The Freemasons are an international fraternal organization that has been around for over 300 years. They are associated with building and construction, as well as esoteric knowledge. They are known for their secrecy and brotherhood and are noted for their philanthropy, mainly through the Masonic Foundation.
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What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasons are a fraternal organization with many diversified goals. Some groups are solely interested in philanthropic works, while others are focused on the fraternity of ideas. But regardless of the intentions, all branches of Freemasonry are united by one common goal – the fraternity. As a fraternal organization that has given rise to many different philosophies over the centuries. According to Freemasonry, a person’s destiny is to move from one level of morality to another in this ongoing journey. They believe that you have progressed into the Age of Enlightenment and are currently in the Age of Reason and Science. Even as a centuries-old organization, the Freemasons still use the same methods today. The most notable of these symbols is the square and compass used as the Masonic symbol for thousands of years.
While the Freemasons are still a secretive society, they have published many of their symbols in books, pamphlets, and websites. Today, you can search the internet for information on the history of Freemasonry, or you can take a more active role in your Masonic journey.
Freemason Beliefs
Freemasonry is an international organization for men who believe that it is their duty to become involved with their local communities, help establish good relations with the nation and their fellow men, and lay the stepping stones for a more just society. In fulfilling these duties, they seek to become better citizens and to support their families and communities. As the world becomes increasingly complex, men become more and more isolated from each other, especially in their daily lives. Hence, Freemasons feel it is vital to bring the individual and the community together, promote understanding and peace, and build a better world for everyone.
How Do You Know Who Is A Freemason?
This society has grown to be a large and diverse group, with members in the sciences, economics, politics, and the arts. These men (and only men are allowed) meet in secret most of the time to discuss topics that are of interest to them. Though the actual rules of the society are kept secret, many people believe that the institution has certain secret rituals, symbols, and words that they can use to identify a member as a Freemason. Although the methods they use are kept away from the public, recognizing a Freemason can be done several ways. For example, they will often use symbols to display their membership to a lodge, and many of these are well-known. One predominant method of knowing who a member is is to hear them asking specific, oddly phrased questions that require an equally peculiar answer. These answers will define which lodge they belong to or if they are a new member still learning or an established member who imparts knowledge.
How Do You Join?
Membership in a fraternal organization is not for everyone. Nor is the way Freemasons go about obtaining their membership. It’s not just a social club, though that is a part of it. Freemasonry is based on a system of morality and civic duty, and that’s the fundamental reason it has enjoyed a long life. There is often no direct entry into the fraternity, and even if you find an existing Freemason willing to vouch for you, you must meet certain conditions:
- It is only open to men of good reputation (no women).
- They must believe in an all-powerful Supreme Being.
- A person must be able to support themselves and their families.
- Morality and ethics must be your guide.
- It’s vital to have a strong desire to change the world for the better.
Who Are The Most Famous Freemasons?
From celebrities to government ministers, there have been many famous members over the years.
Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor was a famous stand-up comedian who entertained millions of fans throughout his career. He was the first African American to win the prestigious “Best Comedian” Oscar and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pryor had a long career in stand-up and appeared in more than 30 films, including Silver Streak. Pryor was also the winner of several Grammy Awards. He was also a well-known member of the Prince Hall Freemasonry lodge in the USA.
George Washington
George Washington (April 14, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was an American soldier, estate owner, farmer, planter, statesman, and inventor. It was he who served as the first president of the United States between 1789 and 1797. Many people are not aware that George Washington, the Father of the Country and Founder of the Nation, was a Freemason. In the late 1800s, Freemasonry was even widely known in the United States. Over the years, many people have questioned why George Washington was a Freemason. However, it is a possibility that Freemasonry’s theocratic and ethical ideals enamored him towards joining.
Clark Gable
Clark Gable was an American film actor born Jacob Jonathan Gable on January 26, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. He was one of the most popular and illustrious stars in Hollywood during his time, with Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. He was awarded an Academy Honorary Award in 1973 and posthumously received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. He also became a Master Mason in Beverly Hills Lodge, No. 528, on October 31, 1933.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was a master of wit, irony, and subtlety. He was born into a wealthy Irish Catholic family in Dublin in 1854. After studying law, he turned to writing and spent the next 20 years writing his various works. His most famous plays include The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere’s Fan, and The Ballad of Reading Gaol. In the four years he attended Magdalen College at Oxford, Oscar Wilde was active in Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is a fraternity that seeks to unify men of good moral character and encourage and strengthen brotherhood bonds. The organization counts among its member’s well-known celebrities ranging from presidents to actors both past and present.
