What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is the oldest, largest, most widely known and acknowledged fraternity in the world. A fraternity is a group of men associated for a common purpose. Part of that purpose is the spreading of friendship, morality and brotherly love. Its principles are religiously founded, however it is not a religion. It does not prescribe to any one religion for that is the privilege of each individual member and is not infringed upon by the fraternity. Everyone that comes into its lodges must have a belief in a "Supreme Being". Some would say that masonry is "that beautiful being of morality, veiled in allegory and expressed by symbols". Others would say that since the word "Mason" means to build then masonry is the practice of building a man spiritually, morally, and ethically. There is no part of portion that ever interferes with a man's service to his God, to his country, nor to his family. Throughout history masons have been the leaders in the struggles for freedom, equality, and justice. Fourteen of the United States Presidents were Free Masons. Many of the documents created for the government of these United States were written by masons. So is much of all that we love, honor and respect as Americans. Freemasonry is a charitable organization with tax exempt status due to its non-profit base. Money collected from its membership in the form of dues, support many well known and local charities such as Sickle Cell, colleges, and hospitals to name a few.