The Fraternity of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) is the oldest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. It has its roots in antiquity and is directly descended from the association of "operative masons," the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe employing the skills of their craft. The organization, as we know it today, began in 1717 in England where the cathedral building was on the decline and the "operative masons," or "free masons" as they were known, started to accept members who were not members of the mason's craft, calling them "speculative masons" or "accepted masons."
Freemasonry was brought to the United States by our early settlers. Through out the world there are approximately five million Freemasons. Nearly three million of them reside in the United States.
What is the Purpose of Freemasonry?
The basic purpose is to make "better men out of good men," better fathers, better husbands, better brothers and better sons. We try to place emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook and broadening his mental horizons. We try to build a better world ... by building better men to work in our communities.
Membership in Massachusetts is limited to adult males, 18 years of age or older, who can meet recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.
Is Freemasonry a Secret Organization or is Freemasonry a Religion?
The answer is NO. A secret organization is one which conceals its membership, has secret meeting places and of which the public has little knowledge regarding its organization or its principles. This does not fit the Masonic Fraternity at all. Our secrets are very few in number and deal with methods of personal recognition, some details of our degrees and the privacy of each member's ballot.
Freemasonry is not a religion, although it is religious in character. Every applicant for the degrees in Freemasonry must express a belief and a trust in a Supreme Being. Masonry does not take the place of religion, but stresses personal commitment, and involvement in the individual's faith community.
The Masonic fraternity encourages every member to attend and support the religion of his own choice.
What are the Degrees?
Lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages or degrees in our Masonic Lodges. The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (First Degree), Fellow Craft (Second Degree), and Master Mason (Third Degree). Each degree blends Masonic moral philosophy in a unique lesson that is intended to have a serious impact and influence on the man who receives it.
What Do Masonic Symbols Mean?
The most widely recognized symbol of the Fraternity is the Square and Compasses with the letter "G" in the Center.
Members wear it to remind themselves of their obligation to the lessons learned in their Lodges, and to identify their membership to other Masons and all people. Masonic symbols have wide meanings, some directly related to the tools used by actual Operative Masons and some, represent the need for order and direction in life. The letter "G" represents Geometry and also it is the initial of God, the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
When are Meetings Held?
Lodges meet in regular monthly sessions and on such other days as are necessary to conduct its business and ritualistic work. Every Mason's attendance is earnestly solicited, it is not intended that a Lodge should interfere with one's regular vocations or duty to family, God, or country.
A Mason will invest time and money in joining our Fraternity. He can best receive all that he should by frequently participating in its deliberations and events. We hope that everyone will approve and encourage him to attend regularly, and we hope also, that his wife and family will also join us whenever possible for the guest activities at the Lodge.
What can your Involvement Be?
Countless opportunities abound through active participation and membership in any of the numerous Masonic related activities and organizations that exist within Masonry. A Mason is encouraged to share in many social activities, parties, dinners, dances, tours, civic events, and charitable efforts of the Lodge. Many full family activities are regularly scheduled. Non-Masonic friends and families may also take part in many Masonic programs.
We hope that you will choose to become a member of the world's oldest and best fraternity. We would love to welcome you as a full fledged member of our Fraternity and to share in the benefits that this provides.
For further information or questions, please feel free to contact:
Donald E. Hohler, Jr
Master of Mt. Hermon Lodge, A.F. & A.M.
Masonic Ambassador
Mailing address: 216 Cross Street, Winchester, MA 01890
Email address:
Cell Phone: 339-227-7897
Please contact me if you also want a tour of the building.
For more information about Massachusetts Masonry please go to the World Wide Web at:
Lodge Data