14 Affiliate Bodies to Freemasonry (By Invitation Only)

masonic affiliate bodies by invitation only

Recently we published some of the more popular concordant/appendant and affiliate bodies for Freemasons to join. If you have already joined one of these, then you may have heard mention of other groups that you might not hear about in your Masonic lodge, groups that may be joined by invitation only. What invitation-only bodies are … Read more

7 Ritual Memorization Tips For Freemasons

Ritual Memorization Tips

Most of the ritual that we perform as Masons is done by memory. I have never heard of any legitimate grand lodge jurisdiction that allows its members to open their ciphered ritual books while in attendance at a tyled meeting. My Experience With The Ritual When I first became a Mason, I received compliments from … Read more

7 Freemasonry Affiliate Bodies For Non-Masons

Freemasonry Affiliate Bodies For Non-Masons

The values that Freemasonry teaches us are immeasurable and invaluable. Though we may try to pass these values on to our spouses and children in our everyday lives, it is simply not the same thing as learning such values as we do. What is the best way to provide such opportunities for our spouses, siblings, … Read more

Masonic Temperance (Masonic Virtues Series)

masonic virtues temperance

We often say that Freemasonry makes good men better. However, we do not always do a good job of explaining how. There are several values and virtues promoted in the Fraternity that serve this purpose and in this article, I will be going over the attribute of Temperance. Origin and Definition The term temperance comes … Read more

St. John the Evangelist (The Patron Saint of Freemasonry)

st john the evangelist

Throughout the year, we celebrate various holidays. It may surprise you to learn that St. John the Evangelist’s day (December 27th) is significant to Freemasons in the United States of America and possibly elsewhere around the world. History of St. John the Evangelist The following is a portion of a brief Biblical history of St. … Read more

Where Do The Rumors About Freemasonry Come From?

where do the rumours about Freemasonry come from

One of the reasons why so much mystery surrounds Freemasonry is because of all the gossip and rumors floating around claiming Freemasonry is some nefarious, malignant force, religious and/or political. Where do these rumors come from? Why is it that Masonry has been and continues to be a convenient scapegoat? The following is a relatively … Read more

How To Join The Freemasons?

how to join the freemasons

Many people wonder how to join the Freemasons, but do not know how to start. I was in the same situation back in 2016. So, how does one become a Freemason? One becomes a Freemason by joining a Masonic lodge. Below we will go over the general requirements and process to accomplish this. Here’s what … Read more

Annual Grand Lodge Communications & Grand Lodge Visitations

Annual Grand Lodge Communications

In Masonry, there are lodge events and there are grand lodge events. In the articles that I have written lately for MasonicFind, I have referenced two such events: Annual grand lodge communications and grand lodge visitations. It has occurred to me, however, that not all readers may know what these are. What are annual grand … Read more

The History Between Freemasonry & The Mormon Church (LDS)

Freemasonry & The Mormon Church

Freemasonry and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have an interesting history, albeit relatively brief. Nauvoo, IL, where the Church was headquartered from 1839 until 1846, eventually got its own lodge under the jurisdiction of the new Grand Lodge AF&AM of Illinois, which led to contention within the grand lodge. After the Saints’ … Read more

Who Speaks Authoritatively for Freemasonry?

who is the authority in freemasonry

For almost three hundred years, there have been opinion-pieces, “exposés,” and propaganda regarding Freemasonry. I have always wondered why anyone should lend more credence to these than to the very sources of Freemasonry themselves. The same principles apply to any other entity, whether it be government, a commercial business, a church, or some other non-profit … Read more

The Benefits Of Being A Freemason

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Freemason

A short two hundred years ago, most entertained themselves with social gatherings, games, and (if one was wealthy enough) books and theatre. Today, we live in a world of instant gratification. Whatever you want to do, there is likely a website or a mobile app for it. With credit cards, we make instant purchases and … Read more

Grand Master’s Class or Traditional Degrees?

grand master's class or traditional degrees

As one advances through the degrees of Freemasonry, one must typically prove his proficiency in one degree before being allowed to move on to the next. However, this is not always the case. Some grand lodge jurisdictions will hold what is called a Grand Master’s Class, which is the experience of going through multiple degree … Read more

5 Wrong Reasons To Become A Freemason

wrong reasons to become a freemason

Gossip about Freemasonry abounds, leading many people to have misconceptions about who we are and what we do. Sometimes, this can lead a person to try to join Freemasonry with the wrong intentions. What are some wrong reasons to become a Freemason? Mercenary Motives When one petitions to become a Freemason under the jurisdiction of … Read more

You’re A Master Mason: Now What Do You Do?

what you need to do as a master mason

You are a Master Mason. At the very least, you have turned in your proficiency and you are up to date on your dues; you are a full member of the Fraternity, with all the rights and privileges thereof. So what do you do now? Lodge Ritual The majority (if not all) of your lodge’s … Read more

What Do Masonic Lodge Officers Do?

What Do The Officers Of A Masonic Lodge Do

Every organization is structured in one way or another. Freemasonry is no different. Each grand lodge has codified how it and its subordinate lodges operate and what the duties of the officers thereof are. In this article, I will focus on the lodge itself and answer, what do the officers of a Masonic Lodge do? … Read more

What Sacrifices Do Freemasons Make?

masonic sacrifice

Those who consider becoming Freemasons should consider the sacrifices that are involved in being an active member of a lodge. To be a Freemason is a commitment in and of itself. There are also conspiracy theorists who often try to pass off macabre fiction to make Freemasonry look sinister. The Sacrifice of Time I have … Read more

What Is A Masonic Investigation?

what is a masonic investigation

When someone petitions to join a Masonic lodge, an investigation takes place. This applies both to people who want to become Masons as well as people who already became Masons elsewhere. So, what is a Masonic investigation? Having been the chairman of my lodge’s investigation committee for the past two years, here is the process … Read more

How Can Masonic Lodges Increase Membership?

how to get more freemasons in a lodge

The number of Masons in the United States today is far less than it was fifty, twenty, or even ten years ago. Both my lodge and grand lodge currently face the question of how to increase our membership; given what I have read in various Masonic groups on social media, I can only assume that … Read more

Can Latter-Day Saints Become Freemasons?

can mormons become freemasons

Some ask the question about whether members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) can become Freemasons. Having firsthand knowledge and experience both as a Latter-day Saint and as a Freemason, I feel uniquely qualified to answer this question. So, can Latter-day Saints become Masons? The Church The Church does not have … Read more

6 Things Freemasons Know How To Do Very Well

freemasonry and the family

Freemasons often refer to each other as “a Brother”. Needless to say, Freemasonry is like one international family, and given how Freemasonry’s main purpose is to “make good men better“; One thing you will learn about as a Freemason is how to become a better man both inside and outside the Lodge. Today, we’re taking … Read more

32 Masonic Symbols (& What They Mean)

masonic symbols

As Samuel Hemming, the first Senior Grand Warden of the United Grand Lodge of England once put it; Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the most recognized masonic symbols (32, to be exact) and give you an explanation of what they … Read more

Was Jack The Ripper A Freemason?

was jack the ripper a freemason

One of my personal favorite crime stores ever has to be the story of Jack The Ripper. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the allegations that claim Jack the Ripper was a Freemason. Who Was Jack The Ripper? Jack the Ripper was an identified serial killer who murdered five women in London in 1888. … Read more

10 Requirements To Become A Freemason

Requirements To Become A Freemason

Understandably, one of our most-read guides on the website is how to become a Freemason. For all those interested in becoming a Freemason one day, today we want to take it a step further and share with you 10 requirements you need to “check” before you ASK12BE1. If you’re interested in joining the world’s oldest … Read more

9 Famous Men You Did Not Know Are Freemasons

famous people who are freemasons

Throughout its centuries-long history, Freemasonry has attracted many of the world’s best leaders, Monarchs, Presidents, scientists, entertainers (and others) to its ranks. This is due to a wide variety of different reasons and benefits of becoming a Freemason, and it’s no secret there are many “influential people” today who also happen to be Freemasons. While … Read more

34 World-Changing Inventions by Freemasons

inventions by the freemasons

It’s often asked what positive contributions to society Freemasons have achieved throughout history. Well, as it turns out, Freemasonry (through the many great men in its ranks), has contributed a LOT. We covered the brilliant scientists who were Freemasons in a recent post, but today we’re taking a look at what their inventions were, so … Read more

How Ancient Stonemasons Built Cathedrals

how stone Masons built cathedrals

As you may know already, modern-day/speculative Freemasonry (as it is known and practiced today across the world) comes from the ancient guilds of operative stonemasons. Today, we’re taking a break from talking about Masonic history. Instead, we’re going to take a look at how the ancient stonemasons built the many architectural wonders and cathedrals that … Read more

5 Famous Charities Supported by Freemasons

famous charities supported by freemasons

One of the main aspects of Freemasonry not many know about is the Charity work done by Freemasons and Masonic Lodges around the world. We’ve talked already about Masonic benevolence in the past but today, I want to share with you a short-list of Masonic charities, these are: The Red Cross Red Cross is one of … Read more

3 Youth Groups Associated With The Freemasons

Youth Groups Associated With Freemasonry

A few weeks ago, we shared an in-depth guide on how to start your process of becoming a Freemason. For some, however, the journey to Light begins earlier in life, mostly through various Masonic youth groups. While there are many different Masonic Youth Groups (you can see the entire list on Wikipedia), in this article … Read more

Freemasonry & Science (Connecting The Dots)

freemasonry and science

George Washington, a Founding Father and 1st President of the United States of America once said; ‘Freemasonry is an institution founded on eternal reason and truth; whose deep basis is the civilization of mankind, and whose everlasting glory it is to have the immovable support of those two mighty pillars, science and morality.’ The importance … Read more

17 Must-Read Books For Freemasons

must read books for freemasons

With hundreds of years of Masonic history documented and recorded by Brethren long gone (and sadly forgotten), your average Masonic reader is spoilt for choice when it comes to Masonic literature. In this article, I will be sharing with you 17 must-read books for Freemasons which have been suggested by Masons who were asked this … Read more