Freemasonry FAQ
Honest answers to the most common questions about Freemasonry, Masonic membership, and Lakewood Lodge #170 in Lakewood, Colorado.
About Freemasonry
General Questions
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations. It is a brotherhood of men united by shared values of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and by a system of moral instruction conveyed through allegory and symbol. Freemasonry is not a religion, not a political organization, and not a secret society.
How old is Freemasonry?
Modern Freemasonry traces its founding to 1717, when the first Grand Lodge was established in London. Its philosophical roots extend to the operative stonemason guilds of medieval Europe. Several Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, were Freemasons.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
No. Freemasonry is not a religion. It has no theology, no creed, no sacraments, and offers no path to salvation. While it requires belief in a Supreme Being, it is not affiliated with any specific faith and welcomes men of all religious backgrounds equally.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is a society with secrets rather than a secret society. The existence of our lodges, the names of our members, and our charitable activities are publicly known. What is kept within the fraternity are its ceremonial traditions, not a hidden agenda or a conspiracy.
Do Freemasons control governments or world events?
No. This is a long-standing conspiracy theory with no factual basis. Freemasonry is a private fraternal organization focused on the personal development of individual members. It has no collective political agenda, endorses no candidates, and takes no organized positions on public affairs.
What is a Masonic lodge?
A Masonic lodge, often called a Blue Lodge, is the foundational unit of Freemasonry, where members meet for degree ceremonies, lodge business, education, and fellowship. Each lodge is chartered by the Grand Lodge of its state or country. Lakewood Masonic Lodge #170 is chartered under the Grand Lodge of Colorado.
What are the three degrees of Freemasonry?
The three degrees are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. Each degree is a ceremonial experience rich in symbolism and moral instruction, drawing on the allegorical traditions of medieval stonemason guilds.
What are appendant bodies in Freemasonry?
Appendant bodies such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Shrine offer additional degrees and experiences to Master Masons who wish to continue their Masonic education. A man must first be a Master Mason to join them. Lakewood Lodge #170 is a Blue Lodge, and appendant body membership is a personal choice made after completing the three degrees.
Membership
Questions About Joining
Who can join Freemasonry?
Any man who is at least 18 years old, believes in a Supreme Being, is of good moral character, and seeks membership of his own free will may petition to join. There are no requirements related to race, ethnicity, political affiliat