Modern Freemasonry traces its origins to the founding of the Primier Grand Lodge, later the United Grand Lodge of England, in London in 1717.

Masonry unites men of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of mankind. Freemasonry offers a system, or blueprint, for the good man to further improve his character and actions through its structure of degrees, symbols and fellowship opportunities.

Freemasonry is not a religion. But, it is religious in the sense that the rituals and ceremonies used in Masonry are based on religious history and principles.

No. No. And, No. Freemasonry is not a religion anddoes not promote, or require, a particular belief system. Masonry is a fraternal organization not a religious movement or church, neither should it be a substitute for one's personal religious practices. The only "religious" requirement to become a Freemason is an honest belief in God as Supreme Being and Creator of the universe.

Anything that is kept "secret" in Masonry isn't because we are planning world domination, or even trying to take over the United States government. These "secrets" only pertain to Masonry and would be of no benefit to someone who does not understand the language, history, context, etc. of Freemasonry.

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If you know someone who is a Mason, talk to him. Ask him questions. Ask him to get you a petition.

If you don't know know anyone who is a Mason, look up a local Masonic Lodge through Google or Facebook and contact them. Ask to meet with someone to discuss membership.

Seeing that Masonry is a fraternal organization, it strives to impress the ideals of brotherhood, helping others, bettering yourself as a man, and strengthening your relationships. The main tenants of Freemasonry are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

Whether Blue Lodge (local Lodges), Shriners, York Rite, or Scottish Rite, Masonry purposefully supports thinks like eyecare, children's hospitals, and local organizations and charities.

For Freemasonry, there is no reason why a Catholic could no join a Lodge. Masonry has nothing against the Roman Catholic Church. There are many Catholics throughout the world who are comfortable with maintaining their membership in their Lodge, dispite membership being prohibited by the Roman Catholic Church. The 1983 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's (CDF) Declaration on Masonic associations reinforces that ban just in a different way.

Master Mason (the 3rd degree) is the highest degree in Freemasonry. From there you can branch out and join groups such as the Shriners, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Ghrotto, Order of Eastern Star, etc. A 32nd, or 33rd, degree Mason is no "higher" than the 3rd degree Master Mason. Scottish Rite (32nd Degree Masonry) and the York Rite (Knight Templars) are both based on the first three degress of Freemasonry and simply expound on them.

As far as titles go, the Grand Master is over the Grand Lodge of his jurisdiction. The District Deputy Grand Master has authority in his own district. The Worshipful Master is over his local Lodge.

The Letter "G" stands for both God and Geometry. It is ever a reminder that no matter what we do, we do it in the presence and ever-watchful eye of God, the Great Creator. It stands for Geometry because through geometry we understand the deminsions of the universe and map our planet.