, the District of Columbia, and many countries around the world have their own sovereign and independent Grand Lodge that presides over Freemasonry in their respective jurisdiction. Once the Craft degrees have been conferred upon a Mason, he is qualified to join various "Concordant bodies" which offer additional degrees. Symbolically, the degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood and age. It is a society that prides itself on its values of brotherhood, charity, and truth, and its members are expected to uphold these values in their everyday lives. Jan 5, 2026 · National organized Freemasonry began in 1717 with the founding of the Grand Lodge—an association of Masonic lodges—in England. Learn more. Freemasonry, or Masonry, is the world’s first and largest fraternity. Masons represent virtually every occupation and profession, yet within the Fraternity, all meet as equals. a Freemason. . The word mason means a construction worker who works with stone. a bricklayer 3. The Masonic system comprises three fundamental elements often referred to as craft degrees – these include Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. All Rights Reserved. It is a tight-knit group of men who make solemn vows to one another and become comrades in Masonry and life. Masons (also known as Freemasons) belong to the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. He is also called a "stonemason". Today, there are more than two million Freemasons in North America. The three degrees of Freemasonry are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Ready for an enlightening voyage? Let’s set sail on this fascinating journey into the heart of Freemasonry. The meaning of MASON is a skilled worker who builds by laying units of substantial material (such as stone or brick). Freemasonry's long history includes its early development from organised bodies of operative stonemasons to the modern system of speculative lodges organised around regional or national "Grand Lodges". S. Freemasonry grew from the groups (guilds) of stonemasons in the Middle Ages whose men built cathedrals and other large buildings. Masons come from diverse political ideologies, yet meet as friends. They are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval Craftsmen. Every state in the U. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries, with a rich history and tradition. The earliest masonic texts each contain some sort of a history of the craft of masonry. Learn about Freemasonry, the history of the fraternity, what happens in a Masonic lodge, and how to become a Mason. MASON definition: 1. However, Freemason societies have existed for much longer. We are the administrative body that oversees more than 500 Masonic lodges across New York State. Based on the belief that each man can make a difference in the world, Freemasonry enhances and strengthens the character of the individual man by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, and education. The most popular theory is that Freemasonry emerged out of the stonemasonry guilds of the Middle Ages. a stonemason (= person who cuts stone) 2. These organisations are usually administered separately from the Grand Lodges who administer the Craft degrees. ©2026 New York Masons. Above all, a Masonic lodge represents open arms, a helping hand, and brotherly love to every Mason, anywhere, at any time. Once the Craft degrees have been conferred upon a Mason, he is qualified to join various "Concordant bodies" which offer additional degrees.

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