Facts about Freemasons
Description
Freemasonry is the world’s first and largest fraternal organization. It is based
on the belief that each man can make a difference in the world. There are
approximately 5 million Masons worldwide, including 2 million in the United
States. The Grand Lodge of California has over 75,000 members and
about 350 Masonic lodges throughout the state.
History
Freemasonry dates back to the guilds of European stonemasons who built castles
and cathedrals during the Middle Ages. Temporary buildings called lodges were
built next to the cathedrals, and the Masons used them to meet, receive their pay,
plan their work, train new apprentices, and socialize. The first Grand Lodge was
established in England in 1717; by 1731, Masonry had spread to the American
colonies. Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, and other
founding fathers were among the first Masons in the United States. The Grand
Lodge of California was established in Sacramento in 1850 during the height of
the California Gold Rush.
Mission
The mission of Freemasonry in California is brotherhood, community
involvement, and self-improvement through education, family values, moral
standards, and charity.
Membership
Membership in the Masons is open to men 18 or older who believe in a Supreme
Being and meet the qualifications and standards of character and reputation. One
of Freemasonry’s customs is not to solicit members; men must seek membership
on their own. Anyone is welcome to request information about the fraternity.
What do Masons do?
Charity is at the heart of most Masonic activities. Each year, California Masons
donate millions of dollars to both small and large philanthropic causes. This
strong commitment to public education is exemplified by the California Masonic
Foundation, which offers an innovative outreach program for educators and a
generous scholarship program for high school students each year.
Another result of the Masons’ spirit of charity and brotherhood is the Masonic
Homes of California. Established in 1898 to help Masons affected by the cholera
epidemic, the Masonic Homes at Union City and Covina provide housing and
health care to Masons and their wives or widows.
Originally a refuge in Northern California for orphaned children called the
Masonic Home for Children, it permanently moved to Southern California and
was renamed the Masonic Home at Covina. The Home offers care and assistance
for children who suffer from neglect or abuse. Since 1898, more than 1,800
children have thrived in this caring and compassionate environment that is open to
all deserving children. In 1990, the Masonic Home at Covina added separate
apartments to provide independent and assisted-living care for senior Masons and
their wives or widows.
It is important to note that Masonic charities receive no local, state, or federal
funding and are supported entirely by member contributions.
Allied organizations
Freemasonry is made up of many organizations, each with a special social,
educational, or philanthropic focus. A man first becomes a Mason at his local
lodge. After he has been awarded the Three Degrees of Masonry, he may join
Shrine, Scottish Rite,York Rite, or any other Masonic organization. The Masonic
family also offers several organizations for women, such as Eastern Star and
Amaranth. Youth groups include DeMolay International for young men, and
Rainbow for Girls and Job’s Daughters for young women.
Famous Masons
Many world leaders in business, politics, science, religion, military, sports,
entertainment, and the arts have been or are Masons, including:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Mark Twain
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale Irving Berlin
Sen. Barry Goldwater Arnold Palmer
Franklin D. Roosevelt Duke Ellington
Harry S. Truman Charles Lindbergh
Sir Winston Churchill Buzz Aldrin
Gen. Douglas MacArthur Henry Ford