What Are the Freemasons?

Have you ever wondered what the Freemasons are? It's not always easy to find out, because they value secrecy and privacy. However, there are some things about Freemasons that have been discovered.

The Freemasons are a fraternal society. Meetings and rituals are held to encourage charity, teach morality, learn, and encourage fellowship. These meetings and rituals are not available to nonmembers.

The Freemason's organization may have grown from the craftsmen groups in the 1600s and 1700s. In that time, the craftsmen organizations would set some prices and wages - naturally, they probably didn't want this kind of information available to just anyone. The secrecy may also contribute to status and awe.

There are different theories about how the Masons got started. Some people swear they descended from the Druids. Others say the group was started by the ancient Egyptian cult Isis-Osiris. An order of Jewish monks may also have started the Masons.

Additionally, some believe the builders of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem were the forefathers of modern Freemasons.

Masonry attracted well-to-do, cosmopolitan types in its early days and it has been said all those who signed the Declaration of the Independence were Freemasons. Ben Franklin, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Harry Truman, Theodore Roosevelt, Duke Ellington, and even Jesse Jackson were members.

Because so many influential members of society were members, conspiracy theories were soon developed regarding the Masons. Some thought they were responsible for the French Revolution, the American Revolution, or even the J.F.K. assassination. A few even thought the group was involved in devil worship.

Along with other civic groups, membership of the Freemasons has been declining. There is now about 1.8 million members. Membership was once as high as 4 million.

The Masons do a lot of charity work, including an estimated $80 million in donations each year. Volunteering and helping hospitals is important to this group too.

The Philalethes Society was founded by Masonic students in 1928. This society was supposed to aid Freemasons in seeking and spreading light. In 1946 the Philalethes Magazine was started. This is essentially a research society dedicated to researching any problems Freemasonry faces and exchanging ideas. 40 Master Masons serve as Fellows to this society.

In order to become a member, a man must have a good reputation, be of sound body and mind, and believe in God and charity. There is also a minimum age that varies by state. Being respectful of others' opinions and an interest in self development are other important criteria.

An interested individual must ask for a petition. Once a petition is submitted, Freemasons will evaluate it and meet with the individual and their family. The designated committee then goes back to the lodge and conducts a vote. If the vote is positive the individual will begin initiations.

Sources:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4500571/
https://freemasonry.org/index.php?option=com
http://people.howstuffworks.com/freemason.htm
http://www.gl-mi.org/freemasonry-explained.htm