The Freemasonry FAQ

Version 1.0
August 2006

This Frequently Asked Question comes from the weekly USENET MASONRY FAQ, posted to alt.freemasonry every Friday at 08:00 Pacific. Please refer to the weekly FAQ for other resource and contact information.

What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry (or simply, Masonry) is a fraternal order whose basic
tenets are brotherly love, relief (philanthropy), and truth. We strive
to enjoy the company of our brother Masons, assist them in times of
personal trouble, and reinforce essential moral values. There is an
old adage that Masonry "takes good men and makes them better, which is
our goal.

It has often been observed that men are the products of everything
with which they come into contact during their lifetime. Masonry
offers a man an opportunity to come into regular, enjoyable contact
with men of good character, thus reinforcing his own personal moral
development. Of course, Masonry is also meant to be enjoyed by its
membership, so the order should not be viewed simply as a
philosophical club but rather a vibrant fellowship of men who seek to
enjoy each other's company; a fraternity.