What is Freemasonry?
It’s the oldest, largest and most prestigious fraternity in the world. We’re kind of like a civic club, a charitable institution and a fraternity – all rolled into one.
We’re like a civic club in that we do a lot of community and provincial projects. We’re like a major charity in that we, through the wider Masonic family including the Shriner’s and their Children’s Hospitals, give almost $2 million away in North America every day.
Most importantly, we are a fraternity for men doing good things for each other, and trying to bring men of good morals and ethics together in our community.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour or creed
Masons are spiritual and moral people, but there’s no room for discussion of sectarian religion or partisan politics in freemasonry. Members are free to follow their own path, as long as it fits with the ethical principles of integrity and virtue symbolized by the square and compasses—the icon most commonly associated with Masonry
What do Mason Do?
The most important thing we do is take care of each other and our families. We are a fraternity. That means we help other Masons, treat them in special ways, support them no matter where they live. We also build friendships locally, across the province, and around the world. There aren’t many organizations doing that as part of their core work these days.
We help others. That’s why as part of the wider Masonic family, we give almost $2 million a day to charity in North America. And most of our money goes to help kids. We rank among the top 10 best-liked charitable groups in North America.
We also teach leadership skills, and help men lead an ethics-based life as a part of their foundational values. We promote good relationships and strong family values. We try to do something to strengthen the family unit every day.
What do you get out of it?
Tradition – Self Improvement – Sense of Accomplishment – Fellowship
We get a lot of pride, a sense of belonging to an organization that exists all over the world; being part of a great heritage; sharing an identity with the greatest men of the past – and of today.
We share a special bond with men from all walks of life – creating life-long friendships with them. Just being a member of an organization that believes in toleration – that lets each man think for himself and express his own opinions, without worrying about being wrong.
We get a lot more out of Masonry than we put into it.