What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization — a brotherhood of men united by shared values, ancient tradition, and a commitment to making good men better.
A Fraternal Organization, Not a Religion
Freemasonry is frequently misunderstood. It is not a religion, not a political organization, and not a secret society. It is a fraternal order — a brotherhood — with a rich ceremonial tradition and a clear moral purpose.
Freemasonry welcomes men of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all walks of life. The only requirements are a belief in a Supreme Being, good moral character, and a sincere desire to improve oneself and serve others.
The Core Definition
Freemasonry is a voluntary association of free men of good moral character who seek to improve themselves and the world around them through a system of moral instruction conveyed in allegorical form and illustrated by symbols. Its guiding principles — Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth — have remained constant for centuries.
What Freemasons Do
Freemasons meet regularly in local chapters called lodges. In their meetings, they conduct ceremonial degree work, hear educational lectures, conduct lodge business, and engage in fellowship. Outside the lodge, they support charitable causes, serve their communities, and work to embody Masonic values in daily life.
Who Freemasons Are
Freemasons come from every profession, ethnicity, and religion. They are your neighbors, coworkers, and community leaders — men united not by what they do for a living, but by a shared commitment to character and service. At Lakewood Lodge #170, our 80 active members reflect the full diversity of the Lakewood, Colorado community.
Origins & History
A Brief History of Freemasonry
Medieval Roots
Freemasonry traces its philosophical origins to the operative stonemason guilds of medieval Europe — the craftsmen who built the great cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages. Over time, non-operative or “speculative” members began joining for the fraternal and moral aspects of the craft rather than the trade itself.
The Grand Lodge Era
Modern Freemasonry is typically dated to 1717, when the first Grand Lodge was established in London, England. Many of America’s Founding Fathers were Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. The Grand Lodge of Colorado was established in 1861.
Freemasonry Today
Freemasonry is active in virtually every country in the world, with millions of members across thousands of lodges. Lakewood Masonic Lodge #170, chartered in 1946, is one of approximately 60 active Blue Lodges operating under the Grand Lodge of Colorado today.
The Three Pillars
The Principles of Freemasonry
Freemasonry is built on three foundational principles that have guided the fraternity for over three centuries. Every lodge meeting, every degree, and every act of service flows from these values.
Brotherly Love
Every Mason treats his fellow man with respect, kindness, and compassion. Brotherly love extends beyond the lodge — it is a way of engaging with the world. Freemasons are called to see the humanity in every person and to act accordingly, in all circumstances.
Relief
Freemasons practice charity — toward fellow Masons in distress, toward their families, and toward the broader community. Relief is not merely financial giving but a disposition of the heart: a readiness to help, to serve, and to give without expectation of return.
Truth
Truth is the highest Masonic virtue — a commitment to honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of wisdom. A Mason strives to be truthful in word and deed, to seek knowledge, and to live in accordance with the moral principles illuminated by the degrees of the craft.
Setting the Record Straight
Common Misconceptions About Freemasonry
“Freemasonry is a secret society.”
Freemasonry is a society with secrets — not a secret society. The existence of our lodges, the names of our members, and our charitable activities are all publicly known. The “secrets” of Freemasonry refer to traditional modes of recognition and ritual ceremony — not a hidden agenda.
“Freemasonry is a religion.”
Freemasonry is not a religion and has never claimed to be. It has no creed, no theology, no sacraments. While it requires belief in a Supreme Being, it welcomes men of all faiths equally and takes no position on matters of specific religious doctrine.
“Freemasons control governments and world events.”
This is a persistent conspiracy theory with no factual basis. Freemasonry is a private fraternal organization focused on the personal development of individual members. It has no political agenda, endorses no candidates, and takes no collective political positions.
“You have to be invited to join.”
In most jurisdictions, including Colorado, a man is not required to receive a formal invitation. He must, however, come to Freemasonry of his own free will. In practice, attending an open meet & greet at Lakewood Lodge #170 is the natural first step. No invitation needed.
“Freemasonry is only for wealthy or powerful men.”
Freemasonry has never required wealth, status, or social standing. Its membership has always included men of modest means alongside those of influence — united by character, not circumstance.
“Freemasonry conflicts with Christianity.”
Many Christian denominations have no issue with Freemasonry, and millions of Freemasons worldwide are devout Christians. Freemasonry itself takes no position on the matter — it simply asks that a man believe in God and live accordingly.
Freemasonry in Colorado & Lakewood
The Grand Lodge of Colorado was established in 1861 and has governed Freemasonry in Colorado for over 160 years. Today there are approximately 60 active Blue Lodges across the state.
Lakewood Lodge #170
Chartered in 1946, Lakewood Masonic Lodge #170 is one of the longest-standing fraternal organizations in the Lakewood area. We are chartered under and in good standing with the Grand Lodge of Colorado.
Our Community
Lakewood Lodge #170 serves the Lakewood, Colorado community through charitable giving, civic engagement, and open fellowship events. Our members reflect the diversity of the greater Denver metro area — professionals, tradespeople, veterans, retirees, and young men beginning their Masonic journey side by side.
Interested in Freemasonry?
If what you have read resonates with you, the next step is simple: come to a Tuesday meet & greet at Lakewood Lodge #170 and meet us in person. No commitment, no pressure — just good men and honest conversation.
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