F.A.Q.

Yes and no. The aims of Freemasonry are not specifically to embolden patriotism. It does however promote a strong affinity towards a passionate interest in the nation in which the Freemason resides. It encourages more than a passive interest in the development of civil society and our roles as citizens in it. The patriotism that is displayed is the result of that interest in the well-being of society itself.

The fraternity does strongly encourage the adherence and following of the principals and laws of the country in which the man lives.

We are not, but lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private and open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. Meeting places are known and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry.

It is not known, but it is well documented that the first recorded initiation in England was that of Sir Robert Moray (one of the outstanding Scots of the seventeenth century) on 20th May 1641. This took place in a Scottish Lodge just outside of Newcastle upon Tyne when the Scots Army was laying siege to Newcastle upon Tyne. A meeting of the Lodge of Edinburgh, St. Mary's Chapel took place and Sir Robert Moray was initiated. The earliest recorded making of a Freemason in an English Lodge is that of Elias Ashmole in 1646.

The history of modern Freemasonry is fairly understood, but once you get beyond the 1700's things get lost to the sands of time.

One of the beauties of Freemasonry is that it allows the member to stretch his mind to think about a variety of topics not typically explored in mainstream history. Some Masonic historians attempt to explain and look at the connections or possibilities in history that are often overlooked, especially to the recent past and into the not so recent historical world.

Freemasonry (Masonry) is the world's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays.

Yes, however the knowledge gained will forever live on for the rest of the individual's life. Nothing beyond the fraternal bond of Brotherhood makes any requirement to remaining a Freemason.

Wearing regalia is historical and symbolic and, like a uniform, serves to indicate to members where they ranking the organization.

Only in the sense that Freemasonry exists throughout the free world. Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent, and whilst following the same basic principles, may have differing ways of passing them on. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.

There are groups who call themselves Freemasons and who involve themselves in political matters. They are not recognized by other regular Grand Lodges who follow the basic principles of Freemasonry and ban the discussion of politics and religion at their meetings, under penalty of Masonic irregularity.

Emphatically not.

Whilst individual Freemasons will have their own views on politics, Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on either. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.