What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.
Eloquent indeed, but what exactly does this mean? While we could dedicate an entire website to this one question, we will attempt to provide a more concise answer using four different sources; Google Dictionary, CBS News, one of our country’s founding fathers, and a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Florida.
CBS News: Inside the World of Freemasonry
“The Freemasons are the world’s most well-known secret society, and are the subject of countless parodies and conspiracy theories. But who are they exactly? Mo Rocca ventures inside Masonic Lodges to find out.”
Ben Franklin Discusses Freemasonry
That many of our country’s founding fathers were Freemasons is a well-known fact, so it is only fitting that we use Ben Franklin to answer the question, “What is Freemasonry?”
Google Dictionary Definition
Using the dictionary definition of morality, allegory, and symbols provides some clarity:
- Morality: Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. A particular system of values and principles of conduct, especially one held by a specified person or society.
- Allegory: A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one.
- Symbols: a thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.
From this we can conclude that Freemasonry is a system of values and principles that we teach and practice by integrating symbols into our story telling.
Most Worshipful Donald Trump, Past Grand Mast of the Grand Lodge of Florida
Most Worshipful Trump crafted a fantastic letter for all Lodges to use when investigating potential members. Within this letter he provided his interpretation of what Freemasonry is. Click here for an excerpt.