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To understand the need, significance, and use of Masonic protocols and etiquette in our lodges and on Grand Lodge occasions, it is necessary to understand the role that protocol and etiquette play in not only our lodge but in our everyday lives. This guide deals with protocols and etiquette, first in general terms, then as … Read more

What does Justice have to do with Freemasonry? Justice is one of the cardinal virtues and is thus a Masonic value. We endeavor to be just and true in all of our dealings. Origin and Definition Justice comes to us via the Old French justice, via the Latin iustitia, via the Latin iustus. It denotes … Read more

Freemasons often address each other as “Brother.” We also consider ourselves “Travelers” in a way. The Masonic Brotherhood Brotherhood is a synonym for fraternity. We consider ourselves brothers (or brethren) because we have taken and endeavor to keep the very obligations necessary to become and remain a member of this Brotherhood. As Dr. Albert Mackey … Read more

We have been asked what happens in Masonic Lodge meetings. Such meetings are exclusive to Masons, fostering the curiosity that many have about us. What happens at Masonic Lodge meetings? Types of Meetings In Masonry, there are two types of Lodge meetings: stated meetings (also called business meetings in some places) and special meetings. Stated … Read more

You want to become a Mason or you have already joined a Lodge; however, you have learned that there are some Lodges out there that are not recognized as regular (or legitimate) by the mainstream Masonic community. How can you ensure that a Lodge is legitimate? Standards of Recognition The Standards of Recognition that are … Read more

Some people look into joining Masonry because they believe that they can make some money as Masons. Some people also join thinking that, like an insurance or benefit society, the Lodge will just give one money. These are mercenary motives, which are actually wrong reasons to join Masonry as detailed in one of our recent … Read more

A common attack by various entities (Christian and non-Christian alike) is that Freemasonry is a cult. Another common attack that some Christian denominations make against Masonry is that Christians cannot pray in Lodge. Cults/Religions and Masonry Cult is synonymous with religion; arguably, the only people who are not cultists are atheists. Anyone who subscribes to … Read more

We received an interesting question regarding the Masonic use of the term profane; the asker questioned why Masons use it to insult non-Masons. The History of the Term Profane comes to us from the Latin profanus, connoting (both anciently and today) unholiness, vulgarity, irreverence, and so on. This is likely where the asker’s premise of … Read more

If you have ever seen Freemasons bustling into or out of a Masonic Lodge or Temple, then you may have noticed that they were carrying briefcases of some sort. Aprons The Lambskin or White Leathern Apron is the badge of a Mason. When the Mason becomes an officer or grand officer, he receives another apron … Read more

Here we have been asked whether Masonic activity should be listed on a résumé or curriculum vitae. This can be a touchy issue for several reasons. My Personal Experience & Hindsight As one who obtained the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts, I always list my Eagle rank under the Awards section on my … Read more

As a man becomes a Mason and remains in good standing, he then has the rights and the benefits that Freemasonry has to offer. Some people (both non-Masons and, unfortunately, Masons) misinterpret this to mean that we are given a free pass on our conduct or that we get more material benefits than society in … Read more

There comes a time in many a Mason’s life when the Master or Master-elect of the Lodge appoints him to be an officer of the lodge for the first time. If the Mason chooses to accept the office being appointed to him, he may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of whatever duties are attached thereto. … Read more

Some people become Masons with expectations that do not reflect the true nature or character of Masonry. Others become Masons, only later to make lifestyle changes that result in Masonry not fitting into their lives anymore. In addition, of course, there are the conspiracy theorists who falsely and baselessly claim that, once you are a … Read more

When first learning about Masonry or if pertaining to a grand lodge jurisdiction that does not have them, some people confuse appendant/concordant and/or affiliate bodies with Masonry itself. One such example is Royal Arch Masonry. It should be noted that, though I have been a Royal Arch Mason for over a year, most of that … Read more

Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for one. Many people have a problem with this assertion, however, when they come to learn about the existence of Masonic Bibles. Availability In a few of the private Masonic groups of which I am a member on social media, I have, at times, come across comments … Read more

In Freemasonry, there are scores (if not hundreds) of cultural customs and points of etiquette that are observed at Masonic functions. In this article, we will be going over a few that seem to be universal. There are also some things that may be frowned upon outside of your Masonic activity. Here are some “mistakes” … Read more

Whenever it is explained to non-Masons that Freemasonry is not a religion, there are often a few who point out that Masonic lodges use altars, a fixture that they only ever see in religions. Volumes of Sacred Law In most grand lodge jurisdictions, the most common Volume of Sacred Law that is used is the … Read more

Masonry gets a lot of guff from outsiders about the penalties which most grand lodge jurisdictions use in their respective rituals. Symbolic Penalties In Masonry are penalties that, as stated above, symbolize just how serious we Masons are about our integrity not only as Masons, but also in every other aspect of our lives (as … Read more

When a Mason lays down his earthly tools to be taken to the Celestial Grand Lodge Above, it may be requested (whether by his final will and testament or by his family) that his lodge provide him with a Masonic funeral. Variances Freemasonry is completely decentralized. As such, each grand lodge has complete autonomy over … Read more

In this second article of my series on Masonic virtues, we will be reviewing the importance of the attribute of prudence. This will be yet another look at how Freemasonry makes good men better. Origin and Definition The term comes to us via the Old French prudence via the Latin prudentia, which means “foresight” or … Read more

Ever since we’ve published our guide on how to become a Freemason, a common (recurring) question that has been coming up often is: Grand Lodge Jurisdiction Legislation on various matters (including this one) vary from grand lodge jurisdiction to grand lodge jurisdiction. Grand Lodge A might specifically prohibit those convicted with felonies from being initiated … Read more

Participation in Freemasonry is a phenomenal experience. By it, we are encouraged to subdue our passions by keeping them within due bounds. However, interests can vary and extend past what Freemasonry has to offer. What is the solution for this? What is a Mason to do if he wants more out of Masonry? The solutions … Read more