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Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion, who believe in a Supreme Being. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity.

Freemasonry (often simplified to “Masonry”) enhances and strengthens the character of the individual man by providing opportunities for fellowship, charity, education, and leadership. Through a series of degrees and ceremonies, the values of Freemasonry are passed from generation to generation, Mason to Mason, in a timeless and tireless effort to make good men better.

These degrees provide a framework that affects every aspect of modern life and are based on the 3 ancient Masonic tenets: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Freemasonry is a crowning legacy of this venerable heritage as we strive to “make good men better.”

Who We Are

A Freemason is a man who has taken an obligation to uphold our timeless principles of Brotherly love, relief, and truth. Beyond these basics, being a Freemason means so much more. A Freemason is a man who is committed to bettering himself and his community, having taken a solemn vow to help and mentor his Masonic Brothers do the same. A Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.

There are three degrees in Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Most men advance to the level of Master Mason, some over the course of months; others may accomplish this goal over years. But once a man has taken his first obligation as an Entered Apprentice, he is, once and forever, a Freemason.

Charity

From its earliest days, charity has been the most visible Masonic activity. Freemasons have always been devoted to caring for disadvantaged children, the sick and the elderly. In fact, Masons in North America give away approximately $3 million to national and local charities each day, of which more than 70% is directed toward the general public. Masons are also actively involved in a great deal of community volunteer work.

Education

Masons seek to improve themselves and to help others, not because they think they should, but because they want to. Freemasonry has advocated the education of its members since its earliest years. Its ceremonies provide instruction to all members, supplemented by various other activities such as seminars, lectures, workshops, and reading. Because Freemasonry is an esoteric society, certain aspects of its work are not generally disclosed to the public. Freemasonry uses an initiatory system of degrees to explore ethical and philosophical issues, and the system is less effective if the observer knows beforehand what will happen. It is described in Masonic craft ritual as “a beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”

Fellowship

Fellowship, friendship & community are key components of anyone’s life. By attending Masonic Lodge meetings and learning from your fellow Masons, you’ll strengthen the bonds of fellowship as you join together with like-minded men who share ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature. You’ll enjoy the friendship of other Masons in the community, and you’ll be welcomed as a “brother” by Masons everywhere in the world. Freemasonry also promises that should you ever be overtaken by misfortune, sickness, or adversity through no fault of your own, the hands of our great fraternity will be stretched forth to aid and assist you.

Fraternity

Masons come from all walks of life: accountants, teachers, office workers, laborers — you name it. Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. It is comprised of adult men (18+) of good character from every country, religion, race, age, income, education, and opinion. Its body of knowledge and system of ethics is based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, his faith, his country, and his fraternity. When you become a Mason, you become part of an ancient tradition that spans centuries.

Leadership

Freemasonry offers its members leadership opportunities at the lodge, District, and Grand Lodge level. As Freemasons progress through the Craft, they discover different aspects of themselves and develop a range of skills that even they might not have known they possessed. By developing leadership techniques that fit their personality, Masons unlock the door to their full potential.

Morality

You’ll share the values of the great men who founded the United States: Men who believed in the brotherhood of man and the ideals expressed in the U.S. Constitution.

Our Values

Being a Mason is about a father helping his son make better decisions; a business leader striving to bring morality to the workplace; a thoughtful man learning to work through tough issues in his life. What is the typical life of a Mason? It’s a question we get a lot from men who are deciding if they’d like to join the craft. The real answer is: There is no “typical” life of a Mason. Masons come from all walks of life — from Corporate CEOs to city bus drivers, from commodities brokers to auto mechanics. What unifies Masons is not where we come from or what we do for a living, but rather what we aspire to be.

The core ethical principles of Freemasonry are about compassion and tolerance for all mankind. Freemasons do not use their position in the fraternity to advance an agenda, whether it be political, professional, religious, or secular.

THE 3 TENETS OF FREEMASONRY INCLUDE:

Brotherly love

Devotion to and caring for each other and our community

Relief

Concern for and selfless giving to those in distress

Truth

Using knowledge, honesty, and understanding to build ourselves into better men

Being a Mason

Being a Mason is about a father helping his son make better decisions; a business leader striving to bring morality to the workplace; a thoughtful man learning to work through tough issues in his life.Throughout a Mason’s life, fellowship and friendship is a key component, as well as community service. The typical Mason wants to continue to grow as a man and to benefit society.

Being a Mason

Become a Mason

Freemasons are united in the common goal of becoming better men. If you’re ready to find more, Click the button below and a Freemason representative in your area will reach out to you shortly.

Become a Mason

Requirements

The Grand Lodge of New York welcomes those qualified men who are interested in the possibility of joining our ranks — to become a member of a Fraternity whose members and principles have shaped our country and our history. Men 18 and older who believe in a Supreme Being and meet the qualifications and standards for membership are eligible to petition a Lodge.

Requirements

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