centuries passed, many people in society became speculative members of those Masonic guilds and by the early enlightenment era, Freemasonry had become a purely social and fraternal institution which preserved the traditions and practices of those original guilds.

There are many misconceptions about Freemasonry and one of those is you must be asked by a Mason before you can join. As with many of the misconceptions about the Masonic Order is false. Any man who is interested in joining is encouraged to simply ask a member.

To be one, ask one.