Masonry, as mentioned before, is many things to many people.
Many years ago, in England, it was defined as “a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols.” It is a course of moral instruction using both allegories and symbols to teach its lessons.
The legends and myths of the old stone cutters and masons, many of them involved in building the great cathedrals of Europe, have been woven into an interesting and effective way to portray moral truths.
In Masonry, the old tools and ways of the craftsmen are used to help dramatically portray those moral truths. For example, the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel. Just as the ruler is used to measure distance, the modem Mason uses it as a reminder to manage one of his most precious resources: time. And, as the gavel is used to shape stones, so it is also the symbol for the necessity of all of us to work to perfect ourselves.
One modern definition is: “Freemasonry is an organized society of men, symbolically applying the principle of Operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of character building.” In other words, Masonry uses ageless methods and lessons to make each of us a better person.
Freemasonry is a multicultural organization. Members of all races and faiths are welcome to join. It requires that its members should believe in a single deity and no man can become a Mason unless he does so. He will be required to take certain obligations with his hand upon his own religion’s sacred book.
Freemasonry offers no pecuniary advantage or reward nor does it require its members to support one another in business or employment. The organization does have charities for those Freemasons and their families who were once self-supporting but through misfortune are now unable to do so. It also has charities which support causes unconnected with Masonry.
No one should join Freemasonry unless he can afford to pay the expenses involved without affecting his ability to support his family. These expenses include the joining fee, the annual dues and a donation to charity measured on what the individual member can afford.