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

Every lodge has a dress code. Some are stricter, requiring a suit or even a tuxedo. However, even the lodge with the laxest dress code still has at least one requirement: a Mason must wear an apron. The History of The Masonic Apron In medieval times, Masons wore leathern aprons to protect their clothing and, … Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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