Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. The degrees of Freemasonry retain the three grades of medieval craft guilds, Apprentice, Journeyman or fellow (now called Fellowcraft), and Master Mason. These are the degrees offered by Craft (or Blue Lodge) Freemasonry. There are additional degrees, which vary with locality and jurisdiction, and are usually administered by different bodies than the craft degrees.

The basic, local organizational unit of Freemasonry is the Lodge. These private Lodges are usually supervised at the regional level (usually coterminous with either a state, province, or national border) by a Grand Lodge or Grand Orient. There is no international, worldwide Grand Lodge that supervises all of Freemasonry; each Grand Lodge is independent, and they do not necessarily recognize each other as being legitimate.

Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are joined together by shared ideals of both a moral and metaphysical nature and, in most of its branches, by a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being. It is an ethical and philosophical society, not a religion.

The moral teachings of Freemasonry enjoin its members, first, to practice the duties they owe to their God, their neighbour, and themselves; and, secondly, to practise brotherly love, relief, and truth. The principles of Freemasonry demand that its members shall be men of good character, and shall be amenable to the ordinary laws of the country in which they reside. It is the duty of every Freemason to practice charity and to care, not only for his own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and works as an individual.

Freemasonry is not a secret society, but it is an association that calls for a certain degree of discretion and privacy among its members. The basic tenets of the organization are brotherhood, charity, and truth. It is a society that encourages the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of oneself, others, and the community.

The history of Freemasonry is rich and varied, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The organization has evolved over time, but its core values have remained the same. Today, Freemasonry continues to be a vibrant and active organization, with thousands of lodges around the world. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about Freemasonry and its principles.

History of Canadian Masonry

Freemasonry in Canada has a rich history and continues to be an active and vibrant organization in the country. The first Masonic Lodge in Canada was established in 1738 in Nova Scotia, and since then, the fraternity has grown to include thousands of members across the country.

In Canada, Freemasonry is organized into several Grand Lodges, each with jurisdiction over a specific geographical area. The Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario, for example, oversees lodges in the province of Ontario, while the Grand Lodge of Quebec oversees lodges in Quebec. Each Grand Lodge is independent and self-governing, and they recognize each other as legitimate.

Freemasonry in Canada is open to men aged 21 and over who meet certain qualifications and beliefs. To become a member, a man must express a belief in a Supreme Being and be of good character. The organization is not a secret society, but it does call for a certain degree of discretion and privacy among its members.

The principles of Freemasonry in Canada include brotherhood, charity, and truth. Freemasons are encouraged to practice these principles in their daily lives and to make a positive impact on their communities. The fraternity supports a variety of charitable causes, including education, health care, and disaster relief. In Canada, Freemasonry has also played an important role in the formation of the country and its history, many of the founding fathers of Canada were Masons.

One of the unique aspects of Freemasonry in Canada is the diversity of its membership. Lodges in Canada are composed of men from all walks of life, and the fraternity welcomes members of all races, religions, and creeds. This diversity is reflected in the variety of charitable causes that the organization supports, which are chosen to reflect the needs of the communities where lodges are located.

In conclusion, Freemasonry in Canada is a fraternity that has a long history in the country and continues to be an active and vibrant organization. Its principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth are at the core of its beliefs and are reflected in the actions of its members.