Masonic Life
Fraternity
What is a Masonic lodge?
The word “lodge” originates from the temporary shelters that stonemasons constructed alongside cathedrals during their building projects. During the winter months, when construction paused, these lodges served as places where the masons lived and continued their work, such as carving stone.
However, in Freemasonry, a lodge is more than just a physical space — it is a dynamic and enduring organization, made up of its members and sustained by their shared values, traditions, and commitment to brotherhood
A Masonic lodge is not just a building — it is defined by the members who bring it to life. It is a close-knit group of men bound by solemn promises, united in friendship, mutual support, and the shared journey of Masonry.
More than anything, a Masonic lodge stands as a symbol of welcome, support, and brotherhood — offering open arms, a helping hand, and genuine fellowship to every Mason, no matter where they are or when they are in need.
Brotherhood
LODGE LIFE
No two Masonic lodges are the same. All have unique personalities driven by their members. Beyond the monthly meetings, a Masonic lodge is a place for dinners, special events, and just hanging out.
From the outside, a Masonic lodge can look rather mundane. But inside the lodge room itself, Freemasonry comes to life, often with age-old artifacts, art, and the pageantry of our sacred ritual. More than anything, when Masons gather in the lodge, it’s a reaffirmation of our Masonic values of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
A unique aspect of lodge life is the coming together of generations and differing backgrounds. To become a Mason, one only needs to be a man of good character and to believe in a God, whatever form that may take for each individual. What binds Freemasons together is our obligation to each other to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
With this bond as common ground, strong, lifelong friendships form naturally between men of different generations, religions, races, economic backgrounds, or political beliefs. Ask any Mason, and he’s sure to tell you that through the lodge, he has become Brothers with men whom he may otherwise never have crossed paths with in everyday life. This is one of the fundamental constancies of life as a Freemason.
Masonry
Masonic Symbolism
Among the many symbols associated with Freemasonry, the square and compasses are the most recognizable. Often considered the unofficial emblem of the fraternity, these tools trace their origins back to the operative stonemasons of the past, symbolizing the instruments they used in their craft.
In contemporary Freemasonry, the square stands for honor, integrity, and truthfulness — reminding members to live morally upright lives and to treat others fairly and justly in all their actions. The compasses represent self-control, balance, and the importance of setting personal boundaries, encouraging Masons to keep their actions within the bounds of moral and ethical conduct.
The square teaches us how to interact honorably and honestly with those around us, while the compasses emphasize the importance of self-discipline and living a spiritually guided life. At the center of these symbols is the letter G, which stands for God, reminding Freemasons to keep a higher power at the heart of their actions and decisions.
Together, these symbols serve as powerful reminders of a Freemason’s duty to lead a life rooted in virtue, integrity, and purpose — both as a man and as a member of the fraternity.
Core Values
Freemasons & Charity
The values of Freemasonry are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. We gather together to help each other become better men and to forge a better world.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick, and the aged. This work continues today. More than 2.6 million dollars is raised each day to help people in need with large donations given to national and local charities.
Join with men of honor and integrity. Of deep caring with a devotion to helping others. Each with a vow to be the best they can be.
