It is many things, but most of all...

FREEMASONRY IS A WAY OF LIVING

IS IT A SECRET SOCIETY  ?
Freemasonry isn't a secret society. It doesn't hide its existence or its membership.
There has been no attempt to conceal the purpose, aims and principles of Freemasonry. It's an organization formed and existing on the broad basis of Truth, Brotherly Love, Aid and Assistance to non-Masons as well as Masons. Its constitutions are published as are its rules, regulations, proceedings and transactions. All are open for inspection by members and non-members. Its true that Masons do have certain secret modes of recognition, rites and ceremonies known only to themselves, and with which the world is not acquainted. In this regard, all human groups and institutions have private affairs. For instance, families have discussions on subjects which do not, and should not, concern their neighbours.

IS IT A POLITICAL GROUP  ?
Within a Masonic Lodge, discussions on political matters or of any partisan subject likely to disturb the harmony of the group are forbidden.
Freemasonry, however, urges its members to be good citizens, and to choose, individually their medium of political expression.
Its teachings and dedication to education, to morality, to brotherly love, to non-sectarianism in religion and politics, and to equal rights have had a significant and lasting influence on the freedom we cherish.

IS IT A RELIGIOUS GROUP  ?
Freemasonry isn't a religion although it is religious in character. Like politics, religion also is not a subject for discussion in a Masonic Lodge.
Yet, Masonry encourages men to be religious without advocating a particular doctrine or creed.
It doesn't, in any way, take the place of religion nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs and actions of its members. However, Masonry observes the teachings of the Golden Rule. It encourages good men to live better through a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, in the Brotherhood of Man and in Immortality.
Freemasonry accepts men, found to be worthy, into its membership regardless of religious convictions.

IS IT A CHARITABLE GROUP  ?
From the earliest records, individual and collective charity has been an essential characteristic of the Fraternity.
Freemasonry isn't, however, a mutual benefit society. It doesn't provide insurance or death benefits, nor does it guarantee its members or their families asylum in homes or hospitals supported by Freemasons. It does dispense benevolence to those found worthy, choosing them according to well established standards.
Its charitable work touches Masons and non-Masons. It could be work with the handicapped, providing bursaries to students and a host of benevolent actions performed by every individual lodge in the Province of Ontario.
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario has been very active in providing funds and equipment for medical research and to fight social problems.
There are also hospitals for crippled children and burn clinics supported by concordant bodies of Masonry.

WHAT IS ORIGIN OF FREEMASONRY  ?
Freemasonry, the oldest, largest and most widely know fraternal organization in the world, is directly descended from associations or guild of vocational or operative masons, the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages.
In the 17th century, when cathedral building was on the decline, many guilds of stone-masons, referred to as "Operative Masons" or "Free Masons" opened their memberships to persons outside their crafts. These non-practising Masons were called "Speculative Masons", or "Accepted Masons". It was from these groups, comprised mostly of Speculative or Free Masons that Masonry developed as we know it today.
Some writers trace the legendary origin to the 10th Century B.C., during the building of King Solomon's Temple. However, the oldest known record accepted as authentic is the Reglus Manuscript of about 1390, an epic poem with allusions to Masonry.
The Grand Lodge system began in England when in 1717 four lodges of Freemasons meeting in London formed the first Grand Lodge. This first Grand Lodge chartered Lodges and Provincial Grand Lodges in many countries, including Canada.
Today, there are more than 150 Grand Lodges in free countries of the world with memberships totaling more than four million. In Ontario there are 653 lodge, in 49 Districts totaling about 90,000 members
There is no central authority. Each Grand Lodge is absolutely sovereign and supreme within its own jurisdiction.

WHAT IS A LODGE  ?
A man in Masonry progresses through several levels of ritual, or degrees of personal advancement. It is in the Lodge, or the Craft Lodge as it is sometimes know, that the three basic degrees are conferred. The degrees, in order of progression, are the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason Degrees. A Master Mason may continue his education in a variety of additional degrees and/or fraternal orders notably the York and Scottish Rites. But no man is any more a Mason than a member who holds the three degrees conferred by his Lodge.

CAN ANYONE BE A MEMBER  ?
Membership is limited to adult males who can meet the recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.
A man becomes a Freemason of his own free will. No one is asked to join. When a man seeks admission to Masonry he must request a petition from a friend or acquaintance whom he knows or believes to be a Mason.
The petitioner must be 21 years of age; mentally sound; of good moral character; and believe in immortality and in the existence of a Supreme Being. Other that the ability to pay the fees established by each lodge, there are no other restrictions to membership in Freemasonry.

WHAT ARE THE SCOTTISH AND YORK RITES  ?
The Scottish and York Rites are autonomous bodies, but members have in common their membership in Masonry, and all of the moral and philosophical teachings of Masonry that the two rites elaborate.
The Scottish Rite confers the 4th through 32nd degrees. A Master Mason in good standing may ask or be asked to join the Scottish Rite. The 33rd degree is awarded by the Supreme Council, the ruling body of this Rite.
The York Rite consists primarily of three organizations: The Royal Arch; The Royal and Select Masters; and the Knights Templar.
Upon completion of their respective ritualized instruction, members of the York and Scottish Rites are then eligible to join the shrine, known officially as the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

1. You must be a resident of Ontario for 12 months.
2. You must complete an application for admission.
3. The application is recommended by two men who act as sponsor and co-sponsor.
4. The application is presented to the lodge.
5. A committee of inquire is appointed to interview the applicant.
6. Upon favourable recommendation the applicant is balloted on.

1. It fortifies my personal adherence to Love of God, Love of Country and Love of Freedom.
2. It extends to me in great numbers the warm hand of Fellowship and Brotherly Love - the priceless ingredients of man’s quest for happiness.
3. It guides my self-improvement, helps me to reflect on my weaknesses and strengthens my character in daily relationship with all mankind.
4. Through Fellowship, Service and adherence to its teachings, there is an added inner meaning to my daily relationship with family and friends.