Freemasonry is the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Its members share a common goal of helping each other become better men. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity. Its roots go back centuries and its members are diverse: high profile leaders, physicians, construction workers, farmers…and maybe you.
No, Freemasonry is not a secret society. We clearly communicate our presence (this website is just one example of that!), buildings are clearly marked, and many cars feature the familiar Masonic logo. Freemasonry does, however, have a few key secrets that are used for two primary reasons: (1) to prove to each other that we are Masons, and (2) as a bond between members – showing that we can honourably keep our secrets.
Following the practice of the ancient stonemason guilds, Freemasons use special handshakes, words, and symbols to not only to identify each other, but to help, as William Preston said in 1772, “imprint upon the memory wise and serious truths.” Although every Freemason takes an obligation — and vows to keep the secrets of Masonry — it doesn’t matter to him that you can find the secrets in print; what matters is that he keeps his promise. And the secrets he is protecting are only used to help Masons become better men; and there’s certainly no secret surrounding what it takes to be good and true.
No, Freemasonry is not a religion and does not pretend to be a substitute for religion. It is a fraternity, and its members are encouraged to follow their own paths when it comes to religion.
The meeting is typically in two parts. As in any association there is a certain amount of administrative procedure – minutes of last meeting, proposing and balloting for new members, discussing and voting on financial matters, election of officers, news and correspondence. Then there are the ceremonies for admitting and advancing new Masons.