Frequently Asked Questions

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest Fraternity. Its history and tradition date to antiquity. Its singular purpose is to make good men better. Its bonds of friendship, compassion and brotherly love have survived even the most divisive political, military and religious conflicts through the centuries. Freemasonry is neither a forum nor a place for worship. Instead, it is a friend of all religions, which are based on the belief in one God.

Many of our nation’s early patriots were Freemasons, as well as thirteen signers of the Constitution and fourteen Presidents of theUnited States beginning with George Washington. Today, the more than four million Freemasons around the world come from virtually every occupation and profession. Within the Fraternity, however, they all as equals. They come from diverse political ideologies, but they meet as friends. They come from virtually every religious belief, but they all believe in one God.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Freemasonry has always been: how so many men, from so many different walks of life, can meet together in peace, never have any political or religious debates, always conduct their affairs in harmony and friendship, and call each other ” Brother!”

All Freemasons believe in one God and in respect for each other.

Freemasons are respectable citizens who are taught to conform to the moral laws of society and to abide by the laws of the government under which they live. They are men of charity and good works. They remain unchallenged as “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy!” The Freemasons of America contribute more than one million dollars every day to charitable causes which they, alone, have established. These services to mankind represent an unparalleled example of the humanitarian commitment and concern of this unique and honorable Fraternity.

Freemasonry is proud of its philosophy and practice of “making good men better.” Only individuals believed to be of the finest character are favorably considered for Membership. Every applicant must advocate his belief in the existence of a Supreme Being (atheists are not accepted into the Fraternity).

Anyone seeking Membership in Freemasonry must be recommended to the Lodge by a Masonic friend. He must sign a Petition, stating his age, occupation and place of residence. Members of the Lodge vote by secret ballot. To be accepted, the ballot must be unanimous.

The Masonic Lodge meets one evening per month to conduct its regular business and vote upon Petitions for Membership. It meets several other times a month to confer degrees upon candidates. It is here where the bonds of friendship and fellowship are strengthened.

In Arizona, it is necessary that you be recommended by two men who are members of the Fraternity that have known you for a period of at least six months. If you think you do not know anyone who is a Mason, just look around. Members of the Fraternity make themselves known to the public by a number of items. Rings, lapel pins, license plates, desk items, and bumper stickers are just a few of the things you can look for. You could also contact the secretary of a lodge in your area and look through the membership roster to see if you recognize anyone. Most of the lodges are listed in the phone book. Many times men will make new introductions to members of a lodge who will then meet with them socially on a regular basis to get to know them for the six month period. Then they can sign the petition for you. Most lodges have several social events a month that you would be welcome to. If you really want to become a member of the greatest fraternity in the world, you can make it happen.

The Candidate receives three Masonic Degrees, concluding with the Third (or Master Mason’s) Degree. The Degrees are solemn, enlightening, and an enjoyable experience with no uncomfortable or embarrassing moments. It is here where the principals of Freemasonry are taught and where the new Member learns that his family and his own necessary vocations are to be considered above Freemasonry. Every Master Mason is welcomed as a “Brother” in any of the thousands of Regular Masonic Lodges throughout the world.

In American Freemasonry, the ritual is separated into two distinct forms, Free and Accepted Masons, and Ancient Free and Accepted Mason. These two forms are called F&AM and AF&AM for short. The origin of this split dates back to the 1700’s. Shortly after the Grand Lodge of England was formed, a schism of two allegiances formed, asserting themselves as the “Ancients” and the “Moderns”. The two factions have since rejoined, but the differences in the ritual still remain. The two ritual traditions are very similar in structure and performance, the main differences being in the specific style of wording used to convey the same message. These differences are not unlike the various forms of the bible, the same text but using different disciplines of language.